Boasting distinctive crossover-inspired styling and based on the brand’s new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the vehicle has been given the name EV6.
The EV6 is anticipated to be in production and on sale globally – including in New Zealand – before the end of 2021.
Kia has lifted the covers on its first dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV), revealing a stunning piece of automotive design ahead.
Boasting distinctive crossover-inspired styling and based on the brand’s new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), EV6 is Kia’s first dedicated BEV to be influenced by a new design philosophy that embodies Kia’s shifting focus towards electrification.
Kia refers to the new design philosophy as ‘Opposites United’, taking inspiration from the contrasts found in nature and humanity.
At its centre is a new visual identity evoking positive forces and natural energy, with contrasting combinations of sharp stylistic elements and sculptural shapes.
“EV6, as the first dedicated Kia EV, is a showcase of human-centred, progressive design and electrified power,” says Karim Habib, Senior Vice President and Head of Kia’s Global Design Centre.
“We aimed to create a distinctive, impactful design by using a combination of sophisticated, high-tech features on pure and rich volumes, while providing a unique space as a futuristic EV.”
The EV6 is expected to go on sale in worldwide markets, including New Zealand later this year.
“It is a stunning looking vehicle, inside and out – quite unlike anything produced by Kia in the past, a hint of the brand’s future direction,” says Todd McDonald, Managing Director of Kia New Zealand.
Among the styling cues that stand out in these first full photos is the ‘Digital Tiger Face’, a design progression evoking the spirit of Kia’s ‘Tiger Nose Grille’ for the electrified era.
The influence of the EV era is also seen in the interior design, liberated by Kia’s dedicated E-GMP platform, which offers increased space compared to previous Kia EVs based on existing model architecture. EV6’s interior design profiles an innovative use of space, creating a unique spatial and driving experience.
The forthcoming EV6 is the first of a planned 11 Battery Electric Vehicles that Kia aims to introduce by 2026. Full details of the EV6, including technical specifications such as power and range, will be provided at its international launch later in March.
