• The facelifted Kia EV6 GT has been launched in Korea ahead of its US market launch in H1 2025.
  • The performance flagship of the EV6 lineup looks very similar to the milder GT-Line trim.
  • The GT gains a stronger powertrain with up to 645 hp, fake gears, and a larger 84 kWh battery.

Kia has given us our first look at the new GT version of the facelifted EV6 in Korea, introducing a host of styling, tech, and mechanical enhancements over its well-received predecessor.

The refreshed EV6 first debuted in May 2024, with the North American-spec version making its appearance in November at the Los Angeles Auto Show. At the time, Kia only showed us the standard and GT-Line trims, so this marks our first proper look at the flagship GT variant.

Subtle Yet Sporty Upgrades

Predictably, the EV6 GT borrows heavily from the GT-Line trim, sharing the same aggressive bodykit and sleek, slimmer LED lights. But a closer look reveals a few key design flourishes that set the GT apart.

For starters, the GT rolls on an exclusive set of 21-inch alloy wheels, paired with striking lime-green brake calipers. The differences don’t end there—look to the bumper intakes, where the GT sports a unique pattern, alongside a redesigned rear diffuser and vertical reflectors replacing the GT-Line’s horizontal ones.

More: Kia’s Updated 2026 EV6 Adds Range, Tech, And A Fake Gearbox For GT

First Look At 2026 Kia EV6 GT With Ioniq 5 N Power And Simulated Gearbox
The US-spec 2026 Kia EV6 GT-Line (left) compared to the global-spec EV6 GT (right).

The exterior color palette adds further distinction. While the Wolf Gray option grabs attention in the press shots, other hues include Snow White Pearl, Runway Red, Aurora Black Pearl, and the Yacht Matte Blue. Inside, the GT-exclusive “Black & Neon” theme continues the lime-green accents on black leather and suede upholstery.

Tech-wise, the EV6 GT keeps up with modern expectations, adding a curved digital cockpit that integrates dual 12.3-inch displays, augmented reality navigation, and a reworked steering wheel. Sports bucket seats now come with 8-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, making sure you stay planted, comfortable, and cool.

More Power And Simulated Gearbox

In addition to the welcome exterior and interior upgrades, the 2026 Kia EV6 GT benefits from extra grunt and a larger battery, matching the specs of the mechanically related Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.

The dual-motor AWD powertrain produces a combined 601 hp (448 kW / 609 PS) and 740 Nm (546 lb-ft) of torque, which can grow to 645 hp (481 kW / 654 PS) and 770 Nm (568 lb-ft) using the temporary boost function.

First Look At 2026 Kia EV6 GT With Ioniq 5 N Power And Simulated Gearbox

When launch control is activated, the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint can be completed in 3.5 seconds. Despite the extra power (+65 hp and +23 lb-ft), the acceleration figure is identical to the pre-facelifted EV6 GT, making it 0.1 seconds slower than the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.

What sets the EV6 GT apart from the pre-facelift model is the Virtual Gear Shift system borrowed from the Hyundai. Yes, it’s a bit gimmicky, but for those nostalgic for internal combustion drama, this faux gearbox simulates shifts with sound effects and torque modulation. Whether you’ll find it engaging or a novelty that wears thin after a few miles is up for debate—but at least Kia is trying to inject some personality into the EV experience.

Other standard performance goodies include the electronically controlled suspension, and the electronic limited-slip differential (e-LSD).

Range Gains And Familiar Fast-Charging

Last but not least, thanks to a new 84 kWh battery (up from 77.4 kWh), the EV6 GT offers a modest boost in range, now reaching 355 km (221 miles) under Korea’s testing protocols. Official EPA figures haven’t landed yet, but expect something slightly below this mark. As with the previous model, the battery supports 350 kW fast charging, letting you juice up from 10–80% in just under 18 minutes.

Pricing And Availability

The EV6 GT is already available to order in Korea, with North American deliveries scheduled to start in the first half of 2025. Despite the added performance and tech, Kia has held Korean pricing steady at ₩72.2 million ($51,800 after subsidies). Whether the U.S.-spec model will maintain its predecessor’s $61,600 MSRP remains to be seen, but if so, it’ll remain a strong choice for anyone eyeing the upper echelon of performance EVs.

Kia EV6 GT (Korean-spec)
First Look At 2026 Kia EV6 GT With Ioniq 5 N Power And Simulated Gearbox
First Look At 2026 Kia EV6 GT With Ioniq 5 N Power And Simulated Gearbox
First Look At 2026 Kia EV6 GT With Ioniq 5 N Power And Simulated Gearbox
First Look At 2026 Kia EV6 GT With Ioniq 5 N Power And Simulated Gearbox
First Look At 2026 Kia EV6 GT With Ioniq 5 N Power And Simulated Gearbox
First Look At 2026 Kia EV6 GT With Ioniq 5 N Power And Simulated Gearbox
First Look At 2026 Kia EV6 GT With Ioniq 5 N Power And Simulated Gearbox
First Look At 2026 Kia EV6 GT With Ioniq 5 N Power And Simulated Gearbox
First Look At 2026 Kia EV6 GT With Ioniq 5 N Power And Simulated Gearbox
First Look At 2026 Kia EV6 GT With Ioniq 5 N Power And Simulated Gearbox
First Look At 2026 Kia EV6 GT With Ioniq 5 N Power And Simulated Gearbox
First Look At 2026 Kia EV6 GT With Ioniq 5 N Power And Simulated Gearbox
First Look At 2026 Kia EV6 GT With Ioniq 5 N Power And Simulated Gearbox
First Look At 2026 Kia EV6 GT With Ioniq 5 N Power And Simulated Gearbox
First Look At 2026 Kia EV6 GT With Ioniq 5 N Power And Simulated Gearbox
First Look At 2026 Kia EV6 GT With Ioniq 5 N Power And Simulated Gearbox
First Look At 2026 Kia EV6 GT With Ioniq 5 N Power And Simulated Gearbox
First Look At 2026 Kia EV6 GT With Ioniq 5 N Power And Simulated Gearbox
First Look At 2026 Kia EV6 GT With Ioniq 5 N Power And Simulated Gearbox
First Look At 2026 Kia EV6 GT With Ioniq 5 N Power And Simulated Gearbox

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