The Kia EV6 was a watershed moment for Korean EV design when it launched globally, and the facelift version that arrived in India brings meaningful updates to an already compelling package. Built on the E-GMP platform shared with the Hyundai Ioniq 6, the EV6 Facelift features 800V ultra-fast charging, a revised interior, enhanced ADAS, and a GT variant that delivers supercar-baiting acceleration. In India, where it competes with the BYD Seal and imported European EVs, the EV6 Facelift makes a strong case for itself.
Quick Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 77.4 kWh |
| ARAI Range | 708 km (RWD Standard) |
| Real-World Range | 500–540 km (RWD) / 450–480 km (AWD GT) |
| Motor Power | 168 kW / 225 bhp (RWD) | 430 kW / 577 bhp (GT) |
| Torque | 350 Nm (RWD) | 740 Nm (GT) |
| Drive Type | RWD / AWD |
| DC Fast Charging | 800V / 240 kW (Ioniq 5-compatible) |
| Charge Time (10–80%) | ~18 min (800V charger) |
| Boot Space | 490 litres + 52L frunk |
| Ex-showroom Price (Delhi) | ₹60.95 lakh – ₹65.95 lakh |
Design & Exterior
The EV6 Facelift retains the striking cross-over coupe silhouette that made the original so head-turning, with refinements to the front and rear lighting signatures. The full-width LED light bar at the front is now more sculptural, and the horizontal DRL design creates a wider, more imposing look. The rear gets a similarly revised tail-light signature. The EV6’s drag coefficient of 0.28 Cd remains among the lowest for a production car of this type, which directly benefits real-world range. The GT variant adds larger alloy wheels, Brembo brake calipers in lime yellow, and a subtle body kit that visually communicates its performance intent without being brash.
Interior & Cabin Technology
The cabin has been meaningfully upgraded in the facelift. A new 12.3-inch curved screen replaces the previous layout, and the physical HVAC controls — wisely retained — are now illuminated for easier night operation. The overall quality of materials is excellent, with sustainable fabric options alongside leather. Kia’s ccNC (Connected Car Navigation Cockpit) software is now faster and more intuitive. The GT variant gets dedicated sport seats with integrated headrests and electric lumbar adjustment. Over-the-air updates are standard across all variants. The flat floor and long wheelbase (2,900 mm) ensure excellent legroom in the rear — comparable to a large luxury sedan.
Battery & Range
The EV6 Facelift’s 77.4 kWh battery delivers genuine long-range credentials. On our test route from Delhi to Agra and back (360 km round trip), the RWD variant completed the journey on a single charge with 180 km of remaining range — comfortably covering the entire trip without a charge stop. City driving in Delhi returned an exceptional 7.2 km/kWh. Highway driving at 100–110 km/h returned 6.5 km/kWh. The E-GMP battery management system pre-conditions the battery automatically when navigation is directed to a fast charger — improving charge acceptance significantly.
Charging Infrastructure & Speed
The headline feature of the EV6 Facelift is its 800V charging architecture, enabling up to 240 kW DC fast charging — the fastest available in any production car sold in India. On a compatible 240 kW charger (rare in India currently), 10–80% takes approximately 18 minutes. On the more common 50 kW public chargers, the EV6’s built-in AC/DC converter allows it to use these at full 50 kW speed. Kia India is working with ChargeZone to install 100+ kW chargers at key locations. The EV6 also supports V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) and V2L capability. A unique plug-and-charge feature authenticates automatically at compatible OCPP 2.0 chargers without requiring an app or RFID card.
Performance & Driving Experience
The standard RWD EV6 is brisk and refined — 0–100 in 7.3 seconds with a linear, confidence-inspiring power delivery. The GT, however, is in a completely different universe: 0–100 km/h in 3.5 seconds, 577 bhp, 740 Nm, and a drift mode (yes, really) that allows controlled rear-wheel slides on a closed surface. The Electronic Limited Slip Differential (eLSD) on the GT manages torque vectoring brilliantly. Five driving modes — Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow, Custom — allow thorough personalisation. Even in everyday Normal mode, the EV6 is a joy to drive on open roads — the steering communicates well, the brake regeneration is smooth, and the overall driving experience is more engaging than most EVs in its class.
Ride & Handling
The EV6 Facelift rides on a fully independent suspension setup with a multi-link rear axle and electronically controlled dampers on GT trim. Ride quality is exceptional: smooth, composed, and unflustered by Indian road surface variations. The GT’s adaptive dampers can be softened for a more comfortable highway cruise or stiffened for spirited corner carving. Even on 21-inch wheels (GT only), the car absorbs road imperfections with impressive grace. The low floor and 77 kg battery spread across the floorpan gives the car a low centre of gravity that makes it feel smaller and more agile than its dimensions suggest.
Safety Features
The EV6 Facelift has earned a 5-star Euro NCAP rating. Safety includes 6 airbags, advanced ADAS Level 2+ with highway driving assist (the car can maintain lane position, speed, and following distance autonomously on highways), intelligent speed assistance, remote smart parking assist, and forward collision avoidance with pedestrian and cyclist recognition. The battery’s multi-layer protection system has passed the strictest global safety tests for thermal management. Over-the-air security updates keep cybersecurity threats patched continuously.
Price, Variants & Running Costs
| Variant | Ex-showroom (Delhi) |
|---|---|
| EV6 Standard RWD | ₹60.95 lakh |
| EV6 GT AWD | ₹65.95 lakh |
Running cost at ₹8/unit: ~₹1.10/km. At 15,000 km annually, savings over a petrol BMW 3 Series can exceed ₹1.8 lakh/year. Kia offers an 8-year / 1.6 lakh km battery warranty and a standard 3-year unlimited km vehicle warranty.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 800V 240 kW ultra-fast charging | Premium price limits buyer pool |
| GT: 3.5s 0–100 with drift mode | 800V chargers rare in India |
| 500+ km real-world range | No sunroof on base variant |
| Highway driving assist (semi-autonomous) | Kia service network smaller than Hyundai/Tata |
| Flat floor, excellent rear legroom | Boot reduced by fastback design |
Verdict
The Kia EV6 Facelift is the most technologically advanced electric car available in India under ₹70 lakh. Its 800V architecture, real-world range over 500 km, and the addictive GT performance variant make it a compelling purchase for technology-forward buyers. The limited availability of 800V chargers in India is a near-term limitation, but the car’s flexibility on standard chargers mitigates this. For buyers seeking a premium, long-range EV with world-class performance capability, the EV6 Facelift is the benchmark to beat.
