The Kia EV6 electric has been named the car of the year in an annual competition of all models - including the best cars for families and those on-the-go.
The model claimed the top spot in the 2022 What Car? Car of the Year awards - and marks the second time it has won with a new electric car, having taken its maiden victory in 2019 with the Kia e-Niro.
The Kia EV6 set a new benchmark for electric cars, judges said, offering an official range of 328 miles, and managing 224 miles on a charge, when tested by judges.
Testers said it also ran well in near worst-case low temperature conditions and is capable of super-fast, 800V charging, with its battery capable of going from 10-80% in as little as 18 minutes.
In addition, the EV6 earned praise from the judges for being hugely spacious and for being sold with the reassurance of a standard-setting seven-year warranty.
What Car? editor Steve Huntingford said: “Once again, Kia has set a new benchmark for an electric vehicle.
"The EV6 is a terrific all-rounder that answers electric car buyers’ questions around range and charging times brilliantly, and which offers terrific space, refinement and value for money.
Kia UK president and chief executive Paul Philpott added: “It’s a great honour for Kia to win Car of the Year at this year’s What Car? Awards, particularly given the high regard with which they are held by customers across the UK.
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"The EV6 is a truly exceptional car and it’s just the beginning of things to come from Kia on our rapid journey to electrification. This is tangible recognition that Kia is fast becoming a true leader in electric vehicles having also won this award with e-Niro in 2019."
Other big winners included BMW, which won the prizes for the best luxury SUV (with the BMW X5), executive car (BMW 3 Series), luxury car (BMW 5 Series), coupé (BMW 4 Series) and convertible (BMW 4 Series Convertible).
Ford was the next most successful manufacturer, with three category wins: small SUV, sports SUV (Ford Puma ST) and pick-up (Ford Ranger).
Tesla was also a notable winner after recording a record-breaking year for sales, taking the Large Electric Car category.
What Car Car of the Year Awards 2022 - the full results
Car of the Year: Kia EV6 RWD GT-Line
Small car: Honda Jazz SR
Family car: Seat Leon 1.5 TSI 130 Evo FR
Small SUV: Ford Puma 1.0 Ecoboost Hybrid (mHEV)
Family SUV: Volvo XC40 Recharge T4 Plus (Dark Theme)
Electric SUV: Kia EV6 RWD GT-Line
Large SUV: Hyundai Santa Fe 4WD Premium
Luxury SUV: BMW X5 xDrive45e M Sport
Sports SUV: Ford Puma ST 1.5 Ecoboost 200 Performance Pack
Hybrid (plug-in): Lexus NX 450h+ F Sport Premium Plus Pack
Small electric car: Cupra Born 58kWh V2
Large electric car, sponsored by Ohme: Tesla Model 3 Long Range
Executive car: BMW 3 Series 330e M Sport (M Sport Pro Package)
Luxury car: BMW 5 Series 530e M Sport (M Sport Pro Package)
Estate: Skoda Superb Estate 2.0 TDI 150 SEL
MPV: Volkswagen Touran 1.5 TSI 150 SE
Pick-up: Ford Ranger 2.0L EcoBlue 213PS Wildtrack auto
Hot hatch: Mercedes-AMG A45 S Plus
Performance car: Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo 4S
Coupé: BMW 4 Series 420i M Sport (M Sport Pro Package)
Convertible: BMW 4 Series Convertible 420i (M Sport Pro Package)
Sports car: Porsche Cayman GTS
Reliability award: Lexus
Safety award: Nissan Qashqai
Tow Car award: Kia Sorento 2.2 CRDi 3 DCT
