Published:
18 October 2024The EV6 has, since its introduction, played to a crowd more interested in its dynamic agility and zip, and its engaging athleticism, than its comfort and refinement levels. The changes that Kia has wrought on it now suggest the firm would like it to mellow ever so slightly as it ages, and reach towards a more middle-market buyer. But, on this evidence, ending up with a car that reflects that agenda may depend on plumping for the right trim level.
Our GT Line S test car, on its 20in wheels, had the kind of ride that most EV buyers would probably call slightly noisy and firm, but offered a clear dose of handling appeal as a trade-off. Those 20in rims were occasionally guilty of clonking and thudding around as the car crossed sharper bumps, and made for a perceptible though not unprecedented amount of motorway road roar (68dBA at 70mph, compared with 66dBA for the Volvo EX30 and 70dBA for the Tesla Model Y).
The car controls body movement well for something so heavy, however, and handles with a dose of rear-wheel-drive verve that also belies its weight. In that respect, it’s only on the same level now as a Polestar 2 but remains a car you can enjoy threading keenly around a tight bend or well-sighted roundabout and feel the pleasing handling balance as you accelerate.
The electronic stability controls are completely switchable but, in its limit handling, the EV6 doesn’t mask its weight quite as cleverly, running out of grip a little suddenly, and handling a bit scruffily beyond that limit, but remaining benign and controllable enough.
