2023 Kia EV6 GT review

Kia launched the EV6 Air and GT-Line range 12 months ago, with an initial allocation for our market of just 500 units. Demand soon outstripped supply and it’s likely to be a similar situation with the high-performance GT, although Kia execs said they were confident Australia would receive 2000 units for all three variants in 2023.

Priced at $99,590, the EV6 GT is the most expensive Kia model ever to go on sale in Australia. It’s also one of the most sophisticated and technically advanced models Kia has ever produced, as those lucky enough to order early will discover.

To put the EV6 GT’s performance numbers into perspective, it’s worth looking at the vehicle it supplants as Kia’s halo model – the Stinger. That develops 274kW and 510Nm from 1300rpm and covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds. The EV6 GT uses dual electric motors for a combined output of 430kW and 740Nm using a one-speed automatic transmission and AWD.

Weighing almost 2200kg, it’s about 400kg heavier than the Stinger, yet covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.5 seconds. This puts it in the realm of serious performance EVs such as the Porsche Taycan and Audi e-tron GT at a fraction of the price.

The EV6 GT is underpinned by the Hyundai Group’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), a scalable base that will support future EV models from Hyundai and Kia.

Measuring just under 4.7 metres long, it’s an imposing beast, anchored at each corner with 255/40 Michelin Pilot Sport tyres.

Behind the striking 21-inch alloys – which look to have taken inspiration from Japanese shuriken (star knives) – are four-piston brake callipers finished in garish lime green.

Grabbing attention inside are a bright GT mode button and special leather-and-suede-finished bucket seats with integrated headrests. The standard features list is extensive, mirroring that in the AWD GT-Line. 

Cruising at signposted motorway speeds, the GT is as docile and easy to drive as the Kia Niro EV (although it attracts many more admiring glances from other drivers).

When it’s time to overtake, however, feeding in some throttle unleashes the enormous torque available, pushing you back into the sports seats.

Unique to the GT is additional bracing around the front strut towers and a stiffening brace mounted across the rear cargo floor. COVID restrictions may have halted meaningful local suspension tuning of the Air and GT-Line, but the GT was fine-tuned over roads in Sydney and Canberra.

The GT also uses electronically controlled dampers, a larger wheel and tyre combination, and an electronic limited slip differential to sharpen up dynamics and harness the extra torque.

Our drive culminated with laps at a hill climb circuit where we used the GT mode, which transforms the EV’s character even further.

The drive is exhilarating yet devoid of growling exhaust or engine revs. It’s an unusual sensation, but likely a taste of things to come.

The 2023 Kia EV6 GT at a glance

Pros: Awesome power delivery; excellent handling and braking

Cons: Limited stock could mean a long wait