LET’S TALK ABOUT EV6: Latest gen Kia SUV is better in every way with a range now of 361 miles

THIS is the new Kia EV6, but at first glance you’d be hard pushed to tell it apart from the previous gen.

But there are a few changes and improvements, with the most noticeable exterior tweaks at the front.

And the new EV6 comes with sleek daytime running lights plus a light bar that flows across the whole bonnet.

They’re all part of Kia’s ‘Star Map’ lighting signature, with more in the rear lights too.

There’s new alloys and a raft of fancy colours, but the biggest changes are under the skin and inside.

The EV6 is still a great-looking SUV, with its futuristic looks standing the test of time.

It’s not as polarising-looking as it was when introduced in 2021 now that they are common sights on our roads.

The EV6 is equipped with Kia’s new fourth-gen battery.

With higher energy density, the capacity has increased from 77.4kWh to 84kWh.

As you’d expect, this translates into a higher range, with Kia quoting a figure of 361 miles.

While using a fast DC charger the maximum I got was 303 miles but at home on a 7.4kW wallbox, expect that to increase.

Thanks to 800V battery tech, peak fast charging is up from 239kW to 350kW.

But even though I was supposed to be topping up the EV6 at a rate of 150kW, the fastest speed I could draw from the public charger was 78.5kW — still fast, but not as fast as advertised.

But if you do find a charger capable of running at those speeds, the EV6 battery can be recharged from 10-80 per cent in just 18 minutes.

Power comes from a rear-mounted 168kW electric motor that produces 225bhp and 350Nm of torque so a leisurely sprint from 0-62mph takes 7.7 seconds and it has a 115mph top speed.

You can also opt for a dual-motors, all-wheel drive version with 320bhp or go for the bonkers 631bhp EV6 GT (see below).

As before, the driving modes are Eco, Normal, Sport, My Drive and Snow.

Sport really does liven things up, plus Kia have tweaked the damping settings to deliver improved stability.

It feels more nimble and smooth on the road, with good grip.

Inside the new EV6 sees more big changes like the huge, curved panoramic display that’s two 12.3-inch displays placed side by side.

The ambient lighting really comes to life at night.

The EV6 introduces a steering wheel and the wireless phone-charging pad charges at 15W. Wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay comes as standard.

It starts from £39,235 and trim levels consist of Air, GT-Line and GT-Line S.

And don’t forget the seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty.

A separate eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty covers the battery and electric motors, plus there’s 12 months’ roadside assistance.

…AND THE NEW GT MODEL BOASTS 641BHP:

Kia has also just launched an updated version of the EV6 GT.

It’s not just the fastest accelerating Kia EV, it’s the brand’s fastest accelerating vehicle ever.

It produces 641bhp and 770Nm of torque, so will blitz 0-62mph in just 3.5secs with a top speed of 161mph.

Its new, bigger 84kWh battery boasts a range of up to 279 miles.

And for the first time on any Kia, the EV6 GT is equipped with Virtual Gear Shift, simulating a six-speed paddle-operated gearbox featuring a rev counter and limiter.

It starts from £59,985.