The Indian market for premium electric vehicles (EVs) has become increasingly competitive, with several options available in the Rs 50 lakh price range. Three notable contenders in this segment are the Hyundai Ioniq 5, BYD Sealion 7, and BMW iX1 LWB. To help consumers make an informed decision, a comparative review of these three EVs was conducted.
In terms of design, each vehicle has a unique appearance. The Ioniq 5 has a neo-retro look, while the Sealion 7 has a more rounded design. The BMW iX1 LWB, on the other hand, has a conventional SUV design. The interior of each vehicle also differs, with the Sealion 7 featuring a high-tech dashboard and the Ioniq 5 boasting a spacious and comfortable cabin.
The Sealion 7 has the most powerful drivetrain, with 530hp and 690Nm of torque, followed by the Ioniq 5 with 217hp and 350Nm, and the BMW iX1 LWB with 204hp and 250Nm. The Sealion 7 also has the largest battery pack at 82.56kWh, while the Ioniq 5 has a 72.6kWh battery, and the BMW iX1 LWB has a 66.4kWh battery.
In terms of performance, the Sealion 7 is the quickest, accelerating from 0-100kph in 4.43 seconds. The Ioniq 5 takes 7.48 seconds, while the BMW iX1 LWB takes 8.34 seconds. The Ioniq 5 has the highest claimed range of 631km, followed by the Sealion 7 with 542km, and the BMW iX1 LWB with 531km.
The Ioniq 5 emerged as the winner in the real-world range test, with a calculated range of 457km. The BMW iX1 LWB had a range of 398km, while the Sealion 7 had a range of 371km. The Ioniq 5 also has the fastest charging speed, capable of DC fast charging at up to 350kW.
In terms of ride comfort and handling, the Ioniq 5 feels planted and composed, with a comfortable ride and direct steering. The Sealion 7 has a hint of firmness to its ride, while the BMW iX1 LWB has an excellent ride quality.
The BMW iX1 LWB is the most attractively priced at Rs 49 lakh, but it lacks equipment and has a complex infotainment system. The Sealion 7 is the most feature-rich, but it has a lower real-world range and a higher price tag of Rs 54.90 lakh. The Ioniq 5, priced at Rs 46 lakh, stands out as the most approachable and well-rounded package, with a spacious cabin, comfortable seats, and the best real-world range.
Ultimately, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 emerges as the winner, offering the best combination of performance, range, comfort, and value. Its unique design, comfortable cabin, and impressive range make it an attractive option for consumers in the premium EV segment.