Kia EV6 showcases dramatic new design philosophy with flagship EV

Kia has lifted the metaphorical covers off its first bespoke EV, the EV6, showcasing in full the dramatic new styling direction which will define its forthcoming electric vehicles. The design overhaul isn’t just external; a sharp new interior brings more than a bit of luxury to the Kia EV6.

You’ve got to hand it to Kia. Less than a week since it teased us with some exterior detail shots of its first purpose-built EV it has pulled the covers off altogether on the EV6 and got our attention all over again. What it has uncovered is the manifestation of Kia’s all-new design philosophy which will extend to all future vehicles.

Called ‘Opposites United’, it “takes inspiration from the contrasts found in nature and humanity”. Contrasting combinations of sharp stylish elements and sculptural shapes supposedly evoke positive forces and natural energy.

So far, so woolly.

‘Opposites united’ has five design pillars: Bold for nature, joy for reason, power to progress, technology for life and tension for serenity. Each of these has a rationale behind it, but in all honesty we are much better off looking at the Kia EV6 and appreciating the form it has taken, rather than the philosophy that got it there.

Up front, the car’s front end is an evolution on the brand’s ‘tiger nose grille’ which was first introduced in 2008 under designer Peter Schreyer and has been updated ever since. On the EV6, the car’s new daytime running lights and aerodynamically focussed air intakes create a new ‘digital tiger face’.

In profile, the Kia EV6 has a heavily raked windscreen and a high waistline which, combined with large haunches and a prominent character line, defy the car’s crossover credentials. Whilst we’ll reserve judgement until we see it in the metal, the images make it look far more hunkered down than a traditional crossover. At the rear, there are two spoilers which help with aerodynamics, and unique rear light clusters.

Inside the EV6 is a treat for the eyes, even compared to Kia’s most recent ICE and EV releases. The images tell much of the story, but the curved high-definition audio visual and navigation screen looks like it will integrate well with the digital instrument display. There’s a clear orientation of controls towards the driver, and it looks like a nice place to be.

Full details of the Kia EV6 will be made public at its official reveal next week.