• Low-slung seating position
• No reach adjustment to steering wheel
• Heating and stereo controls are fiddly

How is the quality and layout?

Electric car manufacturers are often quick to tout large, flat floors and the absence of exhausts and driveshafts beneath as benefits of battery power.

Yes, there’s a flat floor in the EV6, but inevitably there’s also a large console separating the two halves of the car – notice, though, the large space beneath the gear selector and cup holders where smartphones can be stowed.

You get a wide curved screen that looks more integrated than the ‘big tablet computer plonked on the dash’ so many firms have adopted. The panel of buttons beneath the screen is a touch-sensitive display, giving you the option of swapping between air-con controls and navigation quick-action buttons. Stylish and surprisingly effective, there’s no escaping the fact they’re fiddly and you need to take your eyes off the road to use them – best use the voice control function instead. Quality and materials used are better than the Tesla Model 3, although it’s not as stylish inside.

Modern environmentally friendly materials feature throughout, as you’d expect, and given Kia’s track record for making solid interiors we can confirm that the EV6 blends futurism and practicality well. Like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the EV6 also has seats that recline (including the seat base) allowing you to relax if you’re busy charging.

Infotainment and tech

Fast and easy to use, the 12.3-inch centrally mounted infotainment system is a breeze to navigate through. It’s primarily a touchscreen affair, but because the screen is high-mounted, your eyes aren’t required to divert from the the road too much if you use it when driving. It’s a stretch to reach the furthest corners, but the voice control set-up is efficient, so you’ll not be repeating yourself too often.

Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available for those who want to use their smartphone on the move, and the stereo sounds good – punchy and delivering decent bass for music lovers. The optional head up display is large, informative and easy to see regardless of driving position, unlike the cornering cameras which are obscured by the steering wheel when turning.

Comfort

• Roomy interior
• Driving position is good
• ‘Relaxion’ seats recline when charging
  

First impressions of the Kia EV6 is that it’s a light and airy place to spend time, which is both comfortable and roomy for the driver and passengers. If you like a low-slung driving position, the EV6 delivers, while Kia’s ‘relaxion’ seats are firm, supportive and will allow you to cover long-distances without any aches and pains.

There’s a myriad of adjustments to get drivers of all shapes and sizes comfortable, and the driver and front passenger to relax when the EV6 is parked or charging. At the touch of a button, the seats lift and recline, allowing occupants to stretch out, read a book or get some sleep.