Kia’s first ground-up dedicated electric car will have a staggered launch in Australia, with standard models arriving in the first half of next year and the high-performance GT a little later.
Speaking with CarExpert, a spokesperson from Kia Australia clarified the staggered local rollout, indicating the core EV6 versions should arrive during the first half of 2022.
Production of the EV6 GT is not scheduled to commence until “the back end of 2022”.
There had been some speculation that launch versions of the 2022 Kia EV6 could in fact lob by the end of this year, but it will be a bit later. Production for the first Australian-market core models is expected to kick off in the fourth quarter.
This means Kia’s first E-GMP-based electric vehicle will be some months behind the related Hyundai Ioniq 5, which is now on sale with vehicles arriving soon, and will arrive around the same time as the also-related Genesis GV60 which is likewise due during the first half of next year.
While the brand’s local division has yet to disclose local specifications, we do know what’s available globally.
EV6 and EV6 GT-Line variants are available with standard and long-range battery options, measuring 58kWh and 77.4kWh respectively. Both rear- and all-wheel drive are available in global markets.
Rear-wheel drive models develop 168kW and can travel up to 328 miles (527km) with the 77.4kWh long-range battery. Zero to 100km/h takes 7.3 seconds.
Meanwhile, the EV6 AWD drops maximum range to 314mi (505km) but ups power to 239kW resulting in a 5.2-second sprint from 0-100.
The jewel in the crown will be the EV6 GT, which claims supercar-like performance numbers. It comes as standard with the 77.4kWh battery pack, and its dual-motor AWD drivetrain develops a massive 430kW.
Kia ‘expects’ the EV6 GT to dash from 0-100 in just 3.5 seconds, while estimated driving range is up to 252 miles (405km). Stinger who?
According to Kia’s UK website, all versions of the EV6 can tow up to 1600kg. It’s unclear whether Australian models will be capable of the same.
Pricing for the Australian market will be announced closer to launch, though the 72kWh Hyundai Ioniq 5 2WD is on sale now from $71,900 plus on-road costs as a point of reference.
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MORE: 2022 Kia EV6 revealed
