Farewell, ‘tiger nose grille’? New Kia EV6 debuts fresh design language

By: CAR magazine

The new Kia EV6 has been revealed, with the Korean firm’s first dedicated fully electric vehicle also debuting the brand’s latest design language.

While technical details will be released later in March 2021 at an official event, Kia has opted to release a handful of images of the newcomer.

Riding on the latest Electric-Global Modular Platform, the EV6 is described as having a “distinctive crossover-inspired design”, embodying Kia’s “shifting focus towards electrification”. The automaker says this new design philosophy – which it calls “Opposites United” – will “inform the design of all future Kia models”.

Up front, you’ll notice the distinct lack of Kia’s long-time signature “tiger nose grille”. Instead, the company has introduced something it calls the “digital tiger face”, a “design progression evoking the spirit” of the former for the electrified era.

The rear end, which Kia says was “designed in part to realise ultimate aerodynamic performance”, features a sloping C-pillar with an integrated gloss-black insert. The roof spoiler, meanwhile, channels air down towards a raised lower spoiler that sits atop the full-width taillamps.

Inside, the curved high-definition screen dominates the facia, combining both the instrument cluster and the infotainment arrangement. Kia says the “minimal number of physical buttons” offers an “uncluttered” experience. The seats, meanwhile, are “lightweight and contemporary”, and clad in fabrics fashioned from recycled plastics.

“EV6, as the first dedicated Kia EV, is a showcase of human-centred, progressive design and electrified power. We strongly believe EV6 is a compelling and relevant model for the new EV market,” said Karim Habib, senior vice-president and head of Kia’s Global Design Centre.

“With EV6 we aimed to create a distinctive, impactful design by using a combination of sophisticated, high-tech features on pure and rich volumes, while providing a unique space as a futuristic EV.”

Related Articles
G63

Mercedes-AMG G63 Returns Better, Bolder and Electrified