Kia EV6 2025 vs Rivals:
The Kia motors launched the much anticipated facelift of Kia EV6 in India on March 26, 2025. It was earlier showcased at the Bharat Mobility Auto Expo 2025 held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi in January 2025.
Let’s dig right in to some of the much talked about features and its main rivals:
Key Specifications and Features:
The Kia EV6 2025 is made available in a single GT-Line AWD variant and boasts a whole lot of the following key specifications and features:
- Battery: 84 kWh lithium-ion battery
- Range: 663 km (ARAI MIDC claimed)
- Powertrain: Dual electric motors, All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
- Power: 325 hp
- Torque: 605 Nm
- 0-100 km/h: 5.3 seconds
- Charging: Ultra-fast charging (10-80% in 18 minutes with a 350 kW DC charger), while a 50 kW DC charger takes 73 minutes for 10–80%
- Exterior: Updated design with angular LED daytime running lights, redesigned GT line bumpers and grille, new 19-inch alloy wheels.
- Interior: Curved panoramic display (12.3-inch touchscreen + 12.3-inch cluster), new two-spoke D-cut steering wheel with fingerprint recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 14-speaker Meridian sound system, ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, 360-degree camera, wireless charging.
- Technology: Kia Connect 2.0 with over 60 features, OTA software updates, Digital Key 2.0 (UWB technology), Augmented Reality HUD.
- Safety: ADAS 2.0 with 27 features, 8 airbags for extra safety.
- Other Features: Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) charging capabilities.
Kia EV6 2025 vs Rivals: Competing Electric Vehicles in India
The Kia EV6 2025 is slated to face a tough competition in this luxury electric vehicles segment in the Indian market in terms of price, size, and features from the likes of:
- Hyundai Ioniq 5
- Mercedes-Benz EQA
- Volvo EX40
- Volvo C40 Recharge
- BMW iX1
- BYD Sealion 7
Kia EV6: How it fares with Rivals
Here’s a comparison of the Kia EV6 2025 vs Rivals based on key factors:
| Feature | Kia EV6 2025 | Hyundai Ioniq 5 | Mercedes-Benz EQA | Volvo EX40 | Volvo C40 Recharge | BMW iX1 | BYD Sealion 7 |
| Battery Capacity | 84 kWh | 72.6 kWh | 70.5 kWh | 69 kWh | 78 kWh | 66.4 kWh | 82.56 kWh |
| Claimed Range | 663 km | 631 km | 560 km | 475 km | 530 km | 531 km | 482/456 km |
| Charging Speed (DC) | 10-80% in 18 mins | 10-80% in 18 mins | 10-80% in 35 mins | 10-80% in 30 mins | 10-80% in 40 mins | 10-80% in 29 mins | 10-80% in 45 mins |
| Power | 325 hp | 217 hp | 190 hp | 238 hp | 408 hp | 204 hp | 313/530 hp |
| Torque | 605 Nm | 350 Nm | 385 Nm | 420 Nm | 660 Nm | 250 Nm | 380/690 Nm |
| Drive Type | AWD | RWD | FWD | RWD | AWD | FWD | RWD/AWD |
| Price (Ex-showroom) | ₹ 65.90 Lakh | ₹ 46.05 Lakh | ₹ 67.20 Lakh | ₹ 56.10 Lakh | ₹ 62.95 Lakh | ₹ 49 Lakh | ₹ 48.90 – 54.90 Lakh |
Pricing Strategy:
The Kia EV6 2025 facelift is launched at ₹ 65.90 Lakh (ex-showroom) for the single GT-Line AWD variant. The Kia is marketing this model as premium luxury electric car compared to some of its rivals like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 which is its sibling and German rival BMW iX1 , but it is similarly priced to the other German rival Mercedes-Benz EQA and the Volvo C40 Recharge. The Chinese Automaker BYD offers Sealion 7 in a wider price range with its two variants.
Thus, the pricing strategy reflects the EV6’s fully imported status as its imported through CBU route in india and its focus on premium features, performance, and a long driving range.
Unique Selling Propositions:
The Kia EV6 2025 offers several unique selling propositions over its rivals in the Indian market:
- High Claimed Range: With an ARAI-certified range of 663 km, it offers one of the highest ranges in its segment.
- Ultra-fast Charging: It can charge from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes with a 350 kW DC fast charger.
- Advanced Technology: Features like a curved panoramic display(one of the biggest screens in segment), fingerprint recognition, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, over-the-air(OTA) updates, and an augmented reality HUD.
- V2L and V2V Capabilities: Allows powering external devices and even charging other vehicles.
- Striking Design: Features Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design language with aggressive GT line bumpers and futuristic look.
Key Strengths and Weaknesses:
Strengths:
- Long Driving Range: Offers a significantly high claimed range compared to most of its competitors.
- Fast Charging: Exceptionally quick charging times thanks to its 800V architecture.
- Feature-rich: Loaded with ADAS 2.0 advanced technology, safety features, and premium interiors.
- Powerful Performance: The AWD GT-Line variant delivers thrilling performance with 325 hp and 605 Nm of torque.
Weaknesses:
- Higher Price: One of the biggest con is the EV6 is priced at a hefty premium compared to some of its rivals, mainly due to being a fully imported model.
- Single Variant: being brought to the india shores in just one fully loaded variant, might limit options for buyers looking for a more affordable version.
- Claimed Range Drop: While the battery capacity has increased in respect with the previous model, the claimed range has slightly dropped compared with the earlier EV6 model’s RWD variant.
- Interior Luxury: While advanced, the interior may not match the perceived luxury that some of the German competitors have to offer.
Also Read: The All-New Kia EV6 2025 in India: Redefining Electric Luxury and Performance
Final Verdict:
The 2025 Kia EV6 races ahead in technology, performance, and range compared to the competition but its CBU pricing and compromised seating comfort i.e. you have to sit a big uptight or taller passengers might find the rear seat a bit upright or difficult to sit in for longer journey, thus making rivals like the BYD Sealion 7 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 more practical for budget-conscious buyers.
For luxury seekers, the BMW iX1 and Mercedes EQA these two german cars offer much stronger brand appeal, while you might have to compromise with fewer cutting-edge features.