Kia has revealed the first images of the exterior and interior design of EV6, the automaker’s first dedicated battery electric vehicle, ahead of the car’s world premiere scheduled for later this month.

The new model is based on Kia’s new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), and features “a distinctive crossover-inspired design.” It’s the result of a collaborative effort among Kia’s three global design studios in Korea, Germany and California.

Using the dedicated E-GMP platform allowed Kia to offer increased interior space compared to previous Kia EVs, which were based on existing ICE models.

Editor’s note: Charged previously reported that EV6 would be Kia’s “first EV,” forgetting all about the existing Soul EV and Niro EV. We were citing a Kia press release, but we should have caught the error. Kia has clarified that EV6 will be the brand’s first dedicated EV—that is, the first to be designed as an EV, rather than adapted from an ICE model (designing a dedicated EV is by all accounts the superior approach).

Kia describes the front of the car as a “Digital Tiger Face,” designed to display “a sleek, modern appearance.” An air intake at the bottom visually widens the front of the car, and channels air through and under the flat floor for optimal aerodynamics. The side profile is also “modern and sleek,” with a swept-back windshield and “bold rear haunches.” At the rear, a sloping C-pillar with an integrated black glossy insert visually widens the window glass, and contributes to aerodynamic performance. A prominent roof spoiler channels air downwards towards a raised lower spoiler.

Inside, a seamless curved audio-visual and navigation (AVN) screen extends from the steering wheel across to the center, displaying an instrument cluster in front of the driver, and infotainment and navigation above the center console. A minimal number of physical buttons offer “an uncluttered and soothing driving experience.” Virtual haptic “buttons” control the HVAC settings.

“EV6, as the first dedicated Kia EV, is a showcase of human-centered, progressive design and electrified power,” said Karim Habib, Senior VP and Head of Kia’s Global Design Center. “With EV6 we aimed to create a distinctive, impactful design by using a combination of sophisticated, high-tech features on pure and rich volumes, while providing a unique space as a futuristic EV.”

Source: Kia