[Kevinrevvz]

Introduction:

I have been one of the early adopters of EVs in India with the first generation MG ZS EV and I have been truly taken aback by the rapid and exponential growth of EV technology, infrastructure and sales in India in the last couple of years. I had the pleasure of driving a Hyundai IONIQ 5 recently and I was shocked that Hyundai could offer such a high end car at a great price point. Then I checked out the Kia EV6 AWD and was shocked by the sub 5s 0-100 but an otherwise identical cousin to the IONIQ 5. This slowly led me to drive pretty much every single EV available in the market to study the state of the EV market in our country. The luxury segment has seen significantly more buzz than the budget ones with every car improving by leaps and bounds from the previous offering from their respective marques. However, the Hyundai Kia cousins stood out which led me to compare it with 3 other similarly priced EVs and 3 more flagship EVs priced almost three times as much as the IONIQ 5.

Impressed with E-GMPs:

The Hyundai Kia Genesis E-GMP platform cars such as the IONIQ 5 and EV6 may seem expensive at first glance coming from the house of mainstream Korean cousins but they manage to provide a groundbreaking value for money quotient. The quality, packaging, space, performance, efficiency, range, refinement, comfort, technology and optimisation on offer are more akin to cars that cost three times as much, such as the Mercedes EQE, BMW iX and Audi Q8 ETron rather than the similarly priced competitors such as the Volvo XC40/C40 Recharge, Mercedes EQB and BMW iX1 which are based on an ICE platform and offer noticeably inferior packaging, space, efficiency and range in comparison.

Comparison to similarly priced competition:

Baseline - Hyundai IONIQ 5 RWD (48L) & Kia EV6 AWD (68L)

These vehicles offer a stellar package compared to the competition owning to the ground up born electric platform, efficient motors and power optimisation as well as mostly in-house components. The Kia EV6 offers 4kWh more usable battery capacity, sporty modern styling, stiffer suspension and an AWD option whereas the IONIQ 5 offers Neo-Retro styling, comfort oriented suspension and a RWD option only. The Kia EV6 is brought in as a CBU whereas the IONIQ 5 is a CKD resulting is the big price gap between otherwise identical cars.

Highlights:



Value For Money Pricing: The CKD pricing especially for the IONIQ 5 at 48L significantly undercuts the competition. The EV6 at 68L is a niche sportier and faster CBU alternative at a hefty premium that still undercuts most of the competition.

Smart Packaging: Thanks to the dedicated born electric E-GMP platform, the wheels are pushed out to the corners resulting in a 3000mm wheelbase and a lavishly spacious cabin previously unseen in cars of this external dimension. The IONIQ 5 further utilises the space on offer with soft and comfortable electric heated and cooled front seats with ottomans and a zero gravity relax mode plus electric sliding and reclining heated rear seats.

Fantastic build and material quality: Everything feels as solidly put together as the Germans and the interiors are very well damped and draped with soft touch elements and leather surfaces apart from the scratchy plastics towards the bottom of the cabin.

Good Powertrain: The IONIQ 5 RWD offers a 70kWh usable battery pack with 215hp and 350Nm that briskly takes it from 0-100 in 7s whereas the Kia EV6 AWD offers a 74kWh usable battery pack with 320hp and 605Nm rocketing it to 100Kmph in just 4.8s.

Brilliant Efficiency: Despite the good performance numbers, both the RWD and AWD powertrains offer fantastic efficiency numbers where both cars offer more than 400Km real world range on the highway and more than 500Km real world range in the city. With just a 70kWh pack, they attain similar range figures to the flagship EVs that require a 90-110kWh pack to achieve the same. This significantly reduces energy consumption, charging times and costs to drive the same distance.

Best in class charging speeds: These are the most affordable EVs in the world to offer a 800V architecture with the immediate step up being the Porsche Taycan and Audi ETron GT. This not only improves thermal and energy efficiency, it also results in an insane 230kW peak charging speed that could charge it from 10-80 in just 18 minutes at a compatible charger (250-350kW DC), the likes of which have finally started to pop up in India from ChargeZone and Tata Power.

Great NVH: The lack of road and wind noise elevates the luxury quotient of these cars owing to the excellent damping, insulation and specialised Michelin Pilot Sport EV Tyres in case of the IONIQ 5.

Surprising Comfort: The IONIQ 5’s suspension absolutely glides over bad roads and potholes which makes it surprisingly indistinguishable from the air suspension in the Mercedes EQE500 despite the massive 20 inch wheels on offer. At high speeds and heavy cornering however, it starts to float a bit but still remains extremely composed. The low centre of gravity also ensures minimal body roll and increased confidence in high speed cornering. The EV6 improves the handling further with a stiffer suspension setup and 19 inch wheels to compensate for the low speed ride.

Latest Technology: Both cars offer the latest and greatest in technology with everything from Level 2 ADAS, connected tech and intelligent battery, power and charging management systems indicative of well thought out and designed EVs.

Volvo C40 Recharge Twin (65L):

Pros:

Better acceleration than IONIQ 5 RWD (4.7s vs 7s 0-100)
Google Based Infotainment System
Cheaper than EV6 AWD

Cons:

Inferior Efficiency (Km/kWh) and Range (400Km vs 420Km @100kmph)
Inferior Ride Quality
Poor packaging and less space
More expensive than IONIQ 5 RWD

Similar:

Acceleration compared to EV6 AWD (4.7s vs 4.8s 0-100)
Build and Material Quality

BMW iX1 xDrive30 (69L):

Pros:

Better acceleration than IONIQ 5 RWD (5.7s vs 7s 0-100)

Cons:

Inferior acceleration to EV6 AWD (5.7s vs 4.8s 0-100)
Poor Efficiency (Km/kWh) and Range (350Km vs 420Km @100kmph)
Inferior Ride Quality
Poor packaging and less space
More expensive than IONIQ 5 RWD

Similar:

Build and Material Quality
Pricing compared to EV6 AWD

Mercedes Benz EQB300 4M (77L):

Pros:

5+2 Seater

Cons:

Inferior acceleration to IONIQ 5 RWD and EV6 AWD (8s vs 7s vs 4.8s 0-100)
Poor Efficiency (Km/kWh) and Range (350Km vs 420Km @100kmph)
Inferior Ride Quality
Poor packaging and less space
Few Cheap Interior Plastics
More Expensive than IONIQ 5 RWD and EV6 AWD

Comparison to higher priced competition:

Mercedes Benz EQE500 4M (1.46CR):

Pros:

Better acceleration than IONIQ 5 RWD (4.8s vs 7s 0-100)
Better Range (480Km vs 420Km @100kmph)
Hyperscreen Infotainment System
Interior Material Quality

Cons:

Inferior Efficiency (Km/kWh)
More Expensive

Similar:

Acceleration compared to EV6 AWD (4.8s vs 4.8s 0-100)
Packaging and Space
Ride Quality

BMW iX xDrive40 (1.3CR):

Pros:

Better acceleration than RWD (6.1s vs 7s 0-100)
Modern Interior design
Interior Material Quality

Cons:

Inferior acceleration to AWD (6.1s vs 4.8s 0-100)
Inferior Efficiency (Km/kWh) and Range (380Km vs 420Km @100kmph)
More Expensive

Similar:

Packaging and Space
Ride Quality

Audi Q8 Sportback ETron 55 (1.35CR):

Pros:

Better acceleration than IONIQ 5 RWD (5.6s vs 7s 0-100)
Better Range (450Km vs 420Km @100kmph)
Interior Material Quality
More Mature Ride Quality

Cons:

Inferior acceleration to EV6 AWD (5.6s vs 4.8s 0-100)
Inferior Efficiency (Km/kWh)
Poor packaging and less space
More Expensive

Summary:

The E-GMP cars such as the Hyundai IONIQ 5 RWD and Kia EV6 AWD completely eviscerate the slightly more expensive Swedish and German competition on almost all aspects turning out as undefeated champions. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 at 48L is an obvious choice over cars like the C40, EQB and iX1 priced between 65-77L as it offers tremendously better value while not loosing out on any aspect but the acceleration when compared to the C40 and iX1.

If you have an itch for performance, the Kia EV6 AWD with it’s 4.8s 0-100 at 68L not only eviscerates the similarly priced competition such as the C40, EQB and iX1, it also manages to surpass the flagship EVs in the country such as the EQE, Q8 ETron and iX which are several times more expensive, priced between 1.3-1.5CR.

The flagship EVs however manage to offer the intangibles and wow factor one expects at that price point such as unique styling, quirky interiors and modern tech yet they do not offer much more than the E-GMP cousins in terms of pure utility and usability.

Hence the Hyundai IONIQ 5 AWD turns out as the best EV in the country offering an insane package and value at 48L with the Kia EV6 AWD acting as a runner up for those who want an IONIQ 5 but with blistering performance, albeit at a hefty 20L premium just for the added acceleration.


Note- Real world range test was done for each car by calculating the efficiency at continuous cruise control at 100Kmph and multiplying the figure by the usable battery capacity. Real word 0-100 acceleration figures were obtained by GPS tests done by individual media houses. The pricing mentioned are the On-Road figures including insurance and TCS for states with 0% EV Road Tax. The pictures used for reference are from TeamBHP reviews of the respective cars as I was not able to capture all cars individually. Cheers!

[nmn.070]

Originally Posted by Kevinrevvz

Note- Real world range test was done for each car by calculating the efficiency at continuous cruise control at 100Kmph and multiplying the figure by the usable battery capacity. Real word 0-100 acceleration figures were obtained by GPS tests done by individual media houses. The pricing mentioned are the On-Road figures including insurance and TCS for states with 0% EV Road Tax. The pictures used for reference are from TeamBHP reviews of the respective cars as I was not able to capture all cars individually. Cheers!

Thanks for putting this comparison together. It is very helpful! I'm just curious about the acceleration and efficiency figures for the Volvo c40. Most media houses report is substantially faster than the kia (maybe the 0-60 got mixed up with 0-100 and different testing conditions). At the same time I personally found the materials on the Kia to be visibly and poor to touch. Efficiency of the c40 would differ greatly as very few international media houses have tested the 2024 model available in India. Request you to share the sources for these if possible.

I have been test driving these cars extensively and some things do not match with your observations so I'm wondering if that is due to the test vehicle made available by different dealers.

[Aditya]

Comparison : EVs priced between Rs. 50 lakhs - Rs. 1.3 crores - Posts moved to a new thread.

[Kevinrevvz]

Originally Posted by nmn.070

Thanks for putting this comparison together. It is very helpful! I'm just curious about the acceleration and efficiency figures for the Volvo c40.

Thank you! Note that most media houses report the official 0-60Mph or 0-100Kmph figures for both cars. Though the Volvo lines up with its claimed figure, Kia and Hyundai severely under-quote the acceleration figures on their AWD models. As tested by a couple of YouTubers and my personal test using a Dragy, the EV6 AWD manages to pull off the 0-60Mph and 0-100Kmph sprint in just 4.6s and 4.8s respectively.

Both the XC40 and C40 were updated internationally with a rear biased motor setup and updated BMS to improve power delivery and efficiency. In India however, these changes only reflect the C40 hence why I chose to ignore the XC40 for this comparison despite being ₹6L cheaper and offers available on top of that. I tested the real world highway efficiency on both cars at 100Kmph and the XC40 turned out 330-350Km while the C40 managed 380-400Km.

With regards to materials, both the E-GMPs and Volvos feature soft touch materials on the upper half of the cabin and plastics in the lower half of the cabin with the Volvo offering coloured fabric touches on the lower half. However, some Hyundai and Kia dealerships tend to use their flagships as personal vehicles and hence not maintained properly.

https://youtu.be/biFJjLHZUYs?si=yGAtDj4cW912HygE

https://youtu.be/FSt_xgehLQM?si=7SWF_7UykebrNZoH

https://youtu.be/mwtm6otR5Y8?si=J_edyJjoEWhXBF6x

[zandot]

You've missed out on the i4. The new idrive35 vehicles available in the market are also great with the idrive40 i4's considered internationally as one of the best EVs for driving experience by many reviewers - sadly I guess with it being a sedan it's overlooked here due to the bad ground clearance.

I am currently deciding what to replace the Ioniq5 with having gone from the 21 Nexon EV -> 22 MG ZS EV -> Ioniq5 so have been going through these vehicles very closely as well

[kal-el]

Originally Posted by zandot

You've missed out on the i4. The new idrive35 vehicles available in the market are also great with the idrive40 i4's considered internationally as one of the best EV's for driving experience by many reviewers - sadly I guess with it being a sedan it's overlooked here due to the bad ground clearance.

The BMW i4 has been discontinued for months now.

[zandot]

Originally Posted by kal-el

The BMW i4 has been discontinued for months now.

Actually it’s not. We now have the updated edrive35 with the updated screen and button gear selector available in India. Price is slightly lower too.

Also worth mentioning that most of the luxury EV mentioned above barring the ev6/Ioniq5 cousins are available with decent discounts as stocks are piling up at dealers.

[Kevinrevvz]

Originally Posted by zandot

You've missed out on the i4. The new idrive35 vehicles available in the market are also great with the idrive40 i4's considered internationally as one of the best EV's for driving experience by many reviewers - sadly I guess with it being a sedan it's overlooked here due to the bad ground clearance.

You're right! I did not include the i4 because of the practicality one expects from an SUV. I've had some low Mercs and BMWs but the i4 is ultra low. At 125mm, the ground clearance is the same as a Bugatti Chiron and 10mm lower than a Lamborghini Huracan. This paired with a longer wheelbase and no lift option makes it painful to use on our roads.

Despite that, the i4 40 was a brilliant option because of the insane efficiency and range on offer. The 80.7kWh usable battery pack returned 500Km in my 100Kmph range test. The 340hp motor was quite brisk as well. One of the only ICE platform EVs in the world that is so efficient.

The i4 35 however, with a downsized 67kWh usable battery pack and a weaker 287hp motor has unfortunately lost its USP in my eyes.

With regards to your IONIQ 5 replacement, we're about to experience a massive influx of great EVs such as the KIA EV9, Fisker Ocean, BYD Seal and the long overdue Teslas.

[rknair]

Originally Posted by Kevinrevvz

Introduction:

However, the Hyundai Kia cousins stood out which led me to compare it with 3 other similarly priced EVs and 3 more flagship EVs priced almost three times as much as the IONIQ 5.

Thanks for the review. You could have also included BYD Atto3 in the mix. Performance numbers and range of it is comparable with some of these vehicles at a much lower price point of ₹35L.

[aashishnb]

Originally Posted by zandot

I am currently deciding what to replace the Ioniq5 with having gone from the 21 Nexon EV -> 22 MG ZS EV -> Ioniq5 so have been going through these vehicles very closely as well

Hi Zandot,
Any reason why you're looking to replace the Ioniq car so soon?

[redeff]

Please do not forget the BMW I4, my pride and joy!

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/attac...4-img_4695.jpg




Pros-

1. Stylish to the hilt. Turns heads like no one's business. Even in white!
2. 340 odd BHP makes for a rapid progress.
3. Air suspension at the rear makes the ride plus and amazing.
5. 75-80 odd Lakh on road price (Mumbai) makes it a brilliant proposition.
6. A sedan/coupe in a space dominated primarily by crossovers /SUVs.
7. Lavishly anointed interiors at par with the competition.
8. 400 KM plus real world range!
9. Feels like an electric sports car with the aerodynamic shape, low ground clearance and instant acceleration.


Cons-

1. The aerodynamic shape leads to miserable Ground clearance on our roads. Be prepared for heartaches.
2. The coupe like design makes for restricted headroom in the rear.
3. No lumbar support on the drivers seat!!
4. Harmon Kardon branded sound system good, but could do much better.

[zandot]

Originally Posted by aashishnb

Hi Zandot,
Any reason why you're looking to replace the Ioniq car so soon?

It's only because my usage is on the higher side, between 70-90k km per year. I usually split this between two vehicles and try and sell off the EVs before it hits 50k km. This has worked well for me this far, so just preparing for what's next as cant justify the 20 lakh jump for the EV6.

Originally Posted by Kevinrevvz

With regards to your IONIQ 5 replacement, we're about to experience a massive influx of great EVs such as the KIA EV9, Fisker Ocean, BYD Seal and the long overdue Teslas.

Let's hope the launches happen soon, other than the Seal neither the EV9 or the Ocean I find to be very nice looking cars personally. Tesla would be great but that's also a big maybe at the moment. Let's hope 2024 brings a lot more EV's for us.

[reignofchaos]

Sorry but how does the EV6 eviscerate the C40?

The C40 is faster and costs less at the cost of minor range (20km).

Everything else appears to be comparable.

Ioniq 5 should not be compared to the C40 - it is in a completely different (lower) performance class

[Kevinrevvz]

Originally Posted by reignofchaos

Sorry but how does the EV6 eviscerate the C40?

The C40 is faster and costs less at the cost of minor range (20km).

Everything else appears to be comparable.

Ioniq 5 should not be compared to the C40 - it is in a completely different (lower) performance class

The real world acceleration figure on both cars are pretty much identical. The range difference may not seem much on cruise control between 80-100Kmph but when you start to drive enthusiastically, the efficiency and range plummets on the C40. This issue was much worse on the XC40 but the C40 seems to have improved considerably. It went down to 250-300 on a full charge whereas the EV6 maintains 350-380 even with such a driving style.

The space and ride quality are drastically different as well. The C40 is way too cramped in comparison and the ride feels too bouncy at higher speeds. For reference, the C40 at 2702mm has 10mm more wheelbase than a BMW X1 while the EV6 at 3000mm has 25mm more wheelbase than a BMW X5 resulting in segments apart space and comfort in the interior.

Hence if you want a fun car for city use and you don't mind the range or space, C40 is a great option when it comes to performance, looks and tech. If you want the best of both worlds with performance, range and space, EV6 is the way to go. If you want the above but don't mind the performance, IONIQ 5 is an otherwise identical cousin to the EV6 for a whopping 20L less.

[nmn.070]

Originally Posted by Kevinrevvz

The real world acceleration figure on both cars are pretty much identical. The range difference may not seem much on cruise control between 80-100Kmph but when you start to drive enthusiastically, the efficiency and range plummets on the C40. This issue was much worse on the XC40 but the C40 seems to have improved considerably. It went down to 250-300 on a full charge whereas the EV6 maintains 350-380 even with such a driving style.

The space and ride quality are drastically different as well. The C40 is way too cramped in comparison and the ride feels too bouncy at higher speeds. For reference, the C40 at 2702mm has 10mm more wheelbase than a BMW X1 while the EV6 at 3000mm has 25mm more wheelbase than a BMW X5 resulting in segments apart space and comfort in the interior.

Hence if you want a fun car for city use and you don't mind the range or space, C40 is a great option when it comes to performance, looks and tech. If you want the best of both worlds with performance, range and space, EV6 is the way to go. If you want the above but don't mind the performance, IONIQ 5 is an otherwise identical cousin to the EV6 for a whopping 20L less.

I can vouch for the fact that the c40 is properly faster than the ev6. You can tell the difference immediately when driven back to back. Jay emm on YouTube also noticed that the ev6 motors do not give instant torque the way c40/polestar does. Also the ev6 may have more space, the floor is higher and I personally found the seats in c40 better. As a rear passenger you can put your feet under the front seats whereas in the ev6 you sort of have to sit cross legged for comfort due to the high floor. Range wise the c40 is much better than the xc40 and in my extended test drive over the same routes, I got similar efficiency as the kia. The ev6 is better in full traffic conditions though. The handling on the ev6 is definitely a winner but overall suspension comfort is almost the same.