2025 Kia EV6 Facelift vs BMW iX1 LWB - The Clash Of Premium EVs: A Better Package Over Badge Value?

The EV6 has played a vital role for Kia in the premium EV category. To keep things fresh, the Korean carmaker has given it a refresh with updated exterior and interior elements, along with a bigger battery pack. It takes on the BMW iX1 LWB, which already seems like a more appealing option due to its aggressive pricing and brand value. 

That being said, does the 2025 Kia EV6 justify its price premium, or is the BMW iX1 LWB the smarter choice to pick in the electric SUV segment? Find out.

Dimensions

Parameter	2025 Kia EV6 Facelift	BMW iX1 LWB
Length	4695 mm (+79 mm)	4616 mm
Width	1890 mm (+45 mm)	1845 mm
Height	1570 mm (-57 mm)	1627 mm
Wheelbase	2900 mm (+100 mm)	2800 mm

Although BMW offers the iX1 in its long-wheelbase variant in our market, its wheelbase is 100 mm shorter than the EV6. Additionally, the 2025 EV6 is 79 mm longer and 45 mm wider than the iX1 LWB, providing a more spacious cabin with improved legroom and overall comfort. However, the iX1 LWB is taller than the EV6, meaning it will offer a more commanding driving position and a greater road presence.

Features

The 2025 EV6 facelift also has an edge in terms of features over the iX1 LWB. It rides on larger 19-inch alloy wheels, offering improved handling and better road grip. The EV6 facelift also boasts a larger infotainment system and a bigger digital driver’s display, which not only enhances aesthetics but also improves the user experience. However, the units in the iX1 are decently sized at 10.7-inch for infotainment and 10.25-inch for the digital driver’s display.

Convenience in the 2025 EV6 is further enhanced by ventilated front-row seats and a better-equipped audio system. In terms of safety, both the iX1 LWB and the EV6 feature eight airbags along with ADAS features. However, the EV6 holds an advantage with a 360-degree camera system in addition to front and rear parking sensors, whereas the iX1 LWB comes with a reverse parking camera alongside front and rear parking sensors.

Powertrain Specifications

Moving to the powertrain, the 2025 EV6, with its larger 84 kWh battery pack, produces 121 PS and 400 Nm more than the iX1 LWB. It also features an all-wheel drive system, which will provide better traction than the BMW iX1 LWB’s front-wheel drive setup. Additionally, the EV6 also offers a better claimed range, that is over 130 km higher than the BMW iX1 LWB.

Price and Rivals

Pricing is where the BMW iX1 LWB holds a significant advantage over the 2025 EV6 facelift, undercutting it by around Rs 17 lakh. This price gap largely stems from the EV6 being a full-import model, while the iX1 LWB is manufactured in India. As for competition, both take on the likes of the Hyundai Ioniq 5, BYD Sealion 7, and the single-motor version of the Volvo EX40.

Verdict

Evaluating the on-paper specifications, the 2025 Kia EV6 facelift emerges as an easy winner, offering a more potent powertrain, better range, and superior features. However, the question will arise in your mind whether it's worth spending Rs 17 lakh more, especially when the iX1 LWB boasts a German badge. 

The iX1 LWB delivers less performance but still offers a claimed range of over 500 km, which is more than enough for trips with stops at fast-charging stations. As for features, it lacks some niceties but comes equipped with all essential ones along with full safety features, including ADAS.

Overall, the EV6 appears to be the more tempting option. However, you will end up spending more while also missing out on the brand appeal that BMW provides. Which side are you on? Let us know in the comments section.