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2025 Kia EV6 facelift first drive review
2025 Kia EV6 facelift first drive review
The first-generation Kia EV6, which made its India debut in mid-2022, is one of the very best electric cars that I've sampled. It excelled on all fronts — it was a technological tour de force, spacious on the inside, looked good, had an efficient powertrain and, more importantly, was also fun to drive. At ₹64.95 lakh for the range-topping GT Line all-wheel-drive model, it was expensive, yes, but because it came to India via the CBU route, making it one of the first world-class electric cars to be sold here. Late last year, Kia gave the EV6 a facelift and lengthened its already long features list with the addition of more kit. The model made its way to our shores in March, and now, finally, we've got the chance to get behind its 'wheel. Let's find out what's new, and if it's still a worthy contender in its class, beginning with the styling.
I’ve always loved the way the Kia EV6 looks. It’s a head-turner thanks to its distinct shape and aggressive styling. It looks like nothing else on the road – it isn’t as tall as a traditional mid-size SUV, nor as low as a sedan, and its unique kamm tail, combined with the sloping roof, also prevents it from looking like an upright estate. It looks unusual – in a good way – and the new EV6 will be even more noticeable on our roads thanks to subtle cosmetic changes.
Up front, it now features a larger LED headlight setup, positioned lower, with a new DRL signature that flows into the slim front grille. Down below, there’s a new bumper, which is considerably more angular than before. In profile, the only notable change is a new design for the 19-inch alloy wheels. At the rear, the curved tail-lamps now have a new LED lighting signature, and the car also features dynamic turn indicators. The dual-tone rear bumper has also been slightly redesigned.
Inside, the most notable change is a new three-spoke steering wheel, replacing the two-spoke, flat-bottomed unit of the previous model. The shape of the housing for the infotainment screen and instrument cluster has also been updated; it is now a curved unit, though the size of both screens remains the same at 12.3 inches. The user interface of the touchscreen is highly intuitive and it’s very easy to operate. Other updates include a new textured finish for the centre console area, replacing the gloss-black finish that was prone to fingerprint marks. Kia has also added a new fingerprint sensor beside the drive mode selector, allowing registered drivers to start the car without a key.
The new EV6 also features a rather interesting zero-gravity mode for the front seats, which, at the press of a button, reclines them into a lounge-like position. After trying it out, I can say it makes them extremely comfortable. Speaking of the seats, they are now dressed in a two-tone sustainable black suede with vegan leatherette bolsters and are very comfortable.
On the features front, the EV6 continues to offer wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ambient lighting, a wireless charger, a sunroof, a 360-degree camera, 8-airbags, ventilated and heated front seats, a 14-speaker Meridian sound system, vehicle-to-load and vehicle-to-vehicle charging capabilities, and over-the-air software updates. It comes with Level 2 ADAS, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control. Additional updates include a 60:40 split rear folding seat, body-coloured flush door handles, and an augmented reality head-up display. Fit and finish on the inside is superb, with soft-touch materials in a few places, and the car feels like it is built to last.
The most significant change to the new EV6 is under the skin. It now features a larger 84kWh lithium-ion battery pack, up from the outgoing model’s 77.4kWh unit. As a result, the claimed WLTP range has increased to 650 km on a single charge. Built on the 800-volt E-GMP architecture, the EV6 supports DC fast charging up to 350kW, allowing the battery to charge from 10 to 80 per cent in just 18 minutes. On a lower 50kW charger, however, that time increases to 73 per cent.
Unlike before, when the EV6 was also available with a single-motor rear-wheel-drive variant, the new model is offered solely as an AWD GT-Line with a dual-motor setup. Power and torque outputs remain unchanged at 320bhp and 605Nm, enabling a 0 to 100kmph sprint in 5.3 seconds.
An area where the Kia EV6 has excelled from the start is ride comfort, despite the large 19-inch alloy wheels. It does a good job of smoothing out bumps and potholes at low speeds, save for a few rough edges, and remains rock-steady at higher speeds. Occupants enjoy ample legroom, although those in the rear seats may find their knees positioned slightly higher than ideal.
The EV6 has always been a driver-friendly electric vehicle, and the facelift is no different. Step inside, and the first thing you notice is the excellent outward visibility. This is a large car, but thanks to the expansive greenhouse, it is surprisingly easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces. I only wish the driver’s seat could be lowered slightly to provide a sportier driving position.
It comes with five drive modes – Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow, and Individual – each with well-calibrated throttle responses. As expected, Eco maximises efficiency with a laid-back power delivery, Normal offers balanced acceleration, Sport sharpens responsiveness, and Individual allows drivers to customise settings to their preference. Power delivery in the most dynamic setting is strong and addictive; it hooks up instantly at full throttle and offers excellent low- and mid-range torque. Quick overtakes are a breeze in any mode, and the EV6 corners impressively for a car of its size, with controlled body roll and minimal understeer, even if you enter a corner faster than intended. The brakes are excellent, with good feedback, while regenerative braking allows for effective one-pedal driving in the city, making it a joy to pootle around town.
The steering wheel feels light and direct. While it doesn’t change weight noticeably when toggling through the drive modes, it provides a precise and connected feel at all times.
Priced at ₹65.96 lakh, ex-showroom, the Kia EV6 facelift is only slightly more expensive than before – about a lakh more – but the increase is easily justified by the additional technology, sharper styling, and, most importantly, a larger battery that delivers greater range.
Even though it is one of the more expensive cars in its class, the EV6 makes a compelling case for itself as an excellent all-rounder. It is loaded with features, highly practical, offers very good real-world range, and is a joy to drive. Among electric vehicles, it remains one of the very best, and a world-class offering at that.
