Kia has revealed the first images of the exterior and interior design of EV6, its first dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV), ahead of the car’s world premiere in March.
EV6 was designed under the brand’s new design philosophy ‘Opposites United’, which takes inspiration from the contrasts found in nature and humanity.
EV6 is Kia’s is the brand’s first dedicated BEV to be influenced by the new design philosophy.
New design philosophy
The Opposites United design philosophy makes its debut on EV6 and is based on five key design pillars: ‘Bold for Nature’, ‘Joy for Reason’, ‘Power to Progress’, ‘Technology for Life’, and ‘Tension for Serenity’.
- Bold for Nature is based on interaction with nature. This design pillar creates organic, yet technical structures and finishes for vehicle interiors; exterior designs are characterized by a combination of clear and simple lines with bold, ever-changing surfaces.
- Joy for Reason focuses on the feel and ambience of Kia’s future vehicles. Future designs will fuse the emotional with the rational, creating vehicles that influence the mood of passengers, by relaxing and inspiring.
- Power to Progress builds on the brand’s current design strengths. By drawing on and developing the skills and expertise learned throughout Kia’s recent era of design-led transformation, the designs and layouts of the brand’s future products will continue to evolve.
- Technology for Life embraces new technologies and innovations. The brand’s future vehicles will adopt a next-generation in-car user experience (UX) through design and innovation and advancements in lighting, feel and in-car connectivity.
- Tension for Serenity evokes the tension between opposing forces and creative contrasts and recognizes the design equilibrium that comes from two opposing forces.
Exterior design
At the front, characteristic daytime running lights display a sleek, modern appearance. The design of the lamps also includes a ‘sequential’ dynamic light pattern. Below this, a low air intake visually widens the front of the car.
As part of the optimization of airflow from the front, the air is channelled through and under the car’s flat floor.
The side profile displays a crossover-inspired design aesthetic. A swept-back windshield provides dynamism and purpose, while bold rear haunches add volume.
A character line runs along the bottom of the doors curving upwards towards the rear wheel arches, visually elongating the profile of the car.
The rear displays a sloping rear C-pillar with an integrated black glossy insert which visually widens the window glass.
EV6 is the result of a collaborative effort between all three studios in Kia’s global design network in Namyang (Korea), Frankfurt (Germany), and Irvine (California, US).
Interior design
Kia’s dedicated E-GMP platform offers increased space compared to previous Kia EVs based on existing model architecture.
One of the most striking elements of the new interior is a seamless high-tech curved high-definition audiovisual and navigation (AVN) screen.
Seats are slim and used fabrics are made of recycled plastics.
EV6 will make its world premiere in March 2021, during a special online event.
