We've driven the EV6 a couple of times since the 2021 launch and concluded that Kia's halo EV is a very good electric car. It is interesting to look at, great to drive, and all with excellent electric range. Revealed at the international launch, it was always Kia's plan to launch a range-topper boasting around 600hp, and four-wheel drive.

Well, the production version of this range-topper, the GT, finally debuted at the end of 2022, and we've got our hands on this £62,645 Kia. Although the car we drove was a late pre-production example, we were told it was showroom-ready, apart from some software tweaks. 

This car's matt grey exterior finish is one of the only giveaways that this EV6 is something more special. Elsewhere, there are the deeper, more aggressive bumpers, 21in alloy wheels with beefy, green-coloured callipers behind them, and a distinctive roof spoiler. 

Inside, the green theme continues on piping for the new Alcantara-trimmed sports seats, plus more green detailing for the interior trim, steering wheel stitching and 'GT' button. Despite the extra performance, the good news is the EV6's interior practicality is unchanged. So, think the same limo-like 990mm of legroom in the back and a practically shaped, if shallow 520-litre boot, which can be extended to around 1,300 litres with the rear seat folded.

Green highlights aside, the EV6's 'GT' makeover is tastefully done. Unless you can see the brake callipers, or one of the special paint finishes is chosen, you'd have to look twice to spot it compared to a standard EV6.  

All EV6 models have the same 77.4kWh battery and 800-volt charging ability, making it possible to fast charge this GT from 10-80% in just 18 minutes - despite the incredible performance. This EV6, as previously mentioned is an AWD version, with the two motors equalling a supercar-rivalling total of 577hp. With all this performance, the dash to 62mph is completed in just 3.5 seconds. However, all the extra performance does equal a significant drop in the range at 252 miles.

Other dynamic changes to the fastest EV6 include an electronic limited slip differential (LSD), lowering springs, electronic adaptive damping, and, in addition to Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, an extra GT mode accessed via a  steering wheel-mounted button. 

Normal mode is where the GT felt at home most of the time, with an Eco mode seeming an odd addition, as all it seemed to do was make this performance car feel sluggish. Sport and GT modes are where the performance of this EV6 gets particularly exciting and needs your full attention. 

You'll be grateful for the extra support the new front sport seats provide, as the acceleration, especially in GT mode is best described as violent and efficient - the g-force pushing you into the seat. Acceleration runs also demonstrate how effective the electronic LSD is, as we could detect no wheelspin, even if the throttle is mashed too hard. With all this acceleration and performance comes responsibility, and besides keeping a close eye on the road, we'd suggest keeping a close eye on the digital speedo to stay within national limits. 

This sort of performance and acceleration puts this EV6 firmly into Porsche Taycan territory - but is it a serious rival? Well, the EV6 is significantly cheaper, and I think Kia is just happy to be mentioned in the same sentence - as they admitted they don't expect to sell many of these into fleet. 

In terms of the driving experience, the difference is vast. That's not to say the Kia isn't good to drive, but the Porsche feels like a sports car; the Kia, a fast SUV. Grip levels might be higher, and the handling generally composed and secure, but despite the hike in performance, the Kia's weight is obvious and doesn't make it feel particularly dynamic. The ride can get quite harsh in the Sport and GT modes, too.