Car Reviews
Kia’s EV6 GT-Line – The Da Vinci Code…And Mona Lisa Smile
Kia’s EV6 GT-Line
The Da Vinci Code…And Mona Lisa Smile
Los Angeles, CA – The confluence of art and science isn’t new; in fact, that confluence is almost as old as the two distinct disciplines. The work of one of its historic practitioners, Leonardo Da Vinci, is currently on display – through September 2nd – at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Coincidentally, Kia’s new(ish) EV6 was available for the 40-minute drive from my zip code in Santa Clarita to Leo’s temporary zip code in LA; in short, we used Kia’s take on art and science to see Da Vinci’s multiple examples of art and science.
Da Vinci is legendary for both his art and his inventiveness. The Science Center’s emphasis is (understandably) on that inventiveness, from models for flying machines to rapid-fire cannons; attention is also given, however, to both Da Vinci’s Last Supper and his portraiture, the most famous of which is the Mona Lisa. With Da Vinci’s amazing output in both art and science, you gotta’ believe he’d be impressed with Kia’s 4-door, 5-passenger electrified hatch. Kia positions its EV6 as an electric crossover, while Leo would undoubtedly describe it as bellissimo!
Sharing much of its platform with Hyundai’s Ioniq 5, the Kia’s overall shape is far more organic than its Hyundai cousin, more art – if you will – than straight-edged science. And while the Kia’s overall length is but one inch shorter than the Ioniq 5’s 186 inches, the EV6 wheelbase is a full four inches shorter, a nod – I’ll guess – to maneuverability. While the angularity of the Hyundai suggests a larger, more severe GTI, the EV6 looks to be a 4-door supercar, with a penetrating nose fronted by an almost Mona Lisa smile(!), and it concludes – somewhat abruptly – with an upswept rear. And the Kia EV’s performance imagery is only amplified by our test vehicle’s Yacht Blue.
If I found myself on the product team, I’d suggest just one change: Rather than the 20-inch alloys fitted to our GT-Line trim I’d opt for something simpler, more elemental. The 19-inchers on lower EV6 trims would be a start, but something more retro – Porsche-like Fuchs? Ferrari’s Cromodoras? – would be even better.
Inside, the driver and front passenger are greeted by dual 12.3-inch screens providing a panoramic display with – of course! – navigation. Sound is provided by Meridian, climate control is dual-zone (and supplemented by rear vents and heated/ventilated front seats) and seating material is a synthetic leather Kia dubs SynTex; that’s not to be confused with the sin tax.
The GT-Line also provides its owner/user/borrower a power sunroof, power liftgate, and a pre-wired towing package with 2,300 pounds of capability. That’s probably not enough capacity to tow an electric boat, but then, if your e-boat sinks you’ll be electrocuted. Right?
Under the hood is a smallish frunk, and buried beneath it is the front motor, supplemented in all-wheel drive variants with a rear motor. In the GT-Line the combo delivers 320 combined horsepower, 446 lb-ft of torque and a published 0-60 capability of 5.1 seconds. Maximum speed is a modest 117, but then, that modest 117 will get you an immodest amount of jail time.
Better than the stats is the absolutely sublime way Kia’s EV platform goes about its business; all of that responsiveness is beautifully controlled by the EV6’s steering, braking and all-independent suspension. It’s a totally upscale proposition in what remains – even with a window sticker of just under $60K (less incentives) – an almost-accessible price point. Pricing on the EV6 ranges from $42,500 to almost $62K for the high-performance GT. There’s something here for everyone, and I think both aspects of Da Vinci’s résumé – art and science – would be fulfilled. Although, in the early 16th century, he’d probably be anxious about recharging. Even with his iconic work for the Church, without a 240 outlet…he wouldn’t have a prayer.
