Kia releases images of EV6 – its first battery electric only model

Kia has revealed the first images of the exterior and interior design of the EV6, its first dedicated battery electric vehicle.

The EV, which is set to have a world premiere later this month, is based on the brand’s new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) – developed in partnership with Hyundai – that signals Kia is shifting its focus towards electrification.

The company expects the EV6 to be an absolute gamechanger on the electric vehicle market, according to Karim Habib, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Design Center.

“We strongly believe EV6 is a compelling and relevant model for the new EV market,” he said. “With EV6 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 company has explained that EV6 was designed under the brand’s new design philosophy ‘Opposites United’, which takes inspiration from the contrasts found in nature and humanity, Habib said.

“We want our products to deliver an instinctive and natural experience that improves the daily lives of our customers,” he said. “Our aim is to design the physical experience of our brand and to create original, inventive and exciting electric vehicles.”

At the front of the EV6, characteristic daytime running lights display a sleek, modern appearance. They form part of the car’s ‘Digital Tiger Face’, a design progression evoking the spirit of Kia’s ‘Tiger Nose Grille’ for the electrified era.

Below this, a low air intake visually widens the front of the car, accentuating its high-tech image. Part of the optimisation of air flow from the front, the air is channelled through and under the car’s flat floor for optimum aerodynamics.

Designed in part to realise ultimate aerodynamic performance, the rear displays a sloping C-pillar with an integrated black glossy insert, which visually widens the window glass. Above this sits a prominent roof spoiler that channels air down towards a raised lower spoiler that sits atop the car’s unique rear light cluster.

One of the most striking elements of the new interior is a seamless high-tech curved high-definition audio visual and navigation (AVN) screen. It extends from the steering wheel across to the centre of the car, and displays an instrument cluster in front of the driver, with infotainment and navigation above the centre console.

The EV6 is the result of a collaborative effort between all three studios in Kia’s global design network in Namyang (Korea), Frankfurt (Germany), and Irvine (California, US).