New Kia EV6 GT pinches key performance feature from the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

• Power increased to 641bhp
• ‘Virtual Gear Shift’ feature from the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
• Updated styling and interior from the regular EV6

A fresh round of upgrades for the Kia EV6 GT has been revealed, bringing updated looks and some performance upgrades under the skin, including the ‘Virtual Gear Shift’ system from the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.

That ‘GT’ badge is an important one. It’s reserved for Kia’s most powerful electric cars, recently appearing on the new Kia EV9 GT. The outgoing EV6 GT was already the most powerful Kia ever built, but the engineers in South Korea have found a way to extract even more performance from the updated model.

Just how fast is the new Kia EV6 GT?

Very, to put it simply. The Kia EV6 GT was already the fastest Kia ever built, but the South Korean brand has decided to up the ante with this update. Power has increased from 577bhp to 601bhp, with a special ‘GT’ mode that unlocks an extra 40bhp on top of that. That puts it in Porsche 911 Turbo S and Ferrari Roma territory.

It’s also an identical power figure to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, the EV6 GT’s sister car. Turn on the launch control system, and the 0-62mph sprint will be over in just 3.5 seconds.

But the new EV6 GT isn’t just about speed. Just like the Ioniq 5 N, the EV6 GT has a neat party piece to impress you and your passengers. It can emulate a petrol performance car, mimicking gear shifts and engine noise through its ‘Virtual Gear Shift’ system. This lets you use the steering wheel paddles to change up and down through fake ‘gears’, complete with a small jolt as the car briefly cuts power like a real petrol car. Of course, you’ll be able to turn this mode off if you’d rather drive the EV6 GT as a conventional EV.

Anything else I need to know?

The EV6 GT still gets the electronic adaptive suspension and rear differential from before, but it hasn’t picked up the Ioniq 5 N’s stiffer suspension system. That means it should be the slightly softer riding of the pair, just like it was before this update.

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There are a few other upgrades carried over from the regular EV6, namely the 84kWh battery. This replaces the old 77kWh unit, which should go some way to improve the old car’s 263-mile range – official UK range figures will be confirmed at a later date. It’s compatible with charging speeds of up to 350kW, meaning a 10-80% top up should take as little as 18 minutes.

There’s new styling too. Kia’s latest ‘Star Map’ headlights are the most obvious change, but there’s also a set of new alloy wheels and different bumpers to differentiate it from the old car. Inside, there’s an updated infotainment system, plus a new steering wheel with a flash of green to mark the 12 o’clock position.

How much does the Kia EV6 GT cost and when can I buy one?

As the EV6 GT has only been revealed in its home market of South Korea so far, UK specs and pricing are still to be confirmed. We’d expect a small price rise over the old model, which started from around £63,000. More UK-specific information should be revealed in 2025.

Looking for a more sensible Kia? Find out more about the new 2025 Kia Sportage…