Kia has confirmed the pricing and trim levels for the new EV6, which will be available to order from May 18.

The crossover-style electric car costs from £40,895 and will spearhead a new range of electric models from the brand, each wearing the ‘EV’ moniker. Six are expected to launch by 2027.

There are three trim grade and two powertrain options, plus a high-performance GT version.

All models are equipped with a 77.4kWh battery pack, which provides a range of up to 316 miles.

The entry level model comes with a 229PS motor driving the rear axle. Priced from £40,895, it comes equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, vegan leather upholstery, heated front seats and steering wheel, rear parking sensors, keyless entry and adaptive cruise control.

GT-Line trim is priced from £43,895, when using the same rear-drive motor, or £47,395 if equipped with a 325PS all-wheel-drive drivetrain. In addition to the base specification, these models feature sportier styling, front parking sensors, privacy glass and blind spot monitoring.

The GT-Line S is also available with both drivetrains; priced from £48,396 (rear-wheel-drive) to £51,895 (all-wheel-drive). It features 20-inch wheels, ventilated front seats and heated rear seats, a power tailgate, panoramic sunroof, 14-speaker Meridian audio system, enhanced driver assistance systems and an augmented reality head-up display.

Next year, a GT model will join the line-up as the range-topper. It will include 21-inch wheels, GT specific styling, bucket seats and adaptice suspension. The GT version will have a total power output of 585PS, giving a 0-62mph time of 3.5 seconds.

All variants are capable of a high-speed charge from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes, or a top-up charge (62 miles of driving range) in less than four and a half minutes.

An Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) enables a new vehicle-to-load (V2L) function, which is capable of discharging energy from the vehicle battery. The V2L function can supply up to 3.6kW of power and is capable, as an example, of operating a 55-inch television and air conditioner simultaneously for more than 24 hours. The system is also able to charge another EV, if needed.

With more than 35% charge left in the battery, the EV6 can tow items weighing up to 1,600Kg.

It shares a platform with the upcoming Ioniq 5, and represents a new direction for Kia design and is expected to influence future models from the brand.

On the inside, it provides a driver-focused cockpit with two 12-inch high-definition screens.

Conventional switchgear for the heating and audio controls has been retained, along with haptic touch panels.