Kia EV6, the brand’s first dedicated EV teased

The SUV segment grew exponentially in the last decade and there were a host of sub-categories that carmakers explored. In a similar fashion, it seems like this new decade is one for electric vehicles. Soon after Hyundai showcased its first car based on the group’s EV-specific E-GMP platform, Kia has now made its move by teasing the Kia EV6, first of the seven BEVs (battery electric vehicle) that the brand plans to introduce.

The teaser images reveal quite a few tasteful details of the Kia EV6 and the design is a big departure from what we’re used to seeing from Kia. There’s a distinct crossover silhouette that tapers off at the rear with the de rigueur sloping roofline. The bonnet appears decorated with two sculpted creases and flanked on either sides are prominent LED DRLs and LED headlamps. Thankfully, there’s no dinosaur sized grille. Both the LED headlamps and taillamps perform Audi-like lighting witchcraft while the taillamp is integrated into the ducktail-shaped rear.

E-details of the powertrain haven’t been revealed yet, but from what we know from the Hyundai Ioniq 5, expect heaps of torque and a healthy dose of horsepower from the Kia EV6. A rear-wheel-driven variant with a single electric motor is likely to be standard while the range topping Kia EV6 with dual electric motors and AWD will produce 302bhp and over 600Nm of torque. Power will be derived from a floor mounted lithium-ion battery that, just like the Ioniq 5, is likely to be offered in 58kWh and 72.6kWh guises. Expect a range of 450-500km on the WLTP cycle.

With the Kia EV6, the Korean brand is shifting towards alphanumeric nomenclature for newer models, meaning sexy names like the Sorento and Stinger will be scarce in the coming years. The electric Kia will be fully revealed later this month and go on sale globally in the second half of 2021. There’s no word on India launch yet, but if the domestic EV market gathers some pace, then Hyundai Motor Group might consider its new EVs for India.