Last June, Kia delivered their most powerful performance EV of the time: the EV6 GT-Line AWD. It was a blast with its dual-motor AWD, 320 horsepower, and 446 lb-ft. of torque. Pairing AWD with instantaneous electric torque meant 0-60mph runs of 4.7 seconds were easy and repeatable...but that was not enough for Kia. Today we introduce you to the fully-caffeinated version of the 2023 Kia EV6 GT. This dual-motor AWD version has 576 horsepower, 545 lb-ft of torque, and can run 0-60 in 3.4 seconds! That is Blue-Check-Verified quicker than a Ferrari or Lamborghini!!! (IN A FAMILY CAR)
We lived with this GT for a week to bring you our top 5 likes and dislikes of the most powerful Kia ever produced... and let me tell you, we had to nit-pick a little to fill the list.
Starting with the likes: the most obvious place is the sheer power of this thing. With 576 horsepower, instantaneous torque, and AWD, this EV is QUICK and it is easily repeatable. From a standstill, the driver only needs to put it in sport mode (or GT mode), fully depress the brake, fully depress the accelerator, release the brake, and you're OFF! It is a serious gut punch that will take your breath away if you are not ready for it. In hard cornering, the GT blasts out with the same ferociousness and can make you carsick if you aren't careful. This really is a crazy performance vehicle. Kia even upgraded the brakes, suspension, and tires for performance duty, not wanting to leave you with a car that can quickly get to speed and then leave you without a way to stop again.
Engage GT mode, which switches off traction control, and have yourself some fun with Drift Mode.
The ride and appeal of this performance EV are good as well. Thanks to all the weight of the battery pack down low plus the long wheelbase mean this EV rides like a much larger vehicle over rough roads. Some harshness is there, thanks to the low-profile performance tires on 21-inch wheels and the more sport-tuned suspension, but it is not a punishing ride by any means.
The styling of this tall hatchback/crossover/SUV (or whatever you want to call it) is striking as well. This Runway Red makes a statement as does the abundance of lime green accents on the brakes and sprinkled throughout the cabin. Ambient lighting can match your drive mode or your mood, and ample storage and cavernous room mean this really will work as a people hauler as much as a weekend toy.
It is not all sunshine, rainbows, and burning rubber. There are a few things that can infuriate you about this particular spec. The biggest downfall is the range. Utilizing the same 77.4 kWh battery pack as the less powerful GT-Line, the GT loses significant range. With an EPA-estimate 206 miles of range on a full charge, this EV is more of a commuter or short-distance traveler than it is a full gas-powered vehicle replacement. If you are looking for a fun weekend car that can also do long road trips, get a Hellcat-powered Charger from Dodge.
Charging this on trips is not so much of a pain, however. Thanks to the 800V electrical architecture of this EV, the EV6 can charge from 10-80% of its total range in 18 minutes when plugged into an appropriate DC-Fast Charger. We experienced this to be true when we tested the GT-Line last summer.
The next major headscratcher of this vehicle is its price. At $62,865 as tested, this EV6 is bumping up against the premium Genesis GV60 that rides on the same platform. Sure, the GV60 is slightly less powerful but it is way more luxurious. With heated/ventilated/massaging front seats that have a 2-person memory setting, the EV6 GT will leave you fumbling with its manually adjustable racing buckets melting in the hot summer sun without ventilation. We get it though, not everyone who wants a tire-roasting vehicle also wants to be pampered and coddled, but when the premium version of this car can do it for roughly the same price...why not?
There are a few other odd choices by designers and engineers with this EV6 GT, but overall it is a solid entry from a brand that is really beginning to make a name for itself. In the new electrified world, I think we may have a fun showdown between brands like Dodge and Kia... and I am here for it all day long if it brings us vehicles like this 2023 Kia EV6 GT!
2023 Kia EV6 GT AWD Specs:
576 Horsepower
545 lb.-ft. of Torque
Dual-Motor AWD System
Electronic Rear Limited Slip Differential
Electronically Controlled Suspension
206 EPA-Estimated Miles of Range
77.4 kWh Lithium-Ion Polymer Battery System (800V)
DC Ultra-Fast Charging System
10.9 kWh On-Board Charger
Battery Pre-Heating System and Heat Pump
Single-Speed Reductions Gear with Console-Mounted Shifter
Regenerative Brake Level Control Paddles
Runway Red Paint
21-inch Wheels
GT Brakes with Neon Calipers
LED Headlights and Taillights
Heated Racing Bucket Front Seats
Dual 12.3-inch Screens for Gauges and Infotainment
Wide Sunroof
Smart Cruise with Stop & Go
Starting Price: $61,400
Price as-tested: $62,865
***This video is sponsored by Lectron EV chargers.***
If you would like to purchase a charger like the one we used in this video through our Amazon Affiliate page, click the link below: