Kia EV6 facelift brings new styling and a bigger battery

Kia's popular electric crossover, the EV6, is getting a mid-cycle refresh designed to keep it at the forefront of the rapidly evolving EV market. With a subtle facelift, updated interior technology, and a larger battery promising more range, Kia hopes to solidify the EV6's position as one of the most popular EVs in its class.

On the outside, the EV6's futuristic design has been subtly enhanced with angular headlights that bring it closer to its larger sibling, the EV9. The GT-Line trim adds a front light bar for a more aggresive look. Both standard and GT-Line models come with redesigned bumpers, and buyers can choose from new 19-inch and 20-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the EV6 is largely unchanged, but gains a fresh three-spoke steering wheel and an updated frame for its dual-screen setup. Tech-savvy drivers will appreciate the addition of a fingerprint authentication system, a 12.0-inch head-up display, and an optional digital rearview mirror.

Kia also made several harder to spot improvements to the body. The EV6 now boasts thicker B-pillars for improved structural rigidity, and second-row side airbags enhance passenger safety. Kia's engineers have also reduced motor noise and tweaked the suspension for a more comfortable ride. Additionally, extra sound insulation around the rear motor aims to further minimize cabin noise.

Perhaps the most significant upgrade is the EV6's larger 84 kWh battery, replacing the previous 77.4 kWh unit. Based on local testing procedures, this larger battery promises to boost the EV6's range to an estimated 307 miles from 295 miles on the outgoing model, when comparing the matching rear-wheel-drive Long Range models. The new battery can also charge from 10 to 80% in just 18 minutes when using a 350 kW DC charger.

The updated Kia EV6 is set to launch in South Korea next month, with other markets to follow. South Korean pricing starts at an equivalent of $40,500 for the base Light model, while the GT-Line version starts at $46,100.

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