Kia Drops a Budget Bomb: Meet the EV6 Air Standard Range
If you’ve been lusting after the Kia EV6 but couldn’t stomach the price tag, listen up. Kia just dropped a new Air Standard Range model that slashes £6,000 off the entry cost, bringing it down to a much more palatable £39,995. That’s right—under the magic £40k mark, which means no nasty premium car tax (more on that later).
So, what’s the catch? Well, they’ve swapped out the big 77.4kWh battery for a smaller 58kWh pack, which means less range—but is that really a dealbreaker? Let’s break it down.
Range vs. Reality: Do You Really Need 300+ Miles
The new EV6 Air Standard Range delivers 232 miles (WLTP), compared to the Long Range’s 328. On paper, that’s a big drop—but how often do you actually drive 200+ miles in a day? For most people, this is still plenty for daily commutes, weekend trips, and even the occasional motorway blast.
And here’s the kicker: charging is still stupidly fast. Thanks to its 800V architecture, a 10-80% top-up takes just 18 minutes if you find a beefy enough charger. So even if you do need to juice up on a road trip, you’ll be back on the road before you’ve finished your overpriced service station coffee.
Tax Savings? Oh Yes.
One of the biggest wins here? Dodging the £390/year premium car tax. Since the new EV6 squeaks in under £40k, you avoid the extra levy that hits pricier EVs after year one. That’s an extra few hundred quid in your pocket—or, let’s be honest, towards your next set of aftermarket wheels.
Same Sexy Design, Just Less Battery
Worried Kia cut corners to hit this price? Don’t be. The EV6 Air Standard Range still looks every bit as futuristic as its pricier siblings. You still get the same sharp lines, sci-fi LED lighting, and that sleek fastback silhouette. Inside, it’s the same tech-loaded cockpit with twin 12.3-inch screens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Kia’s slick infotainment.
The only real difference? Weight. The smaller battery means less heft, which theoretically should make it a bit nimbler. We’ll have to drive it to confirm, but hey—any excuse for a test drive, right?
Who’s This For?
If you’re the type who:
✅ Doesn’t road-trip every weekend (232 miles is plenty for most)
✅ Hates paying extra tax (who doesn’t?)
✅ Wants a premium EV without the premium price
…then this might be the smartest EV6 yet.
The Verdict: A Bargain Worth Considering?
At £39,995, the new EV6 Air Standard Range is a seriously tempting proposition. Sure, you lose some range, but for most buyers, the £6k saving and tax benefits more than make up for it. Plus, you still get all the style, tech, and rapid charging that made the EV6 so popular in the first place.
So, is it the right move? If you’re after maximum range, maybe stick with the Long Range. But if you want a cutting-edge EV for under £40k, this might just be your best bet.
