The Kia EV6 GT may look like just another stylish electric vehicle, but it’s a muscle car in disguise. Two electric motors deliver a combined 577 horsepower and enough performance to put it in league with some seriously fast competition. To emphasize the EV6 GT’s sporting intentions, Kia also added a drift mode. 

The Kia EV6 rides on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform and includes DC fast charging. This versatile platform underpins several current Hyundai and Kia electric vehicles, with more on the way. All of these vehicles offer distinctive styles, lots of features, and good performance. However, according to Car and Driver, the EV6 GT is the ‘quickest Kia yet.’   

How fast Is the Kia EV6 GT?

Let’s cut to the chase – according to Kia, the EV6 GT goes from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. Car and Driver thinks that number is a bit conservative and projects a time of 3.2 seconds to 60 mph. The top speed is estimated at 161 mph, making it the second-fastest Kia in existence behind the Stinger GT. Most EVs use a speed limiter to govern top speed in favor of range, but Kia decided to let the EV6 GT run unbridled.    

In its review, Car and Driver noted that the EV6 GT’s accelerator response is slow in Eco mode, allowing the driver to maximize range. It’s possible to drive the car with one pedal. However, when you push the GT button on the steering wheel and mash the pedal, the EV6 GT “creates g-forces that relocate internal organs” as the car fights for traction.     

The GT button also unlocks drift mode, unlocking your inner hooligan. We’re talking Ken Block levels of power on oversteer and tire smoke. The EV6 GT will slide with the tail out, using the rear differential and electric motors to balance on the knife edge of control.       

What is the range of the GT trim? 

Driven more conservatively, the Kia EV6 GT has an estimated range of 206 miles. No official EPA numbers have been posted. However, the 206-mile range should be reasonably accurate based on the European WLTP figure of 263 miles, which uses a mixture of city and highway driving. Using a DC fast-charging station, the EV6 GT can replenish 80% of its range in under 20 minutes.

How much does the Kia EV6 GT cost? 

Pricing is yet to be finalized, but the EV6 GT should start at about $69,000. The car is already on sale in Europe at a comparable price. 

If Kia does bring the EV6 GT to the U.S. for under $70,000, it will be a performance bargain. We’re talking bargain with a capital B because it offers better performance than the Porsche Taycan for less than half the cost.

Should you buy an EV6 GT?

Comparing a Kia to a Porsche is not as far-fetched as it seems. According to Motor1, Kia’s recently discontinued Stinger matched up well with the Porsche Panamera, costing roughly half as much while providing the same level of performance. The MO is the same for both Kia vehicles – offer an excellent car with lots of features and performance at a low price.

There are two big drawbacks to the Kia EV6 GT

The biggest drawback is range. While 206 miles on a charge was good 10 years ago, it’s barely acceptable today. At that distance, if you were to take the EV6 GT on a road trip, you’d have to stop every two to three hours to charge. By comparison, the EV6 Wind AWD trim has an EPA rating of 310 miles. 

That brings us to the second drawback – the EV6 GT itself. While it does compare favorably to the Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model 3, it doesn’t provide the same value as the EV6 Wind AWD. The AWD Wind version of the EV6 has 320 horsepower and goes 0 to 60 MPH in 4.5 seconds. It offers more range than the GT and costs about $16,000 less.

Car and Driver recommends the Kia EV6 Wind AWD as the trim to buy, and we agree. Unless you absolutely, positively have to hit 60 mph in under 3.5 seconds, you won’t miss the GT’s performance. However, you will miss the battery range and the additional $17,000 spent chasing it.