Kia confirms sharp pricing for EV6, two models eligible for EV rebate

The first Kia EV6 models have arrived in New Zealand, with the Korean car manufacturer’s local arm announcing pricing at a launch event in Auckland today.

The entry level EV6 Air standard range rear-wheel drive will be priced from $72,990. This sees it qualify for the government’s $8,625 Clean Car Discount rebate for new electric vehicles priced underneath $80,000.

The Air standard range comes with a 58kWh battery, with range rated at approximately 373km per charge. Its power and torque figures are rated at 125kW and 350Nm.

The Air long range rear-wheel drive, the first of the models featuring Kia’s 77.4kWh battery, packs the nameplate’s best range; 528km. It also gets slightly more power, with output rated at 168kW. It’s priced from $78,990, giving Kia two models that qualify for the EV rebate.

At the top of the range are two all-wheel drive variants; the Earth and the GT-Line. Both get the larger battery and a slightly reduced range of 506km per charge. Both are also more powerful, making 239kW/605Nm. The pairing is priced from $94,900 and $106,990, respectively.

All models are available at dealerships now barring the GT-Line, which will land locally in 2023.

Having two models qualify for the rebate gives the EV6 a distinct advantage over some of its biggest competition; including the Tesla Model 3 and its Hyundai cousin the Ioniq 5. Each has just one model priced underneath the $80,000 Clean Car threshold.

Speaking at today’s launch, Kia New Zealand managing director Todd McDonald said he believes the pricing “is appropriate for the market at the moment”.

“The all-new Kia EV6 is synonymous with captivating design, an outstanding all-round experience for driver and passengers, as well as leading EV technology,” McDonald adds.

“It is an attainable entry into the world of electric vehicles and sustainable motoring, one which over-delivers in terms of a dynamic drive, interior spaciousness and embracing world-class features and attributes.”

The EV6 represents Kia’s first dedicated electric vehicle. It’s based on the same E-GMP architecture as the aforementioned Ioniq 5, but features a very different silhouette. While the Ioniq has a clear SUV persuasion, the EV6 blends SUV traits with a slick, Stinger-like lift-back form.

It is the jewel in the crown of Kia New Zealand’s ‘Plan S’ scheme; an internal ‘roadmap’ designed to grow the amount of electrified options in the marque’s range while also focusing on mobility, connectivity, and autonomy solutions.

As part of Plan S, Kia has phased out the Stinger and the pure internal combustion versions of the Sorento.

Standard features across the EV6 range include a full active safety suite that covers lane keep assist, lane follow assist, smart cruise control, and forward collision avoidance assist. Each variant also gets dual 12.3-inch screens inside, a power driver’s seat, and dual-zone climate control.  

All-wheel drive models get ‘Premium Relaxation’ heated and powered front seats and an augmented head-up display. The GT-Line adds a 14-speaker Meridian sound system, 20-inch wheels, and “extra collision avoidance systems”. 

Remote Start Park Assist, and Vehicle to Load (V2L) and Vehicle to Vehicle (V2V) plug charging functionality are optional extras, with GT-Line buyers able to option a sunroof for an additional $3000.