Kia EV6 in India, 5 reasons why you should cross shop with other luxury EVs.
Looking at you Jaguar and Audi.
Kia India has planned to launch the EV6 as an extremely limited run of 100 units in CBUs (completely built units) on June 2nd. The vehicle has had a great deal of success in overseas markets such as Europe. According to figures published by European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA),
“Kia has recorded its best-ever quarterly performance in the brand’s history — with Q1 registrations of 145,222 units representing an increase of 27.6% compared to the same period in 2021.”
An all rounder in a sea of vehicles trying to be niche. On cost, range, looks, features and safety. The Kia wins all. The Audi E-Tron SUV and the Jaguar I-pace are two entrants who are ‘closer’ to the bracket when it comes to price and range. In spite Kia not being a luxury offering let’s go over why it wins on the above 5 areas.
5 star safety
It was awarded the highest safety rating in latest Euro NCAP crash tests. Results include a 90% score for adult occupant protection and 86% for child occupant protection. Scores from the I pace and E-Tron were comparable between 1–5%. When comparing cost to value in the safety department, the Kia doesn’t compromise. With smart safety tech such as Rear cross traffic alerts, Blind spot collision avoidance and more.
528 km range
An extremely high certified range isn’t a real world guarantee. But it’s definitely great to know that it blows the competition out of water with 528km of range. A 77.4 kWh battery pack that charges in 18 min on 350 kW of power. Now, it would be a challenge to find a 350kW charging station in India; but knowing that it’s possible when the luxury competition can’t, isn’t that something to brag about?
Design
Looks are subjective, but this vehicle has a design that appeals to all, isn’t boxy enough to offend a sedan lover, or low enough to bug the SUV crowd. With great lighting elements on the front and rear, designed to replicate “infinite lighting strips”, we think it’s a winning formula on style points.
Features Inside
Connected car technology that can be used to control climate or schedule charging. A Driver centered dashboard that’s curved 31cm wide (12.3 inches) large and filled with information and surround view monitoring. A Meridian sound system for music lovers and Vehicle2Load connectivity! The ability to use your car as a power bank, isn’t that fancy?
Cost
CBU’s are generally undesirable when it come’s to pricing. Heavy taxation destroys value to the buyer. And another burning question to add, 60–70L for a Kia? We ask you to take a look again. For a 4 wheeler EV scene that did have luxury offerings that we thought competed well, this car does make you think twice. If you got it now, you would be happy it cost lesser than the Germans. With at par value propositions with some exceptions (comfort and NVH maybe?).
It’s an experiment for Kia. If these 100 units sell like hot cake, with great endorsements/feedback from the owners, who knows; a localized 35–40L version of the vehicle? Let’s wait and see!
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