Written by Alan Taylor-Jones Updated: 29 November 2023

Overview

Sitting at the top of the range, the Kia EV6 GT is the most potent version of this award-winning electric SUV/coupe mashup. With 585hp supplied by an uprated front and all-new rear motor, it’s over 250hp up on the regular dual-motor EV6 to give a 0-62mph in just 3.5 seconds.

The standard EV6 is, at the moment, as good as electric cars get. It’s won two Parkers awards – as best large electric car in 2023, and now the best large family car for 2024 – high honours for a brand that not too long ago would have fielded cars like the Magentis or Carens in the same field. A more performant version should, in theory, be gilding an already very impressive lily.

The EV6 GT’s suspension, steering and brakes have all received attention and there’s an electronically controlled limited-slip differential out back to boost traction out of bends. Unlike some performance SUVs – we’re looking at you Smart #1 Brabus – this is a car that’s been thoroughly reworked to handle the extra performance on offer.

There are plenty of rivals to consider for the money, including the exceedingly popular Tesla Model Y Performance, Ford Mustang Mach-e GT and Genesis GV60 Sport Plus. There’s also the upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, which shares the EV6’s platform and mechanicals – but goes even further, with more power and a slew of driving modes intended to make it as thrilling to drive as a petrol sports car.

What’s it like inside?

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Funnily enough, the EV6 GT’s interior is much the same as the regular car’s. You’ll find plenty of tricks from the ‘how to make a performance derivative’ handbook such as grippy suede-covered seats, GT emblems and brightly coloured detailing, the lime green colour matching the uprated brake callipers.

Space up front won’t cause complaint with the rear seats giving a more reclined seating position than a Model Y. Leg and headroom is more than adequate for a tall person to sit behind a similarly lofty driver, if not outright generous. Bear in mind that the GT’s sports seats cannot be ventilated like those on the standard car, though they are heated – and passengers in the back will find their solid backrests rather obstructive for looking out the front.

The mix of physical and touch-sensitive controls on the dashboard work well, and the screens are high quality with few changes from the standard car.

For more detail on space and practicality, interior quality and what the infotainment system is like, take a look at our main Kia EV6 review.

Comfort

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Despite the sporty makeover, the GT’s seats remain a comfortable place to sit for hours on end. There’s plenty of adjustment to suit both tall and short, so most should find a driving position that suits. Wind noise remains hushed, but the GT’s racier rubber generates more road noise leading to less relaxed cruising.

Safety

The EV6 was tested in 2022 and performed well with a five-star Euro NCAP rating. It’s not quite as good as the Tesla Model Y, but it certainly gets jolly close. For more detail on the safety tech fitted, have a look at the main Kia EV6 review.

What’s it like to drive?

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You’re aware of the EV6 GT’s more intense nature the moment you set off. The steering is faster and weightier with the ride noticeably firmer than the regular EV6, and you feel the limited-slip differential making tight turns when manoeuvring less smooth.

Even so, it’s perfectly liveable in the softest damper setting with tighter body control than the slightly floaty standard car giving a firmer but not uncomfortable edge. You’re still aware of the GT’s hefty weight if you push on, but the stiffer damper settings help make it appreciably more agile and there is fun to be had in the bends.

Keep the car in its normal mode and it does a passable impression of a ‘normal’ EV. The power doesn’t overwhelm the tyres unless you really put your foot down, and the throttle response is nicely modulated – in some rivals it feels rather hyperactive.

Of course, flick it into Sport mode and it’s an entirely different beast. If anything, it feels a little over-exuberant at times with the more powerful rear motor causing some traction issues on cold and damp roads, especially coming out of tight bends. This is exacerbated if you flick the lime green GT button on the steering wheel, unleashing the full force of the electric motors. We can fully believe the 3.5 second 0-62mph time and it pulls hard well beyond that, too.

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Unlike some electric cars, the brakes are easy to modulate, and the regenerative braking is simply adjusted. There are a couple of gear selector-style paddles behind the wheel that let you go through several stages of regen. This includes a one pedal mode that has a braking force so strong, it’ll nearly bring you to a complete stop.

Range and charging

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So far so good then, but there is a big penalty to pay. Whilst lesser EV6s including the twin motor are exceptionally efficient, the performance add-ons drop the miles per kilowatt figure from high threes and above to low threes. Official range tumbles to around 260 miles instead of over 300 for big battery regular models. We found around 200 miles over mixed roads to be easily achievable with enough in reserve to locate a charging stop – and that was with a few leadfooted moments.

If you want to know about charging times, they’re just as impressively rapid as every other EV6. More information in the main Kia EV6 review.

Anything else I should know?

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Like the Porsche Taycan, BMW iX and a number of others, the EV6 GT gains a sci-fi soundtrack that rises and falls as you accelerate and brake. It’s customisable, or you can just turn it off entirely.