The all-new Kia EV6 electric crossover has been crowned as the winner of 2022 ‘German Car of the Year’ (GCOTY) awards in the ‘Premium’ category. Interestingly, 3 out of 5 awards in GCOTY Premium category went to electric vehicles.
A jury consisting of 20 automotive journalists evaluated new models with a base price of between 25,000 and 50,000 euros to determine the overall category winner. The Kia EV6 beating a diverse set of rivals including the Hyundai IONIQ 5, Volkswagen ID.4, Audi Q4 e-tron and Mercedes-Benz C-Class among others, came on top to win the coveted title.
In addition to the three main categories that included ‘Compact’, for vehicles priced under 25,000 euros, ‘Premium’, for vehicles priced between 25,000 and 50,000 euros, and ‘Luxury’, for vehicles priced over 50,000 euros, the competition also included an additional ‘New Energy’ category, which represented EVs powered solely by batteries or hydrogen. The Kia EV6 was ranked second, just behind the Hyundai IONIQ 5 which picked the top slot in this category.
Related: Kia Hands Over New EV6 to Global Brand Ambassador Rafael Nadal
Commenting on the achievement, Jason Jeong, President at Kia Europe said:
“It’s fantastic to see the EV6 win the ‘2022 German Premium Car of the Year’ award. While the first deliveries of our innovative electric crossover have only just begun, this honor is clear recognition that the EV6 is already setting new standards for driving range, performance, interior space and technology.”
The all-new Kia EV6 brings long-range, zero-emissions power, 800V ultra-fast charging and distinctive styling to the crossover SUV market. The EV6 enables the vehicle to achieve up to 528 km of driving range from a single charge on the WLTP combined cycle, while advanced 800V charging technology means drivers can charge from 10 to 80% in just 18 minutes.
The EV6 is also the first dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV) produced by Kia using the all-new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), and forms the first part of Kia’s transition to the new era of electrification under the new brand slogan, ‘Movement that inspires’. Kia, under its ‘Plan S’ strategy, aims to introduce 11 new EV models by 2026 including 7 dedicated BEVs based on E-GMP. According to Luc Donckerwolke, Chief Creative Officer at Hyundai Motor Group:
“The EV6 is not only the first Kia based on our new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), it’s also the first car that incorporates our new and bold Opposites United design philosophy as well as the all-new company logo. The EV6’s emotional design, dynamic performance, impressive driving range and ultra-fast charging capabilities truly mark it out as something special. We are proud to receive the German Car of the Year’s Premium award that acknowledges the brilliant work of our dynamic Kia team.”
The Kia EV6
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
