KIA'S EV6 is a game-changing all-electric crossover which brought long-range, zero emissions power and ultra-fast charging to the family market for the first time when it was launched in 2021.

It remains thoroughly impressive.

Even more impressive is the top of the range EV6 GT, which comes with mind-blowing performance. It is Kia's most powerful production car ever.

A front axle-mounted motor delivers 215bhp from 4,400 to 9,000rpm. It is paired with a rear-mounted motor producing 362bhp from 6,800 to 9,400rpm.

Combined, they produce 577bhp and a stonking 740Nm of torque.

With that, the EV6 GT can cover 0-62 mph in a supercar-style 3.5 seconds and continue on to a top speed of 162 mph.

Such performance means its driving range drops to 263 miles but it can be charged from 10-80 per cent in just 18 minutes.

Performance brakes, optimised steering and significantly reworked suspension harness all the extra power to make the GT a fun and involving drive. Drive is also channelled to all four wheels to optimise traction and deploy power smoothly.

With a low centre of gravity, the EV6 is endowed with a sportier, lower slung driving position and, with no need to accommodate an engine or driveshafts, its wheels are pushed far into the corners of the car.

Mixed with its long wheelbase, you have a vehicle which is stable, steady and comfortable at cruising speed but an absolute hoot on something a little more twisty.

An electronic-limited slip differential (e-LSD) ensures the car's abundant power is harnessed effectively, enhancing traction and stability when cornering by automatically shuffling torque to the wheels with most grip.

The steering is precise and agile and allows you to place the car perfectly through corners. Together with that instant electric power and masses of grip aided by super sticky Michelin Sport 4S tyres, it's highly engaging.

It doesn't take long to build your confidence high enough to push it hard through a series of bends, complete with idiotic smile.

Eco, Normal and Sport drive modes are all available but there's also - yeah baby! - a dedicated GT Drive Mode, accessed via a neon button on the two-spoke steering wheel which automatically configures the vehicle's e-motors, braking, steering, semi-active dampers, e-LSD and electronic stability control systems into their most dynamic settings, transforming the character and response of the EV6, which Kia modestly says provides ‘a highly engaging experience behind the wheel'.

Damn right it does! Fun, fun, fun til your daddy takes your EV6 away...

The EV6 GT is differentiated from its lesser-powered siblings not just by its colourful brake callipers but also a clamshell bonnet and a different front bumper, which emphasises its width and stable, planted stance. It also sits on larger 21-inch alloys to accommodate the larger brakes.

At the rear, an aero spoiler, statement LED taillights and a unique bumper and diffuser complete the transformation.

It's not just stylish on the outside - the cockpit is a bit of a stunner too. Two curved 12.3-inch high-definition widescreens wrap around the driver providing easy access to key vehicle information at a glance.

Directly in front of the driver is a customisable ‘cluster screen' which displays information such as speed, range and state of charge. Next to it, paired in a seamless curve, is the central display screen combining the navigation, infotainment, and menu systems.

The eye-catchingly futuristic centre console, which contains the forward/reverse rotary dial, sits at elbow height and quite literally ‘floats'. It's not connected to the dash at the front and there is no connection between it and the floor, opening up a huge amount of extra storage room.

In the GT, suede-trimmed front bucket seats provide full support through fast corners, and long-distance comfort for extended journeys.

Despite the EV6's relatively compact exterior dimensions, its 2,900mm wheelbase and flat floor results in cabin space similar to that of mid-size SUVs. With the flat battery under the floor, cabin space is class-leading with plenty of legroom for those in the front and the rear.

However, adults in the back might find the low, sloping roofline design cutting into their head room.

All models feature front centre, twin front, twin curtain and centre side airbags and there are also ISOFIX child seat top tethers and anchor fixings for the outer rear seats. There's also the usual suite of safety devices including an emergency braking system and lane keep assist.