Kia EV6 GT Ranks First Over Tesla Model Y in German Comparison Test

Kia’s EV6 GT electric sports car has ranked first in a recent high-performance EV comparison test conducted by German automotive magazine Auto Motor und Sport, surpassing the Tesla Model Y Performance and the BYD Sealion 7.

What Happened

The comparison test evaluated five high-performance electric vehicles across seven distinct categories: body, safety, comfort and convenience, powertrain, driving performance, environmental friendliness, and running costs. The Kia EV6 GT secured the top spot with a total of 585 points, placing 9 points ahead of the second-place Tesla Model Y Performance, which scored 576 points. The Zeekr 7GT ranked third with 569 points, followed by the Polestar 4 Coupe Dual Motor with 531 points, and the BYD Sealion 7 AWD Excellence in fifth place with 508 points.

The EV6 GT achieved the highest scores in three specific categories: safety, powertrain, and driving performance. In the safety category, the vehicle was noted for superior braking and high-speed stability. For driving performance, the Kia EV6 GT scored 96 points, a 20-point lead over the Tesla Model Y Performance, which received 76 points. Auto Motor und Sport attributed the EV6 GT’s overall victory to its "outstanding driving performance."

The test highlighted the EV6 GT’s dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain, which produces up to 650 horsepower and 770 Nm of torque. The vehicle accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 3.5 seconds. It features a new 84 kWh battery with a WLTP range of up to 279 miles and supports 800V fast-charging, allowing a recharge from 10% to 80% in as little as 18 minutes. Interior updates include a connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) system with dual 12.3-inch curved screens, and the model includes a Virtual Gear Shift feature borrowed from the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, which simulates a six-speed transmission.

Why It Matters

The results underscore the competitive standing of the Kia EV6 GT in the European high-performance EV segment, where it outperformed major competitors like Tesla and BYD in critical driving dynamics and safety metrics. In Germany, the EV6 GT starts at 69,990 euros (approximately $78,000), compared to the Tesla Model Y Performance’s starting price of 63,970 euros. While the Tesla offers a longer WLTP range of up to 360 miles (580 km), the Kia’s superior scores in driving performance and safety suggest a different value proposition focused on driver engagement and handling.

For US consumers, the test results may be less immediately relevant due to market availability. Kia announced earlier this year that it was discontinuing the EV6 GT in the United States "until further notice." This decision limits the ability of American buyers to access the specific model that achieved this ranking, potentially shifting interest toward other high-performance EVs available in the domestic market.

The Bottom Line

Kia’s EV6 GT has demonstrated strong performance credentials in the European market by outscoring the Tesla Model Y Performance and other rivals in a rigorous German comparison test. However, US buyers remain unable to purchase this specific model due to its current discontinuation in the American market.