Less than a week later after his name was revealed and we already have the first images of the new Kia EV6 , the first model of the brand conceived from scratch to be only and only electric.
The Kia EV6 takes on the contours of a crossover and will also be the first from the South Korean manufacturer to settle on the E-GMP , the dedicated platform for electric vehicles from the Hyundai Motor Group, which will be debuted by the already unveiled Hyundai IONIQ 5.
Aside from the e-GMP, little or nothing is known about Kia's new electrical proposal, with information about its specifications to be submitted for its official presentation later this month, according to the brand.
United Opposites
The focus is thus on the design of the Kia EV6. After all, it is the first to debut the brand's new “design philosophy”, Opposites United (opposites united), which will eventually expand to all Kia models.
According to the brand, this philosophy is inspired by the “contrasts found in nature and humanity”. At the heart of this new design philosophy is a new visual identity that “evokes positive forces and natural energy”, contrastingly combined with sculptural forms and sharp style elements.
This design philosophy rests on five pillars: “Bold for Nature”, “Joy for Reason”, “Power to Progress”, “Technology for Life” ( Technology for Life) and “Tension for Serenity”.
Karim Habib, Senior Vice President and Design Director"We want our products to provide a natural and instinctive experience, capable of enhancing our customers' daily lives. Our aim is to design the physical experience of our brand and create original, creative and exciting electric vehicles. Our designers' ideas and brand purpose are becoming more connected than ever, with our customers being at the center of what we do and influencing every decision we make."
Digital Tiger Face
According to Kia, the exterior of the EV6 is a “powerful representation” of the “Power to Progress” pillar. Perhaps the most relevant aspect is the disappearance of the “Tiger Nose” (tiger nose) grid, which has marked the face of all Kias for the last decade. Instead, Kia tells us about the progression from “Tiger Nose” to “Digital Tiger Face”.
The “Tiger Nose” is evoked by the combination of the front optics with the thin opening that unites them, with the former extending to the wheel arches. The new front optics also stand out for incorporating a “sequential” dynamic light pattern. The front is also marked, at the bottom, by a full-width opening, which allows the optimization of the air flow through and under the car.
EV6 Air
But it is behind that we find the most original design look of the Kia EV6. Its rear optics also extend across the entire width (like the front, starting at the rear wheel arches) of the model, with its arched development also forming a rear spoiler.
The profile of the electric crossover is very dynamic, where both the windshield and the C-pillar (floating type) appear with a strong inclination.
Spacious and modern
The new dedicated E-GMP platform will allow the Kia EV6 to have very generous internal dimensions and the interior design reflects the new design philosophy. The instrument panel and the infotainment system become a single, uninterrupted and also curved element.
This solution promises a perception of space and aeration, while promising a more immersive user experience. As has been the norm in recent times, this new Kia interior also reduces physical buttons to a minimum: we have some shortcut keys and separate controls for the climate control system. However, the buttons are tactile type with haptic response.
One last note for the seats, which Kia says are “thin, light and contemporary”, covered in fabric created using recycled plastics.