KUALA LUMPUR: First introduced in August 2021, the Kia EV6 has just received a mid-life upgrade in the South Korean market. The all-new 2024 Kia EV6 facelift sports new styling, updated interior tech, and a new and powerful battery pack offering a longer driving range. Let’s know all the updates in detail, starting with design.

 The new Kia EV6 benefits from a redesigned front end kitted with new ‘Star Map Signature Lighting’ adaptive headlights and a “wing-shaped” bumper. Adding to the electric sedan’s modern and aggressive face is a tweaked lower grille area and an LED centre positioning lamp.

The rear profile also gets an upgrade in the form of a new full-width LED tail-light signature and a new bumper. Not only that, but Kia designers have also enhanced the EV’s side profile by introducing new black/silver 19-inch and 20-inch alloy wheel designs. Two new colours for the GT-Line trim are Yacht Matte Blue and Wolf Grey.

The revamped interior of the EV features a new dashboard pattern and an updated panoramic curved display integrating two 12.3-inch screens for infotainment and instrument cluster. It is now powered by Hyundai Motor Group's new 'ccNC' software and features new graphics and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. 

The new Kia EV6 gets a newly designed steering wheel with an off-centre Kia logo, reminiscent of the Kia K4. Also part of the upgraded kit is an improved wireless charging pad, a fingerprint authentication system on the centre console, an improved head-up display, and an augmented reality navigation system.

As for the drivetrain, the EV gains Hyundai Motor Group’s latest 84 kWh battery pack, replacing the older 77.4 kWh unit. The new pack offers a driving range of 494 km (RWD), which is 19 km more than the previous version. With the help of a 350 kW charger, the new battery can charge from 0 to 80% in less than 18 minutes.

There is no change in the power output; the standard RWD variant continues to deliver a maximum power of 225 hp and a peak torque of 350 Nm, while the dual motor versions deliver the same 320 hp and 605 Nm.

The new Kia EV6 also offers improved ride comfort and reduced noise thanks to the new shock absorbers and optimised motor noise control. As for better rigidity and safety, the EV gets reinforced B-pillars and a comprehensive 10-airbag system. The upgraded ADAS pack features hands-on detection, lane following assist 2, remote smart parking assist 2, and parking collision avoidance assist. 

Pricing for the all-new 2024 Kia EV6 begins at KRW 52.6 million (approx RM 181k) in South Korea.

Also read: Kia EV3 teased ahead of May 23 unveiling