Kia EV6 in the RWD 77.4 kWh version of 229 hp
Published by The team in News the 21/02/2022 at 10:58
Let's talk Kia EV6. After the small grip by Ugo on the Marbella side (lucky one!), the builder contacted me to cross part of France on board. Objective: to test the Ionity network and the autonomy of the Korean.
If you've never seen a Kia EV6, like me before this review, chances are it will catch your eye. Without necessarily finding her fundamentally beautiful, I recognize that she is impressive. From afar, we definitely notice his imposing build and the futuristic pencil stroke (without falling either into the typical caricature of Asian designers). It is by looking at it in more detail that we begin to appreciate it more and more. Between the few bodywork features that are out of the ordinary, the small aerodynamic spoiler, the large light strip at the rear or even the “3D” indicators that extend the latter, there are really a lot of things to look at. In addition, the sloping roof line, giving a coupe look, makes the profile more dynamic. And the whole thing breathes assembly quality . By dint of turning around, we end up loving this car!
Its generous shapes are not always easy to assimilate as it imposes. It still measures 4m68 long and 1.55m high. But it is mainly the width (1m88) combined with a domed and aggressive bonnet that make it so intimidating. I even got a bit hot while crossing a long, very narrow alley in Versailles. Fortunately, its technological paraphernalia makes it possible to get out of this kind of situation without a hitch. We then greatly appreciate the 360 ° camera and the various proximity sensors. But I would be tempted to say “unfortunately” as well. Because, it goes without saying, it also embeds, for example, a lane keeping system; it reactivates each time you start it and switching it off is a dangerous obstacle course while driving. The system spends its time wanting to straighten you out in the worst possible way, by jerking the steering wheel. It's borderline dangerous in a tight bend or when a biker brushes past us in the middle of traffic, and I don't understand how it can continue to exist. Even made mandatory on new vehicles. Without forgetting that the autopilot tosses us from right to left, I had thought this story solved for a long time. No really, if it was funny at the beginning, I become more and more resistant to all these electronic aids, more castrating than safe. Even made mandatory on new vehicles. Without forgetting that the autopilot tosses us from right to left, I had thought this story solved for a long time. No really, if it was funny at the beginning, I become more and more resistant to all these electronic aids, more castrating than safe. Even made mandatory on new vehicles. Without forgetting that the autopilot tosses us from right to left, I had thought this story solved for a long time. No really, if it was funny at the beginning, I become more and more resistant to all these electronic aids, more castrating than safe.
Otherwise, on boarding I was amazed by the feeling of space that the passengers will be able to have, especially in the back. Whether for the legs or the head, everyone will find their comfort. Indeed, thanks to a wheelbase of 2.9m and the absence of a transmission tunnel, three adults can be installed without problem. Only the central place perhaps suffers from a seat that is a little too hard for a long journey. In addition, the large trunk of 490 liters(+52 liters at the front) allows you to carry a lot of luggage. All this is generally well highlighted in a well-designed and rather ergonomic cabin. The two large screens, Mercedes way, would certainly require to be better integrated but that does not shock. Then, for my part, as long as the air conditioning buttons remain physical, I am the happiest. Finally, we particularly appreciate the ease of switching between Drive and Reverse, the touches of color or the pretty two-tone seats. The Kia EV6 again gives a good quality feeling and calls for travel.
The Kia EV6 present here is the entry level, carrying a 77.4 kWh battery and no less than 229 horsepower under the “hood”. By benefiting from so much potato under the foot, available immediately, it would be a shame not to have fun with it from time to time. And if it is clearly not designed for that – we are nevertheless impatiently awaiting the GT version of 585 horsepower –she's not the last to tear up the asphalt. 0 to 100 km / h in just 7.3 seconds and especially instantaneous reminders are on the program. By increasing the pace, we are able to find a certain driving pleasure. Yes, yes, that's true. The steering is a little harsh and not always very informative, yet you seem to have a good feeling with it. We feel it resting on rails, and it gives us full confidence; but like a train, it sways a little in all directions. Inevitably, its weight of almost 2 tons is not forgiving and it tends to crash quite a bit on its supports in tight conditions. Conversely, by whipping more strongly, its propulsion architecture makes it playful, and it's quite fun to know that such a car is capable of sometimes chasing butt.
Let's be serious, and let's get back to its true philosophy, comfortis its key word. Well nestled in the soft seats, we take advantage of a suspension that filters out road obstacles very well and the kilometers pass by smoothly. In the absence of a gearshift, you actually enjoy a level of comfort that even the best automatic transmissions cannot match. She displays a temperament that pushes to opt for a cool and relaxed attitude at her commands. We can also talk about the braking easy to dose for once, while being powerful, and which adds an additional argument to this philosophy. No need to add that she does all this in a more than pleasant silence when it comes to spending hours behind the wheel. There is certainly no engine noise, and air or rolling noises are also perfectly controlled.
Otherwise, it drives like any other car. Reactive, flexible, manageable, there is everything to be immediately reassured. And seduced. The only thing that can really differentiate it from a combustion engine, and which I have really appreciated since taking control of the Volvo XC40 Recharge, is the i-Pedal system. Thanks to the strong regeneration, it is therefore possible to drive it only with the accelerator pedal, without ever using the brake pedal. Especially in the city, or in the suburbs with a lot of anticipation. If you've probably heard of this system for some time, it's still amazing. And if you opt for the Eco mode as a bonus, it will push you more towards driving full of serenity.
Oh no, actually this new crossover doesn't drive quite like any other car. Autonomy, which is not yet sufficient for all motorists to project themselves, is still not an obstacle for daily use at home. Allowing quite a few trips per week without having to plug in. It's more when going on vacation or if something unexpected happens than the 528 km WLTP(less in real life) will not be enough. A naturally stressed person like me, must admit, will really need to plan his trip. If you have to leave on a whim for a family concern, an unplanned business trip, or an unexpected weekend, it can become more complicated. The fault is not to be put on Kia, but rather on the slow development of the stations and especially the lack of maintenance or other incivility. While I don't drive electric on a daily basis, each test reveals its share of small hiccups. Between a terminal that does not work, or below its capacity, a thermal vehicle parked on it, an incompatible badge, or a power that is far too low, there is often something to upset the plans. There is also the problem of leaving a public terminal in the middle of the night or very early in the morning, so as not to pay inactivity fees or block another motorist. It is not always easy to find a socket near your accommodation.
Luckily, Kia offers a subscription called Ionity Powerfor all customers. After paying €13 per month, they then benefit from a charging price of €0.29 per minute (instead of €0.79). Enough to achieve a 20% to 80% (200/250 km on average) for only € 5.80 (if obviously the load, up to 240 kW, happens as planned in 20 minutes). During the test, the refills lasted rather 30/40 minutes by capping at 130 kW. Otherwise, despite slightly less than 100 Ionity stations in France, on the main axes, it is quite easy to go everywhere in France. We can also count on the few other fast terminals currently being deployed (Total, EDF, etc.) and on the gradual opening up of Tesla Superchargers to other brands. However, as soon as we take the highway, consumption soars easily to more than 25 kWh/100 and autonomy drops visibly (300 km). Don't miss the rest area! Difficult conditions (cold, wind, etc.) cause even more kilometers to be lost, such as turning on the heating which directly takes away 45 km of autonomy from the screen. To put an end to all these boring figures, your use at home will rather consume around 17 kWh/100, or a range of around 450 km. Finally, with your personal Wallbox, count at least 8 hours of recharging. your use at home will instead consume around 17 kWh/100, i.e. a range of around 450 km. Finally, with your personal Wallbox, count at least 8 hours of recharging. your use at home will instead consume around 17 kWh/100, i.e. a range of around 450 km. Finally, with your personal Wallbox, count at least 8 hours of recharging.
On the price side, the Kia EV6 starts at €47,990 or €55,790 for our 168 kW RWD GT-Line version. This finish adds full LED matrix projectors, specific shields, a Meridian audio system or even the large head-up display with augmented reality. Among other things, we can add to the bill a tint at 950 € and a pack of driving aids at 2000 €. For a total here of €59,240 . Just to benefit from a €2,000 ecological bonus (€1,000 on July 1) .
If we forget the difficulties inherent in the forcing carried out by Europe to impose electric vehicles, this Kia EV6 is objectively an excellent car. Whether for everyday use or to go on vacation, we appreciate its irreproachable pleasure and its great silence of operation. She knows how to be both very gentle, but also more characterful, while ensuring her passengers unfailing peace of mind. Its autonomy will allow you to live normally all year round and to go on the mop in its company. Subject simply to good preparation, as I said above. And you, tell us what you are looking for in an electric car?
