Like many modern car makers, Kia is on a mission to electrify its line-up, announcing recently its goal of having 15 EV models available by 2027 and targeting sales of 1.6 million EVs annually by 2030.

The Korean brand’s expanded battery-electric range will include the recently revealed EV9, a large SUV flagship due here later this year that’s built on the company’s dedicated E-GMP electric vehicle platform.

The EV9 will be Kia’s first seven-seater and, in GT-Line trim, its first model to offer Level 3 autonomous driving.

Before then Kia’s local electric halo model is the recently released EV6 GT AWD, a keenly anticipated performance version of the well-received EV6 which lays claim to being the company’s most powerful production car ever.

Less flatteringly perhaps, it’s also the most expensive Kia to date, with a list price of $99,590 that will push it past the $100,000 psychological barrier by the time on-road costs are added.

The wicked-up performance variant joins an existing line-up of three EV6 models, starting with the Air RWD ($72,590), followed by a pair of better-equipped GT-Line models in RWD ($79,590) and AWD ($87,590).

All prices are recommended retail, and none are below the Queensland Government’s $68,000 (including GST) cut-off point for its $6,000 EV rebate.

However, the two rear-wheel drive models do sneak under the Federal Government’s luxury car tax threshold (LCT) of $84,916, meaning they could be eligible for having fringe benefits tax (FBT) and import taxes waived.

The additional $12,000 spend over the EV6 GT-Line AWD for the new hero model buys extra features and technology, as well as a total power output from its twin electric motors that’s a whopping 80% higher than the next most powerful EV6 variant.

The twin-motor GT-Line AWD’s 239kW/605Nm is dwarfed by the EV6 GT AWD’s brawny 430kW/740Nm.

All that muscle comes via powerful twin electric motors, a front-axle-mounted unit producing 160kW and a rear-mounted motor pushing out 270kW.

Where its lesser AWD sibling posts a brisk 5.2-second time for the 0–100km/h sprint, the potent GT shows it a clean pair of heels to stop the clock at a sizzling 3.5 seconds.

That puts it in the same speed league as more-fancied and expensive models, like the ICE-powered BMW M4 Competition xDrive ($183,100, 3.5 secs), and is quicker than Audi’s all-electric e-Tron GT ($180,200, 4.1 secs).

It's also quicker than BMW’s new electric executive sedan, the i5 M60 xDrive, which cuts the rug in a claimed 3.8 seconds, and Kia’s own ICE performance hero, the twin-turbo V6 Stinger GT, which manages the 0-100km/h sprint in around 4.7 seconds.

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Before we go handing the Kia too many laurels it’s worth noting that Tesla’s Model 3 AWD Performance sedan undercuts the Korean EV’s price and sprint time at $89,835 and 3.4 seconds, respectively.

Chalk that up as another win for Tesla but it’s still a fair effort from the larger and roomier Kia SUV and, in performance terms at least, there’s no denying the EV6 GT’s value proposition.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, given the extra oomph of the GT’s motors, the EV6 GT AWD drains its battery quicker than its stablemates, boasting a maximum combined cycle range of 424km (WLTP), which is 60km short of the twin-motor GT-Line and 104km short of the base model EV6.

And as with ICE-powered cars, the real-world range of EVs usually falls short of the claimed range, so expect it to travel somewhere between 355km and 395km if the pilot uses the available grunt regularly.

Doing otherwise may be easier said than done, though, since the exhilarating performance and instant torque of those twin motors is addictive and something that you don’t tire of unleashing when the opportunity arises.

The GT is fitted with a 77.4kWh lithium-ion battery pack, with Kia quoting a charge time of seven hours 21 minutes from 10–100% using a three-phase 16amp AC charger.

That drops to 73 minutes on a 50kW DC fast charger, or just 18 minutes on a 350kW DC fast charger.

In both latter cases charging times are approximate to go from 10 –80% capacity.

Cosmetic points of difference separating the GT from other EV6 models includes unique front and rear bumpers, a rear aero spoiler, LED taillights, larger 21-inch alloys shod with 255/40 ZR21 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber, and distinctive neon-green brake calipers.

The performance-oriented braking hardware – four-piston clamping 380mm discs at the front, and a twin piston 360mm setup at rear – feels well up to the task of coping with the GT’s impressive pace.

Kia’s engineers incorporated a sophisticated double ball joint front suspension to allow the high-performance brake hardware to be fitted, with the related benefit of a ‘virtual’ steering axis that delivers enhanced steering feel.

Kia also claims the integrated electric booster for the brake system helps reduce braking distances, while selectable brake modes (Normal or Sport) allow the driver to tailor brake pedal sensitivity to their liking.

As with the lesser EV6 models, drivers can also choose the level of battery energy recuperation, from zero through to the maximum ‘i-Pedal’ setting.

The latter enables one-pedal driving, meaning the car slows dramatically as if under braking when the driver lifts off the accelerator.

The EV6 GT also features an intelligent front-lighting system (IFS) which uses the front camera system to recognise oncoming and preceding vehicles and selectively controls individual LEDs within the headlight matrix to prevent high-beam dazzling oncoming drivers. Sequential turn indicators are also incorporated, a first in an Australian Kia.

Other exclusive changes for the GT include three-mode electronic controlled suspension (ECS), an electronic limited slip differential, steering-wheel-mounted GT Mode button, artificial leather and suede-trimmed seats, and heated front and outer rear seats.

Mechanical changes for the electric hero include added bracing to increase body stiffness, with a view to enhancing vehicle response and agility, as well as a ‘quicker’ steering gear ratio.

The GT is the first Kia EV and only second Kia model after the Stinger GT, to feature ECS (electronic controlled suspension).

Initial tuning was done in Germany with validation at the Nürburgring, followed by final tweaking by Kia Australia’s local suspension specialists on roads in and around Sydney and Canberra.

As we’ve seen previously with other models, Kia’s local suspension tuning program pays real dividends.

The GT is noticeably firmer riding than its run-of-the-mill siblings, but even on those big wheels and low-profile tyres, it still offers better ride comfort than many rival sports-oriented models.

Operated via a dedicated steering-wheel-mounted button, GT Drive Mode automatically configures the electric motors, brakes, steering, suspension, electronic LSD and stability control systems to their most dynamic settings.

The GT is also equipped with a drift mode that sends 100% of torque to the rear wheels, allowing the vehicle to drift around corners with only a small amount of steering lock applied, before redistributing power to the front wheels to improve acceleration off the corner.

Our testing was restricted to public roads, so there was no opportunity to sample this feature which Kia says is only intended for use on private roads, closed circuits or similar controlled environments.

All this electronic trickery serves to enhance the sports driving experience of the EV6 GT, which acquits itself handsomely when pressed to deliver through challenging twists and turns.

The wide, low-profile tyres and all-wheel drive system combine to deliver assured grip, while the suspension maintains a pleasingly flat, confident stance through corners.

Despite this, there’s always an underlying sense that this is a large and relatively heavy vehicle, with an SUV-like 2,185kg kerb weight that means it never feels as nimble as a sports car or a hot hatch. Kia’s use of the term ‘GT’ for ‘Grand Tourer’ monicker is entirely appropriate in this instance.

As befits its top-spec status, the EV6 GT AWD’s generous standard fit-out includes a long list of convenience, infotainment, and driver assistance technologies.

There’s plenty of kit but one notable exception is the lack of power adjustment for the front seats (manual only), which is a step down from the lesser GT-Line but justified by Kia as a weight-saving measure.

That said, the seats are comfortable, well bolstered and provide snug support, despite lacking lumbar adjustment and cushion tilt.

Independent crash testing and safety authority ANCAP hasn’t yet rated the GT, though the three other EV6 models were all awarded a five-star rating in 2022, so it’s reasonable to assume the GT will perform well, should it be tested.

The dedicated electric vehicle architecture ensures a flat rear floor with no transmission tunnel to interfere with passenger foot space, while the generous 2,900mm wheelbase affords decent rear leg room, and there’s reasonable headroom despite the sloping roof line.

The cargo area is also usefully proportioned with 480 litres (VDA) of cargo volume available with the rear seats up, expanding to 1,260 litres when they are flat folded. Up at the pointy end, there’s also a ‘frunk’ (front trunk) with 20 litres of capacity for stowage.

Tesla owners will no doubt point out that the Model Y SUV boats a 117-litre frunk, although its 854-litre boot space with seats folded trails the Kia.

The cabin is both practical and contemporary in its design, with the finish and materials combining to provide a suitably premium experience.

Sporty accents including green stitching and piping on the faux leather/suede-trimmed bucket seats, plus a leather-trimmed steering wheel, emphasise the car’s performance orientation, while 64-colour ambient cabin lighting provides ample options to enhance the mood after dark.

Kia warrants the GT for seven years/unlimited kilometres while the high-voltage components including the battery system (including capacity loss below 70%) are warranted for seven years/150,000km.

The maker also offers service plans for three years ($733), five years ($1,371) and seven years ($2,013).

Key stats

• MLP: $99,590
• ENGINE: Dual permanent magnet synchronous electric motors.
• ANCAP CRASH RATING: Not yet rated (Other EV6 models 5 stars, 2022).
• ENERGY CONSUMPTION (WLTP Test Cycle, kWh/100km)_: 20.6 (0 g/km tailpipe CO₂)
• FOR: Stunning performance at something of a bargain price, performance-oriented mechanical and other upgrades, well equipped, impressive road holding for a large car, long warranty.
• AGAINST: Noticeably firmer ride than other EV6 models, no power seats, mobility kit – no spare tyre, not a lot of range for the money, most expensive Kia to date, no ANCAP safety rating for GT.