Kia EV6 review - Engines, performance and drive

Although it sits on the same E-GMP electric-car platform as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the EV6 has a sportier feel. There’s MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear end, which helps to keep things nicely controlled, while the EV6 has a slightly stiffer set-up than its Korean cousin. It’s not as tall, either, so benefits from a lower centre of gravity.

The rear-wheel-drive model offers 226bhp and 350Nm of instantly available torque, which is more than enough to keep things interesting. Leaving the drive mode selector either in Eco or Normal doesn’t overly mute performance, which is a good thing because Sport mode can be a bit too much for everyday driving. The sharper throttle and steering responses are a bit too intense and it all becomes a little unbalanced and overexcitable, particularly when travelling on twistier B roads.

Upgrading to the 321bhp all-wheel-drive car provides a decent boost to straight-line speed, but it’s best delivered on smooth, straight sections of tarmac, as the EV6 isn’t at it’s happiest through bends and tighter turns. The 577bhp GT model, however, comes with electronically controlled suspension and a limited-slip differential, which should help with handling.

Use the EV6 for what it is, though – a swift family car – and it’s all perfectly acceptable. Ride quality and body control are good, while you’ll still win the odd traffic light getaway off the line.

24

Engines, 0-60 acceleration and top speed

There’s no difference in maximum speed between the rear- and all-wheel-drive models, because both top out at 114mph. The difference between the two when covering the 0-62mph benchmark is more stark, with the 226bhp rear-drive car managing a 7.3-second sprint time, and the 321bhp AWD version more than two seconds quicker at 5.2 seconds. Of course, the jump in power is significant, but the hike in torque from 350Nm to 605Nm helps deliver the extra punch from a standing start.