2021 Karma GS-6 Review

　　

2021 Karma GS-6 Review

byChristian WardlawCorrespondent

　　Christian Wardlaw has worked in the automotive industry since 1994. He has written nearly 10,000 car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 2,000 vehicles over the course of his career. Chris is a correspondent at zzdcar and was the first editor-in-chief of zzdcar.com in the 1990s. He has also contributed to Autotrader, CarGurus, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, NADAguides, New York Daily News Autos and WardsAuto. His mom claims that his first word was “car,” and Chris believes that Miata is always the answer.

　　To understand the Karma GS-6, a little history is in order. Over a decade ago, car designer Henrik Fisker launched Fisker Automotive. Its first — and only — car was the Karma. Fisker went bankrupt, and Wanxiang Group bought the remains of the company, renaming it Karma Automotive and setting up headquarters and manufacturing operations in Southern California.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Karma GS-6 4dr Sedan (1.5L 3cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $0.17 per kWh for electricity and $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$133/mo  for GS-6 Base

　　GS-6 Base

　　4dr Sedan (1.5L 3cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD) (Most Popular) - $83,900 MSRPLuxury 4dr Sedan (1.5L 3cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD) - $93,900 MSRPSport 4dr Sedan (1.5L 3cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD) - $99,990 MSRP

　　vs

　　$197/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　As part of this change in ownership, the Fisker Karma became the Karma Revero. Karma Automotive updated and upgraded the Revero and relaunched it for the 2017 model year. Another refresh a couple of years later led to the Revero GT. And now the Revero GT nameplate is shelved, planned for use on a new, higher-end Karma model coming in the future.

　　Now, fast-forward to 2021 and the Karma GS-6. It is essentially the same car as the Revero GT but at a lower price. It has an extended-range plug-in hybrid electric powertrain offering a pair of electric motors and a 28-kWh battery pack, delivering 536 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque to the car's rear wheels.

　　A fully charged battery will deliver an EPA-estimated 61 miles of guilt-free driving before a BMW-sourced turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine kicks in. The gas engine serves as an onboard generator, its power converted to electricity and extending total range to 330 miles, according to the EPA. At that point, you need to find a gas station or plug the GS-6 in to recharge the battery.

　　Though Karma dramatically reduced the car's price in the transition from the Revero GT to GS-6, it remains lofty. For example, the Audi A7 with its plug-in hybrid powertrain costs thousands less and is better equipped with the latest technology features. However, it offers no more than 26 miles of electric driving and certainly doesn't offer the same level of exclusivity.

　　If you think a Karma GS-6 might be right for you, check out our test team's full Expert Rating to learn more about this unusual car.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.3

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the GS-6 drive? The Karma GS-6 uses a series plug-in hybrid powertrain, meaning the BMW-sourced internal combustion engine charges the battery but doesn't drive the wheels. That makes the GS-6 feel like a pure EV most of the time. It makes lots of torque and has a smooth power delivery. At our test track, the GS-6 covered 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. That's certainly quick, though you can find quicker EVs or regular gasoline-powered sport sedans for what the GS-6 costs. Emergency braking performance, too, lags that of most rivals, and the pedal feel is such that it can be tricky to consistently come to a smooth stop in typical driving.

　　The GS-6 handles well, with a neutral balance that can be provoked into more of a tail-out stance if you dip your right foot. The steering is responsive, though we wish it were a little quicker to make the GS-6 a bit easier to maneuver at low speeds.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the GS-6? Ride comfort splits the difference between sporty and comfortable. Our test vehicle had the available 22-inch wheels, leaving little tire sidewall to absorb bumps. It's not an uncomfortable ride, but you're always aware of the imperfections in the pavement. The seats are decently padded and supportive, but they don't have many adjustments, so you might struggle to find your ideal seating position.

　　The biggest issue is that the GS-6 just isn't as quiet or isolating as it should be. In pure EV mode, it's quiet in the city, though the lack of an exhaust note only enhances wind and tire noise on the highway. When the gas engine does fire up to charge the battery, it's buzzy and uncouth, booming in the footwell as the exhaust exits right behind the front wheel. In Sport mode, the engine likes to hang out at 6,000 rpm, so it can just howl at full throttle.

　　

Interior

6.5/10

　　How’s the interior? The Karma GS-6 might have four doors, but it's probably better to think of this as a cozier 2+2 seater with easier rear-seat access. The interior is short on space, an issue with the car since it debuted as the Fisker Karma a decade ago. Visibility is limited due to the narrow windows and long hood.

　　Getting in and out isn't as easy as we expect from a sedan. The Karma sits low, so it feels much more like getting in and out of a sports car. But front passengers will be reasonably comfortable once they get situated. The rear seat is best left for short trips or short passengers. Several zzdcar editors grazed the roof with their heads in the rear, and legroom was hardly better.

　　Many of the GS-6's controls, including those for the climate system, are operated through the touchscreen. It's mounted low in the dashboard and requires the driver to take his or her eyes off the road to locate and press the on-screen buttons.

　　

Technology

6.5/10

　　How’s the tech? In-car tech is an area where smaller automakers tend to struggle, and Karma falls into that bucket. The GS-6's infotainment lacks a built-in navigation system, an oddity for any car at this price point. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and offer arguably better navigation than any built-in system you'll find, but the option would be nice for areas where you don't have great cellular reception. Karma includes two USB-A ports as well as a 12-volt outlet. The infotainment system itself is relatively easy to navigate. Our test car's system crashed once, but it restarted on its own.

　　The GS-6 includes a number of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning and more. The surround-view camera is helpful given the car's size, but the resolution of the cameras is a bit low for a luxury car.

　　

Storage

6.0/10

　　How’s the storage? The GS-6's cargo space is limited. With just 6.4 cubic feet of space, the Karma offers less cargo space than just about every sedan on sale today. There's even less than what you'll find in dedicated sports cars like the Porsche 911. Cars like the Porsche Panamera hybrid offer more than twice as much cargo space. The lack of storage is mostly due to the car's design. Part of the battery is mounted below the trunk floor, so the space itself is shallow and not all that deep. It's wide enough for a set of golf clubs, but you won't be getting much else inside. Storage in the cabin is a little better, with a reasonably large center console and door pockets that are great for storing sunglasses or a phone.

　　Installing a car seat might be an issue too. The car seat anchors are easy to access, but the low roof and tight compartment will require some contorting to install a seat. There's also not a ton of space for a rear-facing seat.

　　

Range and Efficiency

8.5/10

　　How are the range and efficiency? As with all plug-in hybrids, the Karma uses a battery pack that can be plugged in and charged, allowing for all-electric driving. The GS-6's EPA-estimated range is 61 miles with 21-inch wheels or 54 miles with the available 22-inch wheels. Our test vehicle was fitted with the larger wheels, and we still managed to drive 64 miles on our evaluation route before the gasoline engine kicked on to help charge the battery. That's more range than any other plug-in hybrid we've ever tested.

　　The GS-6's 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-three engine gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg after the battery runs out. For a performance-oriented sedan, that's pretty respectable.

　　

Value

7.5/10

　　Is the GS-6 a good value? The big news with the GS-6 is its significantly lower price tag compared to the Karma Revero. Its base price is nearly $40,000 less, yet it offers most of the same features and performance. It's more expensive than other plug-in hybrids, but it offers more range and more performance than those cars too. While it's not the most luxurious vehicle on the road, the GS-6 has a handsome and well-appointed interior and the overall design gives off a premium feel.

　　Like most rivals, Karma offers a four-year warranty on the GS-6. It also provides four years of roadside assistance but no coverage for service visits.

　　

Wildcard

9.0/10

　　Even a decade after the Karma debuted, its exterior design is striking and distinct. The proportions are long and exaggerated, with large fenders, oversized wheels and a sleek, coupe-like profile. Few cars short of something exotic like a Ferrari or Lamborghini command this much attention. Part of the GS-6's appeal is that it's a conversation starter. And it's something you likely won't see parked in your neighbor's driveway.

　　We just wish it were a bit more thrilling to drive. It's sporty and quick, but not as much as some other luxury sedans. It won't leave you bored, but it's not going to thrill in the same way as a pure EV will.

　　

Which GS-6 does zzdcar recommend?

Choosing the GS-6 Luxury could prove to be good karma. You'll get added comfort features and keep the base price below $100,000. At the same time, you'll have the option of adding bigger wheels, blacked-out trim and extra driver assist features if you want them.

　　

2021 Karma GS-6 models

Karma offers the GS-6 in Standard, Luxury and Sport trim levels. Each one has a rear-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid electric vehicle powertrain, but the setup makes the gasoline engine an onboard generator rather than a direct source of power to the wheels. Highlights from the standard equipment list include:

　　Standard

　　The standard Karma GS-6 features the following equipment:

　　21-inch wheels Adaptive LED headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves) Rain-sensing wipers Premium leather seats Gloss black interior trim LED interior lighting Four-passenger seating with full-length console Six-way power-adjustable front seats with driver's seat memory settings Dual-zone automatic climate control Heated side mirrors Heated and ventilated front seats 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system Bluetooth Apple CarPlay Android Auto Wi-Fi connectivity Over-the-air software updates Eight-speaker sound system Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking) Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the GS-6 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)Every GS-6 also has these safety features:

　　Forward collision warning (alerts you of a possible collision with the car in front) Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane) Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)Luxury

　　Full information on the luxury trim was unavailable at the time of our review's publication. But we do know it includes:

　　Winter package Heated steering wheel Heated rear seats Internet radio accessSport

　　Choose the GS-6 Sport trim for upgrades including:

　　22-inch wheels Performance brakes with red brake calipers Blacked-out exterior trim and badgesKarma offers a Driver Assistance package for the GS-6. It equips the car with:

　　Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Karma and the car in front) Lane keeping assist (steers the GS-6 back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker) Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)

　　

2021 GS-6 Highlights

Trim: BaseLuxurySportBase

　　

Base MSRP	$83,900
EV Tax Credits & Rebates	$400
Engine Type	Plug-in hybrid
EPA Electric Range	61 miles
Combined MPGe (Electric + Gas)	70 MPGeMPGe is the official metric that the EPA uses to measure the efficiency of alternative-fuel (including electric) vehicles. Just like regular MPG shows how far a car will travel on one gallon of gas, MPGe shows how far a vehicle will drive on 33.7kWh of electricity - the energy equivalent of one gallon of gasoline. Combined MPGe is the combined total of 45% city MPGe + 55% highway MPGe.
Cost to Drive	$133/month
Total Charging Time (240V)	6.3 hours
Seating	4 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles
EV Battery Warranty	10 years / 150,000 miles