Aside from its Mazda and Peugeot brands, Bermaz has also firmed up its product launch schedule for Kia, having taken over the distributorship in April. There’s a slew of new products being planned for next year, with the biggest confirmation being the EV6.
According to analyst reports from RHB Investment Bank and Kenanga Research, the electric crossover will reach our shores in either the third or fourth quarter of 2022. This would put its introduction well within the timeframe of the proposed tax break on electric vehicles, which is slated to run until the end of 2023.
The EV6 is Kia’s first dedicated electric vehicle, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). It’s closely related to the Hyundai Ioniq 5, albeit with swoopy styling rather than the blocky minimalist design of its sibling. Inside, there’s a large curved display panel sitting atop a clean horizontal dashboard and a tall centre console, plus slim and lightweight seats and an emphasis on recycled materials.
A variety of powertrain configurations are available depending on the battery size. With the smaller 58 kWh lithium-ion unit, the rear electric motor produces 125 kW (168 hp) and 350 Nm of torque, while the all-wheel-drive model uses twin motors to churn out 173 kW (232 hp) and 605 Nm. A maximum range of 394 km is possible with this battery, achievable using the rear-drive car.
Step up to the 77.4 kWh battery and those outputs are boosted to 168 kW (225 hp) and 239 kW (321 hp) for rear- and all-wheel-drive models, with range rated at 528 km and 506 km respectively. At the top of the pile sits the GT, which packs 430 kW (577 hp) and 740 Nm, sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds, has a top speed of 260 km/h and travels up to 424 km on a single charge.
Curiously, the reports also state that Bermaz is planning to introduce a second electric vehicle around the same time, codenamed PBV1. Kia uses the term Purpose-Built Vehicle (PBV) to refer to a range of forthcoming commercial EVs built on a skateboard platform to maximise flexibility, although it remains to be seen if the vehicle the analysts referring to is part of this lineup.
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R.I.P MX-30
better wait for Iriz EV,
No expectation as it will not be cheap. Far from what I afford.
Much rather get this than the hideous vomit inducing Bmw IX.
Much nicer than IX
It will still be expensive even with the tax break and etc. Ordinary Joe might be able to afford a Honda HRV but for this kind of electric car it will be out of reach for most ordinary people as I am estimating it to exceed the RM170,000 mark. I think for most people they will just go with the hybrid concept as it will be affordable. I am using a 2019 City Hybrid which priced at RM92k and to be honest I am pretty satisfied even after using for 3 years. Servicing and etc cost are quite comparable to the normal city and it doesn’t burn a hole in my wallet.
In the US, EV6 cost around USD40k for the base model. That’s a whooping MYR174k. If we take into account the blardy Import + Eksais Duties and SST.. I’m guessing this car will be going on road at MYR250k the very least.
EV cars is just too freaking expensive for a regular Joe in Malaysia to afford. It’s a rich people toy car.
dude electric cars is expensive right now but in the future i give examples 10 years again electric cars it will be 10 times more cheaper than this day just be patient i also want a electric cars like ioniq 5 and ev6 too