The Kia EV6 GT, Kia's first dedicated high-performance EV model, has undergone a significant mid-life facelift. The new model is now more dynamic, more refined, and more 'GT' than before, with a greater breadth of abilities.

The revised model features a refreshed exterior design, with a striking new light signature and dynamic aesthetic, improved battery performance and driving dynamics, and a broader range of convenience features. Powered by a new 84kWh fourth-generation battery pack (8.5% bigger than the previous generation EV6 GT battery), it boasts a range of up to 279 miles on a single charge based on the WLTP 'combined' standard.

Flexing its muscles as a performance-oriented grand tourer, the Kia EV6 GT adopts wide-ranging improvements over its predecessor. Powered by an all-wheel drive, dual-motor drivetrain, the GT is capable of producing up to 641bhp and 770Nm of torque - an increase of 64bhp (+11%) and 30Nm (+4%) over its predecessor. This allows the GT to complete the 0-62mph sprint in just 3.5 seconds, on to a top speed of 161mph.

Along with conspicuous neon green brake callipers front and rear, neon green piping throughout the interior, and a neon green 'GT' button on the steering wheel, the new model boasts various premium and performance-focused improvements. A first for Kia, the EV6 GT now features Virtual Gear Shift technology, simulating a six-speed paddle-operated transmission. When activated, this provides drivers with new visual, audible and tactile cues to make the car more engaging to drive, and its performance capabilities more approachable.

The upgraded model also features an enhanced 'GT' drive mode, a dedicated drive mode currently found in no other Kia, activated using the neon green button on the steering wheel. This sharpens up steering responses and unleashes the full, untapped potential of the EV6, with maximum power and torque at the driver's disposal. GT mode also changes the theme of the 12.3-inch driver display screen, embossing it with neon green details and a new font for the speed and range readouts.

Beyond performance, a grand tourer must also be able to travel long distances in comfort and relative ease; characteristics already seen on the regular EV6, which have transitioned over to the GT variant. One key change here is its subtly retuned suspension, softening the ride for greater comfort at a cruise.

The EV6, first launched in 2021, was the first Kia EV built on the brand's industry-changing E-GMP (Electric-Global Modular Platform), which allowed for 800-volt ultra-rapid charging capability. At a 350kW charging station, the new EV6 GT will be able to top up from 10-to-80% in just 18 minutes; keeping charging stops to a minimum.

When developing the new EV6 GT, Kia's engineers placed particular emphasis on NVH (Noise, Vibration and Handling), ensuring the new GT's greater dynamism was also matched by enhanced smoothness and cruising comfort. Road noise has been decreased over its predecessor with semi-decoupler floor carpeting and sound absorbing tyres, as well as sound absorbing materials throughout. Improved aerodynamics reduce wind noise, further quietening the cabin.

The EV6 GT is sold as standard with Kia's seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty. And like all Kia EVs, the battery pack and electric motors are covered by an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty.

Dynamics and performance

Compared to its predecessor, the new Kia EV6 GT has benefitted from a wide variety of changes under the skin, including a new, larger battery pack and improved charging speed. The GT is also the recipient of numerous new technologies and overall boosts in refinement, to broaden its abilities as a practical and capable grand tourer.

Driving dynamics and new technologies

In developing the new EV6 GT, Kia's engineers had the goal in mind of securing sporty, dynamic performance with an emphasis on fun, while improving its refined and quiet EV character.

In terms of developing overall ride and handling, the GT now has slightly reduced spring rates to improve ride comfort. Meanwhile, it also has new damper tuning to improve handling responses and linearity, as well as cornering grip. While the new GT is one of the firmer vehicles in its segment, it is also one of the more dynamic and agile, particularly taking overall footprint into account. The new GT features improved steering responsiveness, with new variable steering gear ratios enabling more intuitive responses to driver inputs at a range of speeds and steering angles.

Engineers also placed particular importance on refining the EV6 GT's noise, vibration and handling when developing the car, aiming to retain the quiet and serene experience of EV driving whilst injecting greater driver engagement and vehicle performance. As a result, while not as quiet as the standard EV6 thanks to its low profile sports tyres, the GT remains quieter on the road than a number of rivals. Engineers applied a wealth of new sound deadening material in and around the floor and wheel arches, as well as within the door trim and through applying windshield acoustic glass to minimise wind noise.

Overall motor noise and whine has also been reduced by around 10dB, through the implementation of AI-assisted sixth harmonic forward compensation optimisation - making the car quieter in all driving conditions. The system detects noise from the electric motor, and plays artificial engine noise at counteracting wavelengths to reduce the intrusion of overall motor noise. The EV6 GT also introduces a new GT sound design to enhance the auditory experience. Virtual engine noise, linked to its new virtual gear shift technology, is audible throughout the cabin, providing the driver with an intuitive sound cue in normal and spirited driving to enhance engagement.

The brake pedal in the Kia EV6 GT has been engineered to be linear and predictable, integrating seamlessly with the four-stage regenerative brake system. As in other Kia EVs, the system is controlled by the paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. As a result, this easy-to-modulate pedal enables drivers to bring the car to a stop smoothly. The EV6 also boasts Kia's latest i-pedal mode, enabling easy one-pedal driving in the majority of driving conditions to maximise efficiency and driving range. When not engaging virtual gearshift, the paddles can be used to control the level of regenerative braking simply and accurately, avoiding the need to go hunting through sub-menus on the central infotainment screen. In the EV6 GT, the regenerative braking system can generate electricity at a rate of up to 150kW - rising to a peak of 320kW when the driver fully applies the physical brakes.

For keen drivers, arguably the most significant new feature of the updated EV6 GT is the addition of Virtual Gear Shift technology, simulating a six-speed paddle-operated gearbox - with visual, audible and tactile effects to maximise driver engagement. The system has the added benefit of making the car's prodigious performance more approachable for drivers, providing more of a physical 'link' to the car's ability to put its power down on the road.

The Kia EV6 GT also comes with an electronic Limited Slip Differential (eLSD) - which works in tandem with the dual electric motor set up, restricting the difference between the rotational speeds of each wheel to prevent wheelspin. This ensures maximum traction when accelerating on slippery or unkempt surfaces.

Finally, the new model features a new traction control system, now directly controlled within the dual electric motors. The result is that the traction control system has a quicker reaction time, enabling earlier and smoother interventions and a greater feeling of control for the driver. In GT mode, the traction control system is relaxed further, for finer, intuitive control of the car's handling abilities.

The EV6 GT comes with a drive mode select button on the steering wheel, through which drivers can cycle between five dedicated drive modes: eco, normal, sport, MyDrive and snow. MyDrive can be configured via the central infotainment screen, and users can set up the EV6 GT as desired changing the steering weight and motor power.

New for this facelifted GT is a re-imagined 'GT' drive mode, activated via the dayglo GT button on the steering wheel.

Powertrain and charging

Kia has equipped the new EV6 and EV6 GT with its new, fourth-generation battery. Thanks to its higher energy density, the capacity has increased from 77.4kWh to 84.0kWh. This, in turn, translates into a higher range, with the vehicle now capable of up to 279 miles (WLTP 'combined' cycle) on a single charge.

As well as going further on a single charge, it also charges faster. With the cutting-edge 800-volt technology and a peak charging performance of 258kW (+8% compared to the earlier EV6's 239kW peak), the new 84.0kWh battery can be recharged from 10-to-80% in 18 minutes. For the same time spent charging, the new GT's larger battery adds more range than its predecessor, boosting customer convenience. The improvement is a result of improved conductivity of battery cell gap filler in the new battery generation, improving the temperature management and thermal distribution while charging. The battery is also now 1kg lighter, despite its greater capacity.

When connected to a 50kW DC charger, the Kia EV6 GT will charge from 10-to-80% in 76 minutes, and on an 11kW three-phase charger, 10-to-100% will take seven hours and 35 minutes.

The GT is fitted as standard with a dual motor, all-wheel drive (AWD) drivetrain, capable of producing 641bhp/478kW, with a 303kW motor driving the rear wheels, while a smaller 175kW front motor powers the front wheels. When in the dedicated GT drive mode, the EV6 GT can make use of all the untapped power and torque available, completing a 0-62mph sprint in as little as 3.5 seconds, on to a top speed of 161mph.

The EV6 GT is fitted with energy-recuperation technologies to maximise driving range. This includes Kia's latest-generation energy-efficient heat pump, which scavenges waste heat from the car's coolant system. This ensures that, at temperatures of -7°C, the car can still achieve 80% of the range that would be possible at 25°C.

Also featured is Kia's smart regenerative braking system. Operated by paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, drivers can use the technology to quickly and easily slow the car, recuperating kinetic energy to maximise driving range and efficiency. Drivers can choose from six regenerative braking levels (none, 1 to 3, 'i-Pedal', or auto mode), depending on the desired level of energy recuperation.

Exterior and body

The new Kia EV6 GT embraces the design concept of 'Modern Contrast', and showcases Kia's new family look. The front of the car now incorporates sleek daytime running lights (DRLs) that feature Kia's innovative Star Map signature lighting, giving the car a futuristic and sporty appearance, matching its character, further emphasised by the new LED centre lightbar which extends across the face of the car. The overall aesthetic is further raised by the flowing character line that seamlessly connects the bonnet to the lower section of the vehicle, as well as an aggressive front bumper with staggered air vents, and large air intakes either side.

In profile, the EV6 GT further reflects the theme of 'Modern Contrast', and attention is immediately drawn to the bespoke 21-inch GT alloy wheels, and eye catching neon green brake callipers. Gloss black trim extends along the side of the GT across the doors, before flaring up and cutting across the rear wheels, joining up with the rear lights. Auto flush door handles keep the EV6 GT's smooth side profile, deploying and retracting when the vehicle is locked and unlocked.

At the rear the lamps are enhanced with Star Map lighting technology, visually amplifying the vehicle's sense of width and futuristic appearance. To create a sense of unity and dynamism, the wing-shaped design as seen on the front bumper is reflected in the lower part of the rear bumper. The rear bumper also incorporates a new, sporty diffuser design, which helps to channel air out from under the car.

The new EV6 GT features cosmetic enhancements throughout, with the same drag coefficient as the pre-facelift model of 0.287. Compared to its predecessor, the leading edge of the bonnet has been lowered, and the amount of airflow passing through the front bumper has been increased thanks to active air flaps in the front bumper, actively controlling airflow to the car's cooling systems. Underneath, the full undercover and wheel deflectors have been reprofiled to improve air flow.

At the rear of the car, the trailing edge of the boot kicks up slightly more than on its predecessor, aided by a reshaped ducktail spoiler with improved geometry, which helps guide air down along the rear windscreen before being deflected over the taillights.

In the UK, the Kia EV6 GT is available in a choice of four exterior colours, including Runway Red, Midnight Black, White Pearl, Wolf Grey, and Yacht Matt Blue - a new addition for the EV6 GT only.

Interior and capacities

Inside, the Kia EV6 GT combines the practical interior of its non-GT counterpart with a number of GT-specific highlights and upgrades to enhance its sportier nature. The panoramic curved display combines sophisticated design with a spacious and organised feel. The new ambient lighting accentuates the horizontal plane of the new EV6's updated interior. Glossy, piano black surfaces throughout the cabin have been replaced entirely by a brushed, textured finish, reducing fingerprint smudges across the GT's surfaces.

As standard, the EV6 GT upholstery is finished in black artificial suede with neon green stitching and piping, and the vehicle features a new three-spoke steering wheel, equipped with neon green GT button. A fingerprint recognition system is also integrated into the centre console, allowing users to start the car without a smart key or digital key, load their driver profile and complete authentication for access to other services. The new wireless charging pad is now able to charge at 15-watts power and features an improved 'anti-slip' smartphone compartment, as well as a new cooling fan to help prevent devices from overheating.

Further amplifying the car's dynamic character, the GT's supportive bucket seats in the front are now eight-way electrically adjustable, with a memory function for the driver seat.

In the second row, the bench cushion has been reskinned to aid maximum passenger comfort, now with a cushion angle of 21.7° (previously 17.5°) to add further leg support. A three-pin plug socket also is housed in the footwell, below the rear bench.

The GT maintains the same or better occupant comfort and ergonomics than the standard EV6, too, offering competitive space and comfort in all areas when compared with rival models:

• First row headroom: 990mm
• Second row headroom: 965mm
• First row legroom: 1,078mm
• Second row legroom: 1,006mm (+16mm more than standard EV6)
• First row shoulder room: 1,468mm
• Second row shoulder room: 1,413mm

The Kia EV6 GT remains one of the most practical vehicles in its segment. It has a 20-litre frunk, ideal for storing charging cables, opened via the bonnet release; as well as a 480-litre boot capacity, with all five seats in place. Unlike its predecessor, the GT also now features remote folding rear seats (60:40) with a ski hatch, to aid with cargo loading and passing long items through the cabin.

Technology

The updated EV6 GT brings a range of new technologies to the party, transforming the car from a point-and-shoot drag race dominator into a bona fide high-performance grand tourer. The upgrades to the EV6 GT introduce greater breadth in the car's abilities, whether drivers are on maximum attack on their favourite road, or simply covering distance rapidly on faster A-roads and motorways.

Virtual Gear Shift and enhanced dedicated GT mode

The new Kia EV6 GT has been developed with the goal of vastly improving overall driver engagement. The new model now boasts new Virtual Gear Shift technology, which, when engaged, simulates a six-speed transmission. Operated via the steering wheel-mounted paddles when in GT or Sport modes, drivers can progress through six simulated 'gears' when accelerating up to speed, each offering seamless audible, visual, and tactile feedback for ultimate driver engagement.

The system makes use of the EV6 GT's 14-speaker Meridian® premium sound system, along with Active Sound Design, to play virtual driving sounds which complement the physical inputs of the driver. The artificial sound matches the virtual 'engine' speed, boosting driver engagement and providing an intuitive aural cue linked directly to the car's on-road performance.

Alongside audible prompts, when engaged the Virtual Gear Shift delivers visual effects to aid engagement. Virtual shift patterns and gear ratios, as well as a virtual rev counter, are displayed on the driver-centric display screen. Switched to manual control of the gears, it also prompts the driver to shift up when required - and bounces off the simulated rev limiter if they don't.

The audible and visual effects work in harmony with real, tactile effects too, which mimic the sensation of rowing a performance car up through the gears. Through intelligent motor vibration based on overall torque and acceleration, drivers are given additional feedback in the form of subtle 'interruptions' to acceleration - similar to what they would encounter when operating a conventional transmission.

Alongside the usual five drive mode setup seen in other Kia EVs (eco, normal, sport, MyDrive, snow) the EV6 GT offers a dedicated 'GT' mode, now enhanced to incorporate the Virtual Gear Shift technology. The updated drive mode engages Virtual Gear Shift and virtual engine noise automatically, and refreshes the 12.3-inch driver display screen with a dedicated, neon-green-embellished, GT user interface, which displays visual prompts relating to the Virtual Gear Shift and boosts driver engagement.

Pressing the 'GT' button twice engages a personalised 'MyDrive' GT mode - in which users can configure their ideal performance focused set up. The motor can be configured in four different ways (eco, normal, sport, sport+), steering and suspension in three ways (normal, sport, sport+), electronic stability control in three ways (normal, sport, off), and the eLSD in three ways (normal, sport, sport+).

When in GT mode, users can time their 0-62mph, eighth-mile and quarter-mile acceleration times using the integrated 'Performance Timer', which can be activated via the central infotainment screen or driver display cluster.

Launch control can be activated through the vehicle settings (Setup>Vehicle>Drive Mode), to unleash the full acceleration potential of the Kia EV6 GT.

New technologies boosting comfort and convenience

The new EV6 GT integrates electrically powered seats for the driver and front passenger, with a memory function for the driver's seat. Boosting the 'premium' feel of the vehicle, the artificial suede-trimmed sporty bucket seats now offer the added convenience of electronic adjustment. In collaboration with the new, electrically adjustable steering wheel, drivers are sure to find the ideal set up to suit their individual needs.

The Kia EV6 GT also integrates flush door handles, which when locked remain tucked away, boosting aerodynamic performance and sleek appearance. The door handles also automatically present themselves when the car is unlocked, and as the driver approaches the car with the key on their person. They can also be unlocked and locked using the touch sensor on the front handles. Furthermore, the EV6 GT is offered with Kia's Digital Key 2.0 and fingerprint recognition meaning, strictly speaking, owners do not always need the physical key to start and drive.

The new GT also uses a new, decoupled Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, which achieves cooling and heating parity with a traditional HVAC system, while reducing its cabin space impact by 55%. Alongside a new, space-saving HVAC system, the new Kia EV6 GT also integrates heated front seats, as it always has done, but ventilated front seats and heated outer rear seats are new on the updated GT. A heat pump is also equipped as standard.

Featuring Kia's next-generation infotainment system and connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC), the new EV6 GT provides a more convenient mobility experience. It also offers expanded OTA software updates and upgrades to ensure that the vehicle's digital systems remain up to date. The GT also features wireless Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ connectivity.

Two curved 12.3-inch high-definition widescreens wrap around the driver providing easy access to key vehicle information at a glance. Directly in front of the driver is a customisable cluster screen displaying speed, range and state of charge. Adjacent is a central display screen combining the navigation, infotainment, and menu systems. These screens are paired in a seamless curve, creating a panoramic feeling that is immersive and unobstructed under all driving conditions.

Its advanced split-screen functionality lets users control or monitor different vehicle features at the same time, customising the screen with a series of different widgets. Drivers can set it as a single display (such as navigation or battery information) or combine numerous elements on-screen at the same time. This means the driver can follow navigation directions or keep track of battery energy efficiency, while passengers can choose their favourite songs or check the weather forecast. The infotainment system also controls vehicle recharging preferences.

All vehicles come with seven years' free access to Kia Connect, a telematics service which provides occupants with invaluable information via the in-car touchscreen and smartphone. Kia Connect features the Kia Live system, housed within the 12.3-inch infotainment screen. With its own eSIM, the system retrieves and updates live data during a drive, such as live traffic information, weather forecasts, points of interest, and details of potential on- and off-street parking - including price, location, and parking availability. The Kia Connect system also shows drivers EV charging station locations, charger availability, and connection compatibility.

The second element of the Kia Connect system is the Kia Connect app, compatible on Android and Apple smartphones. The app offers users peace of mind with a range of features to provide diagnostic data about their car and the trips they take. The app also enables users to check battery charging status remotely, check the vehicle's location, set charging times (useful for those on a cheaper overnight home-charging tariff), as well as pre-heat or pre-cool the cabin, even if the car isn't plugged in.

The updated Kia EV6 GT, like the EV3, EV6 and EV9, features Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability along with a three-pin adapter, making the GT a perfect companion for any camping or adventure trips. A three-pin internal V2L socket is applied below the rear bench, which allows users to charge devices on the go, or plug in a laptop to work while stationary. The EV6 GT offers a 'Utility Mode', which uses the high-voltage battery rather than the 12V auxiliary battery, to power electric devices connected to the vehicle and for operating driver convenience features when driving is not necessary - such as when stopped for a long period of time or when camping.