This is what the new all-electric Kia EV6 will look like when it officially launches later this month.
A week after the silhouette and name of Kia’s new EV6 was unveiled to the world, the South Korean automaker has recently revealed what this new all-electric crossover will actually look like, both inside and outside, through a series of teaser pictures.
Set to be officially unveiled in a couple of weeks, Kia’s first dedicated BEV has been slated to set the tone for its new ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy. A deeper dive into the marketing jargon behind this corporate design direction that is set to appear in all of its future models can be found in the press release below, but what is perhaps a better topic of discussion here is how this EV6 looks in particular.
Sitting on the same E-GMP all-electric platform the IONIQ 5, the EV6 and its sister car does share some similarities in terms of its general crossover-esque profile. While the new IONIQ follows a more straight-edged cyberpunk design though, the Kia has opted for a sleeker, curvier (dare I say it more conventional car-like) design instead.
To further elaborate on that aforementioned point, the EV6’s new LED light signature that makes up its ‘Digital Tiger Face’ is in essence just an evolution of the what the South Korean automaker’s existing conventional ‘Tiger Nose Grille’ corporate face. Moreover, while the IONIQ 5 features wildly creased wheel arches as a design touch, the Kia instead goes down the route of simpler black plastic wheel arches to complement the more rounded, sloping bonnet.
Now before getting the impression that the Kia is the plain Jane sibling to the IONIQ 5, the EV6 does have a few tricks up its sleeves design-wise down the side and round the back. Starting from the side, among the highlights that the Kia brings to the table includes a steeply raked windshield, a floating roof (courtesy of black A-pillars and a black accent trim on the thick C-pillar) and bold haunches on either end that contain large dual-tone alloys. All of which aids in helping the EV6 look like a much sportier, proposition than its boxy IONIQ sibling.
As for the back meanwhile, Kia has gone for a rather radically styled full-width rear light bar lighting signature that runs along the integrated duck tail-esque rear spoiler sitting just beneath the sloping I-Pace-esque rear window. Other design touches round the rear mentioning are the prominent rear roof spoiler, a sleek rear diffuser into the black rear bumper and the large new Kia corporate logo that is situated centrally within the tailgate of the EV6.
Moving inside the EV6, the interior is a blend of current Kia cabins and a few design touches carried over from its IONIQ 5 sibling. Kicking things off on the Kia front first, this all-electric crossover features a similar curvy dashboard architecture, the same twin curve screen layout and full-width air vents as seen on other recent models from the South Korean automaker.
Interior bits its shared with the IONIQ on the other hand looks to be the movable centre console idea, haptic button HVAC settings and presumably even the slim seat design that features recycled fabric upholstery. Then again though, what is uniquely EV6 here is the stuff on top of the centre console like the rotary gear knob and cup holders, as well as the Genesis-esque twin-spoke steering wheel.
Further details regarding the powertrain and other tech highlights are still under wraps by Kia at the moment till its launch later this month, though it is perhaps not too hard to predict that what is currently to be found in the newly launched IONIQ 5 will make its way into the EV6 too. This therefore should include the 800-V ultra-rapid charging capability, as well as the innovative Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) device charging feature.
PRESS RELEASE: Kia Corporation has today revealed the first images of the exterior and interior design of EV6, its first dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV), ahead of the car’s world premiere in March.
EV6 was designed under the brand’s new design philosophy ‘Opposites United’, which takes inspiration from the contrasts found in nature and humanity. At the center of the design philosophy is a new visual identity evoking positive forces and natural energy, with contrasting combinations of sharp stylistic elements and sculptural shapes.
Boasting a distinctive crossover-inspired design and based on the brand’s new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), EV6 is Kia’s first dedicated BEV to be influenced by the new design philosophy, which embodies Kia’s shifting focus towards electrification.
“EV6, as the first dedicated Kia EV, is a showcase of human-centered, progressive design and electrified power. We strongly believe EV6 is a compelling and relevant model for the new EV market,” said Karim Habib, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Design Center. “With EV6 we aimed to create a distinctive, impactful design by using a combination of sophisticated, high-tech features on pure and rich volumes, while providing a unique space as a futuristic EV.”
Opposites United: a design philosophy for all future Kia vehicles
The Opposites United design philosophy makes its debut on EV6, and will inform the design of all future Kia models. The philosophy is based on five key design pillars: ‘Bold for Nature’, ‘Joy for Reason’, ‘Power to Progress’, ‘Technology for Life’, and ‘Tension for Serenity’.
- Bold for Nature is based on interaction with nature, informed by the details, shapes and proportions found both in the natural and human worlds. This design pillar creates organic, yet technical structures and finishes for vehicle interiors; exterior designs are characterized by a combination of clear and simple lines with bold, ever-changing surfaces.
- Joy for Reason focuses on the feel and ambience of Kia’s future vehicles. Future designs will fuse the emotional with the rational, creating vehicles that influence the mood of passengers, by relaxing and inspiring. It will also influence the adoption of new organic materials and more daring colors, expressing a sense of youth and playfulness.
- Power to Progress builds on the brand’s current design strengths. By drawing on and developing the skills and expertise learned throughout Kia’s recent era of design-led transformation, the designs and layouts of the brand’s future products will continue to evolve. Future designs will draw on experience and creativity to invent and innovate new designs.
- Technology for Life embraces new technologies and innovations to foster positive interactions between humans and machines. The brand’s future vehicles will adopt a next-generation in-car user experience (UX) through design and innovation and advancements in lighting, feel and in-car connectivity – to help customers engage with their cars.
- Tension for Serenity evokes the tension between opposing forces and creative contrasts, and recognizes the design equilibrium that comes from two opposing forces. It delivers striking design concepts that use sharp, highly technical details to create surface tension – and realize a harmonized, future-oriented design vision.
“We want our products to deliver an instinctive and natural experience that improves the daily lives of our customers. Our aim is to design the physical experience of our brand and to create original, inventive, and exciting electric vehicles. The ideas of our designers and the purpose of the brand are becoming more connected than ever, with our customers at the center of what we do and influencing every decision that we make,” added Karim Habib.
Exterior design: a future-oriented EV design characterized by high-tech details
The exterior design of EV6 is a powerful representation of ‘Power to Progress’. An evolution of the brand’s strengths in design, EV6 is a culmination of skills and expertise collected throughout Kia’s design-led transformation; investigating the future and beyond.
At the front, characteristic daytime running lights display a sleek, modern appearance. They form part of the car’s ‘Digital Tiger Face’, a design progression evoking the spirit of Kia’s ‘Tiger Nose Grille’ for the electrified era. The design of the lamps also includes a ‘sequential’ dynamic light pattern. Below this, a low air intake visually widens the front of the car, accentuating its high-tech image. Part of the optimization of air flow from the front, the air is channeled through and under the car’s flat floor for optimum aerodynamics.
The side profile displays a crossover-inspired design aesthetic, which is modern, sleek and aerodynamic. This contrasts with sharp lines and high-tech details to create a sense of tension in the design. A swept-back windshield provides dynamism and purpose, while bold rear haunches add volume. A character line runs along the bottom of the doors curving upwards towards the rear wheel arches, visually elongating the profile of the car.
Designed in part to realize ultimate aerodynamic performance, the rear displays a sloping rear C-pillar with an integrated black glossy insert which visually widens the window glass. Above this sits a prominent roof spoiler that channels air downwards towards a raised lower spoiler which sits atop the car’s unique rear light cluster.
EV6 is the result of a collaborative effort between all three studios in Kia’s global design network in Namyang (Korea), Frankfurt (Germany), and Irvine (California, US).
Interior design: a modern and spacious interior for the EV era
A distinct product of the EV era, the interior design is liberated by Kia’s dedicated E-GMP platform, which offers increased space compared to previous Kia EVs based on existing model architecture. EV6’s interior design profiles an innovative use of space, creating a unique spatial and driving experience.
One of the most striking elements of the new interior is a seamless high-tech curved high-definition audio visual and navigation (AVN) screen. The simple form language of the wide curved screen and the slim dashboard give the space an open feel. Extending from the steering wheel across to the center of the car, it displays an instrument cluster 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 minimal number of physical buttons offer an uncluttered and soothing driving experience.
Underneath the AVN screen, passengers control HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) settings by using haptic ‘buttons’, while below this panel, the dashboard slopes away towards the front of the car, creating a sense of space and openness for the front-seat passengers.
The seats are slim, lightweight and contemporary, and clad in modern, visually interesting and robust fabrics created using recycled plastics, which create yet greater openness in the cabin.
EV6 will make its world premiere in March 2021, during a special online event.
