In a striking display of achievement, Kia America took the spotlight today to unveil the 2023 EV6 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year Limited Edition1 during The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering event. The exclusivity of this edition is emphasized by its planned production of only 1,000 units. This special edition EV6 is a celebratory nod to its recent distinction as the winner in the “Utility Vehicle of the Year” category within the esteemed North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year™ (NACTOY) competition that unfolded in January 2023. This remarkable recognition was bestowed upon the all-electric EV6 due to its exceptional attributes in domains such as automotive innovation, design, and value. The judgment was passed by a panel of 50 automotive experts hailing from various media realms like print, online, radio, and broadcast.
Speaking about the grand reveal, Steven Center, the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of Kia America, shared his thoughts. He expressed, “With the EV6 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year Limited Edition, we have created a rolling testament to the EV6’s tremendous achievement in this year’s NACTOY competition.”
The EV6 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year Limited Edition presents itself as a standout figure, both in its design and its performance. It welcomes an exclusive color palette, featuring the captivating blend of Deep Forest Green over Desert Beige, a unique combination that pays homage to the time-honored style of high-performance vehicles. Inside, the focal point is a specially crafted adornment graced with authentic NACTOY medallions and a tantalizing teaser silhouette of the EV6, strategically positioned next to the gear selector.
Jeff Gilbert, President of North American Car Truck and Utility of the Year and Auto Reporter for WWJ Radio in Detroit, conveyed his feelings about this edition. He stated, “We are honored that Kia has chosen to make this special edition vehicle. Our jurors were impressed by the styling of the EV6. They saw the vehicle as evidence that Kia is becoming a force in the EV movement. It’s a vehicle that jurors found superior to other electric vehicles in many ways, including driving dynamics, price, and ability to charge quickly.”
Underneath its unique exterior lies a robust 77.4 kWh battery accompanied by a 74kW front motor and a potent 165kW rear motor, resulting in a combined power output of 320 horsepower. This dual-motor setup encapsulates elements from both the Wind and GT-Line trims, merging them into a singular offering. Exterior elements in a sleek black finish, such as wheel arch moldings, side treatments, and front and rear fasciae, are borrowed from the EV6 Wind. Meanwhile, feature content sourced from the EV6 GT-Line, including the presence of 20-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, an Augmented Reality Head-Up Display2, a Surround View Monitor3 (SVM), a Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM), and the added luxury of a heated, flat-bottom steering wheel and rear seats4.
Safety is paramount, and the EV6 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year Limited Edition doesn’t skimp in this department. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems5 (ADAS) bring a sense of security, including the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist6 (FCA) and the Highway Driving Assist 27 (HDA 2). FCA lends a helping hand to the driver by intervening with braking maneuvers in certain scenarios to prevent or mitigate collisions with detected vehicles ahead. HDA 2, on the other hand, aids in maintaining a safe distance from the preceding car while keeping the vehicle centered within its lane. Additionally, it offers assistance with lane changes and aligning the car within the lane markers under specific circumstances.
The EV6’s impressive package isn’t limited to power and safety. It boasts the ability for ultra-fast DC charging compatibility and incorporates an onboard power generator8. Inside, a flat-floor layout takes advantage of innovative materials, creating a unique and functional cabin space. Connectivity features abound, ensuring a seamless tech experience, while the integration of Kia’s latest-generation heat pump adds to the overall efficiency of the vehicle by harnessing waste heat from the car’s coolant system.
For those eagerly awaiting the moment they can take the wheel of this exceptional vehicle, pricing details will be disclosed as the vehicle’s on-sale date inches closer later in the year.
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