It was in 2007 when Kia launched a new corporate grid called Tiger nose, a remarkable work by Peter Schreyer, who transformed the whole design of the South Korean line into what we see on the roads today.
Now, after more than 13 years, the automaker is moving to a new design philosophy to go with its revamped emblem and slogan. Born in the new Kia EV6, the brand’s first battery-powered electric vehicle (BEV), the new design identity is presented in official images before the EV’s global debut. With the revamped design direction, a new face for Kia cars emerges, abandoning the familiar tiger nose grille for the new “Digital Tiger Face” for the electrified era.
6 Photos
Dubbed “Opposites United”, Kia’s new design philosophy is inspired by the contrasts found in nature and humanity. The philosophy is based on five main design pillars: ‘Bold by Nature,’ ‘Joy for Reason’, ‘Power to Progress’,’ Technology for Life ‘and’ Tension for Serenity. Needless to say, we expect the Kia cars of the future to adopt this design for years to come.
In EV6, the updated design philosophy is evident through the new face, with crisp lines complementing the sequential dynamic light patterns, as seen in the teasers launched earlier. In profile, the EV6 looks like a crossover, although it is relatively low. The C-pillar swoopy gives the EV a coupe-like silhouette. The rear end is probably the most interesting part of the EV6, with the LED light array extending from the left to the right of the rear fenders.
The cabin of the Kia EV6 was also revealed, for which the automaker boasts “an innovative use of space”, made possible by the new Modular Electric-Global Platform (E-GMP) that debuted worldwide in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 The most notable interior element would be the curved screen at the top of the dashboard that extends from the driver’s instrument to the center. The steering wheel has two spokes, which now bear the renewed Kia logo. The HVAC controls positioned below the huge screen use touch buttons.
The Kia EV6 will have its official debut complete this month, which should give us more information about the new EV power train, including autonomy and charging times. Availability has not yet been announced.