Tesla, Kia, BMW EV Showdown: Price, Power & Practicality Compared

India’s electric vehicle segment has welcomed a significant new entrant. Tesla has officially launched the Model Y SUV, making it its first offering in the country. Alongside the car’s unveiling, Tesla opened a showroom in Mumbai, with another scheduled for New Delhi. The Model Y will compete with established rivals such as the Kia EV6 and BMW iX1. Here is a detailed comparison of how these three premium EVs measure up in terms of price, range, battery, features, and dimensions.

Price And Variants

Tesla’s Model Y is available in two versions: Standard and Long Range, priced at Rs 59.89 lakh and Rs 67.89 lakh (ex-showroom), respectively. The BMW iX1 is priced more competitively, available in a single eDrive20L M Sport variant at Rs 49 lakh (ex-showroom). The Kia EV6 is positioned between the two Teslas at Rs 65.9 lakh (ex-showroom) for its fully loaded AWD GT-Line variant.

Size And Dimensions

The Tesla Model Y leads in length and width at 4751 mm and 1920 mm, respectively. Its height is 1624 mm with a 2891 mm wheelbase. The EV6 measures slightly smaller at 4695 mm in length and 1890 mm in width, with a 1570 mm height and 2900 mm wheelbase. BMW's iX1 is the most compact among the three, measuring 4616 mm in length, 1845 mm in width, and 1612 mm in height with a 2800 mm wheelbase. While the EV6 boasts the longest wheelbase, Tesla offers the most presence on the road.

Battery Pack And Driving Range

The Tesla Model Y's Standard variant delivers a WLTP range of up to 500 km, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. The Long Range version offers a 622 km WLTP range, slightly faster at 5.6 seconds. Tesla has not yet disclosed battery specifications for India, but both variants have rear-wheel drive and a top speed of 201 km/h.

Kia’s EV6 gets an 84 kWh battery, delivering 325 hp and 605 Nm torque. It promises a range of 581 km and goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds. The battery supports ultra-fast 350 kW DC charging, reaching 80% in 18 minutes.

BMW’s iX1 comes with a 66.4 kWh battery and a single motor producing 204 hp and 250 Nm torque. The claimed range is 531 km. Charging from 10% to 80% takes 29 minutes via a 130 kW DC charger, while full charge on an 11 kW AC charger takes around 6.5 hours.

Features And Technology

Tesla Model Y includes a 15.3-inch touchscreen, power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, two-way foldable second-row seats, an 8-inch rear screen, a 9-speaker sound system, ambient lighting, and a panoramic roof. Safety is bolstered by eight external cameras and advanced driver-assistance systems.

BMW iX1 comes equipped with a combined curved display featuring a 10.25-inch digital cluster and 10.7-inch infotainment system. Additional features include a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio, Level 2 ADAS, park assist, ISOFIX mounts, and eight airbags.

The Kia EV6 brings a futuristic interior with a panoramic display, AI-powered navigation, and remote park assist. It includes a digital rearview mirror, fingerprint-enabled ignition, wireless charging, OTA updates, Level 2 ADAS, and connected car features. It offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.

While Tesla's arrival adds glamour to the Indian EV market, both the Kia EV6 and BMW iX1 remain formidable contenders. Tesla excels in range and size, BMW offers a value-packed entry with robust luxury, and Kia stands out with rapid charging and innovative features. The final choice will depend on customer priorities, whether range, price, technology, or driving experience.