U.S.-bound 2023 Kia EV6 GT: 5 features that set it apart [Update]

Update: ‘U.S. launch’ section added.

The 2023 Kia EV6 GT (not to be confused with the EV6 GT-Line) is the South Korean brand’s biggest launch for performance enthusiasts since the Stinger GT. Electric vehicles are often seen as staid and boring, but the GT variant of the EV6 proves that they can be just as fun and capable as the sportiest gasoline-powered models. Here are five things that set it apart from the regular variant which should excite American electric car buyers:

1. Fast-paced exterior styling

The 2023 Kia EV6 GT looks sportier than the standard EV6. However, it’s not strikingly more aggressive or dynamic, especially if you set it alongside the current GT-Line S grade (available in the UK). The GT variant sports unique bumpers, exclusive 21-inch alloy wheels, special neon brake calipers, and a distinctive rear diffuser. Performance is not as hard to achieve in EVs as in combustion-engined vehicles, especially in the case of the bespoke Hyundai E-GMP platform. Perhaps that’s the communication Kia intends by keeping the styling changes subtle.

2. Special interior styling of the 2023 Kia EV6 GT

The interior of the 2023 Kia EV6 GT has several unique touches to be more driver-friendly and maintain the sporty theme set by the exterior. Black suede-upholstered, deeply bolstered bucket seats instill confidence during spirited driving. Metal inserts carrying the GT inscription, neon green piping, and a striped motif on the upper fascia and front center armrest are the other visual highlights on the inside.

3. GT-specific chassis and components

Kia has stiffened the EV6′ chassis for its GT variant. To improve the steering response and precision, the company has reduced the steering ratio. The company has used a dedicated sport suspension with electronically controlled dampers and unique front suspension performance components. An Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (e-LSD) to offer more traction and stability when cornering is also exclusive to the GT variant.

4. Exclusive drive modes & sounds

In addition to the familiar Eco, Normal, and Sport drive modes, Kia offers GT Drive Mode, My Drive Mode, and Drift Mode in the 2023 Kia EV6 GT. GT Drive Mode mode automatically puts the motors, brakes, steering, suspension, e-LSD, and ESC into their most dynamic setting. Of course, drivers can customize the functioning of each of these systems. Drivers can access GT Drive Mode via a paddle behind the steering wheel.

My Drive Mode is to customize the settings as per individual preferences. The Drift Mode allows controlling the driving experience further. The driver can adjust how much power goes to the rear wheels using this mode. The Active Sound Design feature includes two additional sounds unique to the GT variant.

5. Most powerful road-legal Kia ever

The 2023 Kia EV6 GT is the brand’s most powerful production car. Two motors, a 160 kW unit to spin the front wheels and a 270 kW unit to turn the rear wheels, deliver a combined 576 and 546 lb.-ft. of total torque. The electronic-Limited Slip Differential (e-LSD) improves traction and stability while cornering.

A 0-60 mph sprint in the Kia EV6 GT takes just 3.4 seconds, and the top speed is 161 mph. The new high-performance EV from Kia out-paced the Ferrari Roma and Lamborghini Huracan Evo supercars in a 0-60 mph acceleration test conducted by independent automotive research firm AMCI Testing. Kia equips the EV6 GT with Z-rated Goodyear Eagle F1 tires and larger ventilated front (15-inch) and rear (14.2-inch) disc brakes with monoblock calipers as standard.

A 77.4 kWh battery pack is standard in the EV6 GT and provides an EPA-est. range of 206 miles, with an EPA-est. energy consumption of 42 kWh/100 miles. Charging it from 10 to 80% takes less than 18 minutes. Customers get 1,000 kWh of complimentary charging at Electrify America charging stations nationwide.

U.S. launch

The 2023 Kia EV6 GT has begun arriving at U.S. dealerships. We’ve seen it in stock at Kia of West Chester in West Chester, Pennsylvania, King Kia in Gaithersburg, Maryland, Germain Kia of Columbus, in Columbus, Ohio, and several other outlets. The price has remained unchanged since the launch in November 2022 – USD 61,400. The destination fee has increased by USD 30 to USD 1,325, though.

Featured Image Source: Kia