In a recent video by Edmunds, Kia’s high-performance EV, the EV6 GT, went head-to-head with the gas-powered BMW M2 in a quarter-mile drag race and a handling test, exploring the capabilities of both vehicles.
Kia, traditionally associated with more budget-friendly vehicles, entered the high-performance market with the release of the EV6 GT in August. Boasting 576 horsepower and 546 lb-ft of instant torque, the EV6 GT accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, positioning it as a strong contender in the crossover segment.
The EV6 GT, powered by a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, previously demonstrated its prowess by out-accelerating a Ferrari Roma and Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder RWD.
Despite being a more affordable option, starting around $62,000, the EV6 GT faced off against the sporty BMW M2 in the Edmunds “U-Drag Race” video. The BMW M2, although less powerful, showcased its agility in the handling department.
In the quarter-mile drag race, dubbed the “U-Drag Race,” the vehicles underwent a sprint followed by a 180-degree turn and another sprint back to the finish. The test aimed to evaluate both performance and handling capabilities.
Despite the EV6 GT’s power advantage, it faced the challenge of its heavier weight, almost 1,000 lbs more than the BMW M2. The test involved optimizing both vehicles for performance and handling, with the BMW M2 in “M2” mode and the EV6 GT in “GT” mode.
While lacking a launch control feature, the EV6 GT demonstrated superior acceleration, overpowering the BMW M2. The race was conducted in a best-of-three format, providing insights into the comparative strengths of the two vehicles.
