Kia has just revealed the first images of its next dedicated all-electric model, the Kia EV6 (formerly known as “CV”), which will have its world premiere later this month, during a special online event.
The car was designed under the new design philosophy of the brand ‘Opposites United’, inspired by the contrasts found in nature and humanity, and we must admit, it looks very attractive.
Kia EV6
According to Kia, the EV6 is a collaborative effort between the three studios in Kia’s global design network: in Namyang (Korea), Frankfurt (Germany) and Irvine (California, USA). The company plans to use this new design language in the following models.
Opposites United’s design philosophy is based on five main elements: ‘Bold by Nature’, ‘Joy for Reason’, ‘Power to Progress’, ‘Technology for Life’ and ‘Tension for Serenity’, described by the manufacturer as follows form:
“Bold by Nature it is based on the interaction with nature, informed by the details, shapes and proportions found in both the natural and human worlds. This design pillar creates structures and organic finishes, although technical, for vehicle interiors; exterior designs are characterized by a combination of clear and simple lines with bold and constantly changing surfaces.
Joy for Reason focuses on the feel and ambience of future Kia vehicles. Future projects will fuse the emotional with the rational, creating vehicles that influence the mood of the passengers, while being relaxing and inspiring. It will also influence the adoption of new organic materials and bolder colors, expressing a sense of youth and playfulness.
Power for Progress is based on the design strengths of the brand. Leveraging and developing the skills and knowledge learned throughout the recent era of Kia led by design, the designs and layouts of the brand’s future products will continue to evolve. Future projects will rely on experience and creativity to invent and innovate new projects.
Technology for Life embraces new technologies and innovations to promote positive interactions between humans and machines. The brand’s future vehicles will embrace a next-generation in-car (UX) user experience through design and innovation and advances in car lighting, feel and connectivity – to help customers engage with their cars.
Tension for serenity evokes the tension between opposing forces and creative contrasts and recognizes the balance of design that comes from two opposing forces. It offers striking design concepts that use sharp, highly technical details to create surface tension – and realize a harmonized, forward-looking design vision. “
Kia EV6
Like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Kia EV6 is based on the new dedicated EV platform: Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which allows you to build EVs with very strong specifications, including a long range of 500 km (311 miles), ultra-fast loading capability (refueling 100 km / 62 miles range in 4 minutes) and acceleration from 0-100 km / h (62 mph) in 3 seconds. The exact specifications of the EV6 model have not yet been announced.
If we combine the look of the car and the E-GMP platform, it looks like we will see a very strong competitor in the EV market. Depending on the price, the EV6 can sell very well.
Kia EV6
The Kia EV6 appears to be a compact-sized car with a crossover-inspired design aesthetic. The keywords used by the manufacturer are “modern”, “elegant” and “aerodynamic”.
Interesting details are: characteristic daytime running lights, low air intake at the front, with optimized airflow (air is channeled through and under the flat floor of the car for optimal aerodynamics), crisp lines and “high-tech details to create a sense of tension in the design”, folded windshield, hidden door handles and bold rear hips.
On the side there is a character line that runs down the bottom of the doors, curving upwards towards the rear wheel arches, which according to Kia visually stretches the profile of the car.
The rear is also interesting (note the lack of the rear wiper):
“Partly designed to achieve maximum aerodynamic performance, the rear features an inclined rear C-pillar with an integrated glossy black insert that visually widens the window glass. Above that is a prominent roof spoiler that channels air down towards to an elevated lower spoiler that sits on top of the car’s unique rear light assembly. “
Because of the E-GMP platform, the interior of the Kia EV6 is very spacious. The manufacturer implemented a high definition curved audio / visual and navigation (AVN) screen and significantly limited the number of buttons and knobs compared to previous generations. There are several buttons on the steering wheel and it looks like they will be very useful for controlling the most important functions.
We also like the center console with storage space at the bottom and the ample armrest.
“One of the most striking elements of the new interior is a continuous high-tech curved high-definition audio visual and navigation (AVN) screen. The simple language of the wide and curved screen and the narrow panel give the space a feeling of openness. Extending from the steering wheel to the center of the car, it displays an instrument panel in front of the driver and infotainment and navigation above the center console. The width of the screen creates an immersive experience for the driver, while a minimum number of physical buttons offer an organized and relaxing driving experience.
Below the AVN screen, passengers control the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) settings using tactile ‘buttons’, while below this panel, the panel tilts towards the front of the car, creating a feeling of space and openness for the front – seat passengers.
The seats are thin, light and contemporary, and lined with modern, visually interesting and robust fabrics, created with recycled plastics, which create an even greater opening in the cabin. “
Overall, we are positively surprised by the Kia EV6. It is definitely the most attractive Kia electric ever made and we look forward to hearing more about it.
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