The Kia EV6 was initially listed for consideration for the top award alongside over sixty models that launched during 2021. In November, the COTY jury whittled this longlist down to a seven-strong shortlist, six of which were electric vehicles (EVs), further demonstrating the growing importance of electric vehicles to consumers as society transitions towards a new mobility future.
From making the shortlist, the EV6 successfully fought off competition from the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Skoda Enyaq iV, Cupra Born, Renault Megane E-Tech and Peugeot 308 to be crowned 2022 European Car of the Year.
The EV6 is Kia’s first dedicated EV to
be based on the company’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP).
This high-tech architecture ensures the EV6 eliminates the many
compromises faced by EVs that are created on platforms initially
designed to accommodate internal combustion engine vehicles. As a result
of its E-GMP underpinnings, the EV6 has a class-leading interior space,
a highly impressive 528 km driving range and 800V ultra-fast charging
capabilities that enables customers to carry out a 10 to 80 percent
charge in just 18 minutes.
Signifying its high-tech positioning,
the EV6 was the first global model to incorporate Kia’s new design
philosophy ‘Opposites United’ which takes inspiration from the contrasts
found in nature and humanity. At the center of the design philosophy is
a new visual identity evoking positive forces and natural energy, with
contrasting combinations of sharp stylistic elements and sculptural
shapes.
The 2022 European Car of the Year award is the latest in a
growing number of globally renowned awards bestowed on the EV6 since
its introduction last year. Other titles recently claimed include: 2022
Irish Car of the Year; 2022 What Car? Car of the Year; Crossover of the
Year at the TopGear.com 2021 awards; Premium winner in the German Car of
the Year 2022 awards; and joint winner of the inaugural Best Cars of
the Year 2021/2022 awards.
The EV6 is the first of seven
dedicated EV models Kia plans to launch by 2026. The all-electric
crossover will play a key role in the company’s plans to become a
leading global sustainable mobility solutions provider.
