It’s the fastest-accelerating Kia to date, but can the EV6 GT SUV justify its £62k pricetag – and put a smile on Al Suttie’s face in the process?

Kia EV6 GT

List price (BiK): £61,895 (2%) CO2: 0g/km Economy: 263 miles Test efficiency: 229 miles

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Monday

It’s been a while since I last drove a Kia EV6 and now it’s time for the GT model, which puts the EV6 into contention with some of the biggest hitters in the electric car sector. With 577hp on hand, the GT promises a lot of fast motoring ahead, so it will be intriguing to see if it can rival the likes of Tesla, Mercedes, BMW, Audi, and even the very desirable Porsche Taycan in some respects.

Tuesday

Looks-wise, the EV6 GT appeals to me because it doesn’t shout about its uprated offering over the standard car. It’s one of those sporting models that nods to those who recognise it while not yelling to anyone else. It means I can meander through some villages in the Scottish Borders this morning without raising an eyebrow, or much of a noise, which was not the case recently in a Lamborghini, but that’s another story…

Wednesday

The Porsche Taycan comparison mentioned above is far from unreasonable. A friend has just taken delivery of his Taycan 4S Sport Turismo and loves it dearly. A stint in an EV6 GT gave him an unusual pallor as he experienced the acceleration and thought he might have got the wrong car – if it wasn’t for the Porsche badge and the Taycan’s undoubtedly superb handling, I think he might have been looking into a quick trade-in.

Thursday

You’ve got to admire the silliness of the GT button on the steering wheel of the EV6 GT. Painted in lurid green, a quick prod unleashes the full potential of the car’s power and performance. Yes nobody needs a family hatch that can cover 0-62mph in 3.5 seconds but, strewth, it’s a lot of fun when the opportunity arises. Fortunately, the Kia also handles very well and has strong brakes – which several EVs I’ve driven recently lack in pedal feel.

Friday

Practical stuff in the EV6 GT is just as easy and normal as in the less potent versions of this Kia. Some might feel it could be a bit more standout different inside from the base EV6, but the GT has superbly comfortable sports seats and just enough hints to raise expectations. Also, when Kia has got the basics right with the EV6, why bother changing much for the GT for the sake of it?

Saturday

Range may be a less common question among those not used to EVs, but it is still a consideration. Kia quotes a combined range of 263 miles for the GT, which worked out at 229 miles to empty in my time with the car. That’s okay for a runabout, but in a car as capable of long trips as this, I’d like a lot more. It’s perhaps the only area where a Tesla Model Y Performance has the upper hand over the EV6 GT.

Sunday

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Kia EV6 GT. It’s laugh out loud fast, handles neatly by any standards, and the quality of the car leaves a lasting impression. It isn’t the cheapest option for business users, but think of it as a great-value Porsche or Tesla rival and it makes a lot of sense. I’d have the EV6 GT over a Jaguar i-Pace, but there is the looming spectre of the BYD Seal that’s due soon, which makes for interesting times.