EV Owner Episode 1 - An iPace Driver drives a Kia EV6

My iPace has to go back in February. As part of considering what my next car should be I test drove a Kia EV6 GT Line S RWD- what did I think?
This was in no way a professional video shoot. I had about 15 minutes notice of the test drive and just grabbed some cameras and ran.
I'll also apologise for my slightly dishevelled appearance (same 15 minute reason).

[@kiae-nirodiariesencore4270]

Interesting that the EV6 has been voted the Premium Car of the Year...in Germany! We have owned a Kia e-Niro since March 2019 which is the perfect size for our retired lifestyle in rural France...having owned VW’s. Volvo’s and BMW company cars in my working life I have been impressed with the build quality of the e-Niro after 55,000 km. The EV6 is an altogether bigger and more impressive car and according to Kia dealers I have spoken with in France and in the UK, orders are being placed by drivers who are currently driving Audi, JLR, BMW and Mercedes products...Kia really are a class act these days.

[@EVOwner]

Definitely felt it was a premium product

[@royjudge7681]

It really comes through that you still prefer the iPace, but appreciate the tour of the kia. Happy to keep my iPace for another 3 years!

[@chills996]

Thanks for the review. I’m coming from a few years living with a Tesla Model S and have just put a deposit down on the AWD GT Line S version. Looking forward to it although it seems it’s gonna be quite a wait, sadly. As you said, you get a lot for the money incl. things Tesla’s don’t have like the HUD, Apple CarPlay. Never thought I’d be buying a Kia.

[@EVOwner]

Having driven a few Model S in the past it does seem really competitive.

[@johnminshall242]

EV6 is probably my current favourite around the £45-50k mark; used to love the i-PACE - and it’s still a great car - but a little feisty on price for me, especially as Jaguar now need to upgrade it’s range and recharge capabilities.

[@cupidstunt22]

The rear view mirrors in the dash are excellent.

[@patryksobanski473]

We have had our HSE 400 I-Pace on 20-inch wheels In Firenze Red for almost 2 years now - it replaced Audi A8 3.0 TDI as a main daily driver of my parents. I have a chance to drive it almost on a daily basis. Importantly, our car has been trouble-free (0 problems with software). On Thursday I drove EV6 RWD GT-Line and I drove for this test in our Jaguar. I agree with you that this is a great car and in my opinion, it beats the likes of Mustang Mach-E, IX3, or Tesla Model Y (great efficiency but mediocre suspension and quality). It is even better than I-Pace when it comes to gadgets and gizmos and infotainment in general. Having said that, it drives very well but Jaguar is still way superior when it comes to handling and comfort (our car has air suspension). For us, it is worth the premium over Kia. The general quality of the interior also is noticeably better than in EV6. Many people have mentioned that AWD version is as fast as I-Pace 400 whereas real-world data implies that is not the case(of course GT Version blows Jag out of the water). In general, my parents would still choose Jaguar. Having said that, Kia is so good that I am thinking about replacing my Audi A5 Sportback with EV6 AWD GT-Line in Yacht Blue. Greetings from Poland

[@EVOwner]

I'm not expecting the awd to be as quick as the iPace in sport mode but it should be pretty close to the iPace in normal mode when the EV6 is in sport mode if that makes sense. I think interior quality is very much a personal opinion.

[@alfredbarrow1543]

Your review of the Kea was informative and I hope you review the all wheel drive version, keep up the good work. Garry, 3 months ago my I-Pace was damaged (while it was parked at a Tesco store). I had it assessed for repair and booked in to a garage that specialises repairing Jaguars' (December 2021). The repair had to be cancelled because the 2 parts that are needed for the nearside rear quarter are out of stock and there is no date for them to be delivered. So JLR has lost my respect and the EV6 is on my shortlist.

[@EVOwner]

I will definitely do a video on the AWD if I can get my hands on one.

[@slartybartfarst9737]

Brilliant review. I drive Tesla Model S p85 2014 now 125,000 uk mile. I tested the Hyundai 5 and it was great, if I ever moved from Tesla it would be to the EV6 have to test one out but there are a lot of people I know looking at this EV, as you say BMW, Audi. Merc, Alfa drivers considering. What a surprise KIA use your quality processes and great warranty put your stuffy design away come up with compelling EV goods and you will have people queuing up.

[@whistling_jim]

Thank you. Best review of the EV6 I have seen so far.

[@EVOwner]

Thanks David not sure I would go that far but appreciate the compliment

[@myopenmind527]

Couldn’t agree more. Superb drive. Fun to drive too. Very comfortable and highly specified. Went for the GT line with the heads up display. Can’t fault it.

[@EVOwner]

Good to hear

[@beemer4950]

I test drove the very same car, then ordered one! A long painful wait though 😩

[@EVOwner]

What spec did you go for?

[@beemer4950]

@@EVOwner The same GTLS but in red

[@TheEVside]

great vid, this is next on my list for test drives

[@EVOwner]

Thanks. Was all a bit mad getting setup for it and had some issues with camera mounts so not my best cinematography :-). Looking forward to yours.

[@nikosterizakis]

It is funny that you noticed and mentioned the same things about this car as an iPace owner as I did: the lack of configurability on the main dashboard and the lack of a map there. I am also considering the EV6 GT when it comes out end of 2022 and the only other thing that might stop me from getting it is the quote for manual seat adjustments on the GT’s sports bucket seats. Finally, not sure if you tried it, but can you set it up so that it is not in ‘forward creep’ mode, like the iPace? I was told that you cannot and did not have time to play with settings on my test drive.

[@EVOwner]

I think if autohold is on it comes to a complete stop and doesn't creep. Didn't really play with that. The seats (and time to order) are what puts me off the GT but the GT Line S AWD is probably good enough.

[@grahamtuck6959]

Yes you can set it to have nav directions and display on the main drivers screen. When a destination is set just toggle the left hand switching on the steering wheel to display.

[@leedorey1490]

Loving my EV6, came from Tesla 3 LR. So nice to have all the info in line of sight again.

[@karengill8234]

Nice review. Many thanks. A 32 week wait for my ordered GT Line s. …..

[@EVOwner]

A long time to build up anticipation. Hopefully you will love it.

[@73av8r5]

Thanks for the video. Looking at this or the Ioniq5 as my first EV 👍🏻

[@EVOwner]

Very welcome. Both are very good cars.

[@logicpro8382]

It goes even faster if you turn regen off or to its lowest setting! I mean proper quick!. Raced an Audi S3 which belonged to a friend on a back road the other day, kind of building site road that’s never used, new road, S3 was waaaaay behind. EV6 is a rocket ship.

[@EVOwner]

That is interesting. Can't think why regen would slow it down

[@EVgeek.]

Seriously considering this one. Do you know if you can have the 360 cam view on when going forwards?

[@EVOwner]

My friend Brian did a great video on that kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZPXamegr7Z-mbc - you can with some limits

[@bugsbeeware]

I have a first edition I Pace - Photon Red- and am seriously considering the change as soon as we have a GT S available in the US. The I Pace is gorgeous, but horrible in consistency with properly functioning features, screens, sensors, etc. As an example, If I want to make a right hand turn, my LKA will randomly nudge me back to the left even though my blinker is on. The parking sensors will start beeping after I've already stopped to park. I don't feel that the safety features in this car work consistently enough to keep me safe. :(

[@dcvariousvids8082]

Both Hyundai & Kia EVs are configured, so that both LKA & LFA are on every time the vehicles are switched on or the driver’s seat is sat on. You can switch them off but you have to go through menus, every single time you want either the LKA or LFA or both off. But if you’ve been driving and hop out to help someone with something or to load the boot, the vehicle will reset both the LKA & LFA to being on. I don’t think they have driver preferences, e.g. seat position, mirrors, until you get to the higher spec. options. Also, you can deactivate the beeps or bongs.

[@bugsbeeware]

@@dcvariousvids8082Yes, I did notice the LKA is on with every turn on cycle. I just wish it worked properly and I wouldn't have an issue with it. :) If I have my right blinker on to lane change to the right, why does the car nudge me to the left? You would think if the blinker is on, it would override the LKA. Very odd. Many of the sensors on this IPACE are unpredictable like this.

[@112deeps]

I wonder if the refreshed 2021 with upgraded Pivi Pro has improved the I Pace significantly. It's probably due for full update soon.

[@112deeps]

Charger cable in the Frunk! I ordered E-Soul for London as every other cars is large SUV & parking places still made for smaller cars. I am quite interested in EV Genesis GV60 which is a tad shorter....

[@EVOwner]

Makes a lot of sense. I drove my iPace through London a few weeks back and it was a challenge

[@bigdi77]

also kia rated the 0 to 60 at 4.6 but I always get around 4.5 4.4

[@bigdi77]

I get 4.5 4.6 to 60 on my gt line

[@gerradwalker6222]

So how do you like this vs the I Pace?

[@EVOwner]

Handling and refinement slightly worse than the iPace. Performance on a par. Practicality and tech better. Range is the big difference it is amazing how much difference consistently having 40 miles more range makes

[@adamclancey]

I think I may have driven that exact car, I think Kia Boongate only have that one test car.

[@EVOwner]

Very probably.

[@EVOwner]

What did you think?

[@adamclancey]

I’ve ordered a GT Line S AWD, although I keep going back and between that and an older Tesla Model S

[@davidvestey6014]

Nice comparison, thanks but the real question I think is new EV6 or second hand iPace? Then they both cost about £45k

[@EVOwner]

That is a really interesting comparison. Might depend on the warranty on the iPace.

[@dcvariousvids8082]

Did you try adjusting the HVAC while driving?

[@EVOwner]

I only really adjusted temperature which was easy with the control knob. I did managed to toggle between nav controls and hvac controls which was easier than I thought it would be.

[@myopenmind527]

It’s not an issue and quite intuitive.

[@iansaint3503]

You said that you were really disappointed with the economy, but that's because you were driving it in sport mode. It's a lot better in economy and the performance is only slightly worse in terms of acceleration and handling.

[@EVOwner]

I wouldnt have said really disappointed. I was a little but I did make the point that I thought the car had been thrashed by other test drivers. Fair point that I had switched to sport mode and done that acceleration test. I expect real world would have been a lot better.

[@peterbrown1300]

I test drove both, looking to change from an Audi Diesel - so I’d say I’m neutral. The EV6 is miles better. There’s just no comparison. Maybe it’s because the EV 6 I drive was the 4wd version, but it seems wrong to even compare them. The EV6 is an outstanding vehicle.

[@matthewstanton9633]

Can't believe this I am an I pace driver seriously thinking of buying this for the misses to

[@EVOwner]

Which version? It is seriously impressive. I honestly believe if it had one of the so called premium brands' badges on the front no one would bat an eyelid.

[@matthewstanton9633]

@@EVOwner I had thought of going for the ev6 Gt to replace my I Pace but I am currently looking at a taycan gts turismo. I am very disappointed Jag hasn't yet produced an SVR version of the I pace they would easily keep me as a customer. My wife would be replacing her diesel F pace with Ev6. Priority would probably be more range so we could drive c to and from Derby to North Wales(a relative fast charging desert) more easily so the rwd drive version seems the sensible option. But for me the 326 bhp 4 wheel drive version would be best especially if it gives the promised 316 range

[@EVOwner]

​@@matthewstanton9633 Jag is slipping behind the curve here which is a shame as they were very much ahead with the iPace. The iPace is still the best I have ever driven. The GT seems really exciting but perhaps a little lacking in creature comforts for me. Perhaps V2 I think Derby to North Wales should be comfortable in the RWD Hope you have all your Arms and Legs = you will need them for the Taycan to spec it close to the iPace :-)

[@matthewstanton9633]

@@EVOwner Thanks Garry I saw you're channel very early on in my I Pace ownership and it was a great help I went from a high mileage RS4 to the the I pace and found it easily as quick in a straight line. Yes the porsche is v expensive but luckily for me I will be retaining all arms and legs. I am currently renovating a cottage in North Wales and I am going to do the odd trip there and back (ie 300 mile round trip) I am also hoping to install literally the only 7kw home charger in the village (there's a cheap joke in there somewhere). Yes it's very disappointing about jag we looked at a diesel F pace hybrid but it suffers the same fate as all hybrids with a drastically reduced boot space. Too high for the dog as well

[@alexhaddock4554]

Definitely a good car, though had the opposite view of the rear when saw it in the flesh. Personally prefer the looks of the sister Ioniq 5 though shame no GT version of that yet. Perhaps in 4 years when the Taycan CT has annihilated my finances…

[@timallen6324]

Great video... although one slight bit of advice is trim your nasal hair 🤢

[@EVOwner]

Usually do :-) yes that camera angle did emphasise it 😀 I wasn't in best order that day

[@timallen6324]

@@EVOwner haha no worries just my crap sense of humour. I'm test driving an EV6 tomorrow and can't wait!

[@EVOwner]

@@timallen6324 yeah I got it was humour.

[@philjonescrosby]

Commentary mostly inaudible. Therefore a waste of time.

[@EVOwner]

Odd Phil. I've not had any other complaints on this one.

[@112deeps]

All good on blue tooth ear buds

[@moderatesunited]

0-60 in the ev6 with awd is 4.5. 0-60 in the ipace is 4.5. EV6 in the US is $52k. Ipace $71k. Range is higher in the Kia. Only nationalist Brits would choose an ipace (which is Indian anyway). There is no choice. Only a fool would pick the Jag. Unless you're trying to get laid by telling women you drive a jag. Maybe that's worth burning your money.

[@karengill8234]

Nice review. Many thanks. A 32 week wait for my ordered GT Line s. …..

[@EVOwner]

I suspect it will be worth the wait

[@myopenmind527]

Mine arrived early. Hang in there, it’s worth the wait.