You probably weren’t expecting to find a Kia in this list, but the Korean firm has been on a mission to shift perceptions recently.

It started a few years ago with the now defunct Stinger GT-S, an upmarket five-door coupé that packed a thumping V6 engine and expressive rear-wheel drive handling, but it’s the warm embrace of electrification that will allow it to really make its high-performance mark.

The rakish EV6 has already impressed in its cooking versions, with good looks, plenty of pace and biddable handling making it a surprisingly satisfying steer.

So expectations for the flagship GT model are understandably high – not surprising when you consider the specification.

The raw statistics show that it’s dual motor set-up (one at the front and another at the back for four-wheel drive) packs 577bhp and 546lb ft, which makes it good for a 0-62mph time of 3.5sec and a 161mph top speed. And thanks to its 77.4kWh battery, it can travel a claimed 263 miles on a charge, while an 800V electrical architecture means ultra-rapid charging is on the menu.

There have also been chassis tweaks, with an enhanced GT mode delivering more focused damper settings at the touch of a button, as well as the full 577bhp.

Overall it feels surprisingly light on its feet, with quick steering strong grip and, of course, a devastating turn of speed, while the Drift mode is hilarious – although the wild angles of dangle it induces means it’s best not deployed on the road. Only when pushed to the limit does the EV6 feel a little ragged as it struggles to contain its SUV-ish height and not inconsiderable mass.

However, where the EV6 really scores is in its value for money. On paper, its £62,645 asking price looks a little steep, but few cars come close to matching the quirky-looking Korean machine’s performance per pound offering.