KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Kia EV6 facelift boasts sharper, futuristic design updates
- Ioniq 5 blends retro-modern styling with premium comfort
- BYD Sealion 7 offers luxury with SUV-coupe silhouette
- Sealion 7 leads safety with 11 airbags, ADAS suite
Kia EV6 Vs Hyundai Ioniq Vs BYD Sealion 7: The electric vehicle market in India is heating up, with premium offerings vying for attention in the Rs 45-65 lakh segment. Kia has recently introduced the updated EV6 in India. There are some other potent contenders that we have in our market, such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the BYD Sealion 7, which bring different flavours to the table with a combination of style, technology and performance.
The new EV6 is a primary rival of the BYD Sealion 7 and Ioniq 5. In this article, I will pit these three against each other and check which one emerges as a winner or if it's a draw. Check out the detailed comparison below to help you decide which one suits your needs best. Before that, make sure you are part of the elite 91Wheels WhatsApp Community to stay versed on the latest auto news.
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Kia EV6 Vs Hyundai Ioniq Vs BYD Sealion 7: Exterior Design
The 2025 Kia EV6 turns heads with its mid-cycle facelift, sporting a sharper, more aggressive look. Its triangular LED DRLs and sleek projector headlights give it a futuristic edge, while the blanked-off grille screams EV modernity. The 19-inch aerodynamic alloy wheels and flush door handles add a premium vibe, though the rear design remains largely unchanged from its predecessor as it retains the curved LED taillights and a sporty diffuser.
More details about the new Kia EV6 here
In contrast, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 has a retro-modern aesthetic that is hard to ignore. This includes a squared-off DRLs and pixelated taillamps evoke a nostalgic vibe, reminiscent of a beefed-up Volkswagen Golf Mk2. The 20-inch alloy wheels and razor-sharp body lines make it look deceptively compact despite its generous proportions, which rival the Tucson in length and width.
The BYD Sealion 7, with its 'Ocean X' design philosophy, opts for a sleek SUV-coupe silhouette. At 4.83 meters long, its the largest of the trio, outstretching even a Toyota Fortuner. Full-LED headlights, 20-inch alloys (19-inch on the base variant), and motorized door handles lend it a sophisticated air, while the twin spoilers enhance its sporty stance.
Sectional Verdict: The Kia EV6 wins for its bold, futuristic appeal, while the Ioniq 5's retro-modern uniqueness is not ignorable on the roads. The Sealion 7, though sleek and imposing, feels less distinctive but compensates with its coupe-like flair.
Kia EV6 Vs Hyundai Ioniq Vs BYD Sealion 7: Interior
Inside the Kia EV6, the cabin feels familiar yet refreshed. The dual 12.3-inch displays dominate the dashboard, paired with a touch-enabled AC panel. A new 3-spoke steering wheel adds a sporty touch. There's also a fingerprint sensor that elevates convenience. The company has used Sustainable materials for the seats, which come with adjustable headrests and 3-point seatbelts across the board.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 offers a spacious, functional interior with a flat floor and wide-opening doors. The sliding center console and powered front seats (with a relaxation mode that reclines fully) take comfort to the next level. Storage space is good inside the cabin, including a mini bookshelf-like console to a drawer-style glovebox. However, rear underthigh support could be better for taller passengers.
The BYD Sealion 7 gets a layered dashboard clad in high-quality leatherette. The front bucket seats offer excellent cushioning, though the driving position is slightly high. Inside the Sealion 7, rear space is generous for knee room, but taller occupants might find shoulder and underthigh support lacking due to the sloping roofline. Storage options, including a huge under-console shelf, are thoughtfully designed.
Sectional Verdict: The Ioniq 5 takes the lead for its spaciousness and innovative comfort features like the relaxation seats. The EV6 feels premium and modern, while the Sealion 7 offers a luxurious vibe but falls short on rear-seat ergonomics for taller passengers. Overall, it's your preference to choose between these three according to your needs.
Kia EV6 Vs Hyundai Ioniq Vs BYD Sealion 7: Features
The Kia EV6 packs a punch with dual 12.3-inch screens, a 12-inch AR heads-up display, V2L, wireless charging, a sunroof, and digital key functionality. Safety is top-notch with 8 airbags, a 360-degree camera and a Level-2 ADAS suite featuring collision mitigation and adaptive cruise control.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 matches the tech game with its dual 12.3-inch displays, dual-zone climate control, and a Bose sound system. Other features include a vehicle-to-load function with a three-pin socket and a fixed glass roof. Its ADAS suite and 6 airbags provide good safety, backed by a 5-star Euro NCAP rating.
More details about the Hyundai Ioniq 5 here
The BYD Sealion 7 ups the ante with a rotatable 15.6-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch driver's display, and a heads-up display. It offers ventilated front seats, a panoramic glass roof, and a 12-speaker Dynaudio system (though the sound quality is average and not something that outclasses). Safety is robust with 11 airbags and a comprehensive ADAS package, though the AEB calibration feels overly sensitive for Indian roads.
Sectional Verdict: In terms of safety, the Sealion 7 emerges a clear winner with its extensive feature list and safety kit, but the EV6 and Ioniq 5 are not far behind as they also offer a more polished and practical tech experience.
Powertrain: Performance and Range
All three EVs bring compelling powertrain options tailored to different driving preferences. Here's a detailed comparison table.
| Model | Battery | Power | Torque | Drivetrain | 0-100 kmph | Claimed Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia EV6 | 84 kWh | 325 PS | 605 Nm | AWD | 5.3 sec | 663 km (ARAI) |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 | 72.6 kWh | 217 PS | 350 Nm | RWD | 7.6 sec | 631 km (ARAI) |
| BYD Sealion 7 Premium | 82.56 kWh | 313 PS | 380 Nm | RWD | 6.7 sec | 567 km (NEDC) |
| BYD Sealion 7 Performance | 82.56 kWh | 530 PS | 690 Nm | AWD | 4.5 sec | 542 km (NEDC) |
The Kia EV6 comes with a dual-motor AWD setup, delivering 325 PS and a commendable 5.3-second 0-100 kmph sprint. Its 84 kWh battery offers an impressive 663 km range, and 800V charging tech ensures a 10-80 percent charge in just 18 minutes with a 350 kW charger.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 opts for a single-motor RWD configuration, producing 217 PS. It's slower at 7.6 seconds to 100 kmph but still offers a solid 631 km range. Real-world figures hover around 500 km, which matches the EV6's fast-charging prowess.
The BYD Sealion 7 provides flexibility with two variants. The Premium RWD trim (313 PS) hits 100 kmph in 6.7 seconds with a 567 km range, while the Performance AWD version (530 PS) clocks 4.5 seconds and offers 542 km. The real-world range is estimated at 450-500 km.
More details about the BYD Sealion 7 here
Sectional Verdict: The Sealion 7 Performance steals the show for sheer power, while the EV6 balances performance and range in a good manner. The Ioniq 5 lags in acceleration but remains practical for everyday use.
Kia EV6 Vs Hyundai Ioniq Vs BYD Sealion 7: Pricing and Value
- Kia EV6: Rs 65.90 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Hyundai Ioniq 5: Rs 46.30 lakh (ex-sh)
- BYD Sealion 7: Rs 48.90 lakh (Premium), Rs 54.90 lakh (Performance)
The EV6 sits at the premium end, justifying its price with AWD, longer range, and fast charging. The Ioniq 5 offers a compelling package at a lower entry point, appealing to value-conscious buyers. The Sealion 7 strikes a middle ground and delivers luxury and performance at competitive pricing.
Sectional Verdict: The Sealion 7 offers the best bang for the buck, especially in the Premium trim. The Ioniq 5 is a value champ, while the EV6 caters to those willing to splurge for top-tier features.
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Verdict
- Kia EV6: Choose this if you want a sporty, tech-laden EV with excellent range and AWD capability. It's ideal for enthusiasts who prioritize performance and premium appeal.
- Hyundai Ioniq 5: Perfect for buyers seeking a quirky design, spacious interiors and a practical range at a more accessible price. It's the all-rounder of the trio.
- BYD Sealion 7: Go for this if you crave power (Performance variant) or value (Premium variant) in a stylish package. It's a strong contender for those new to EVs.
Each of these EVs shines in its own right, making your choice a matter of priorities- be it performance, price or personality. Test drives in 2025 will seal the deal. I suggest you to visit the showrooms and experience three of these before closing the deal.
