Hyundai Ioniq 5

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If you're looking to spend around Rs 53-57 lakh (on-road, Mumbai) for an EV, you have a lot of options - BYD Seal, BYD Sealion 7, Hyundai Ioniq 5, BMW iX1, Kia EV6, Mini Countryman, Mercedes CLA, Volvo C40 Recharge and Tesla Model Y.The BYD Sealion 7 is among the more affordable options here - it feels like a flagship product, with a richly appointed interior, and a solid, satisfying drive experience. The BMW iX1 gets its fundamentals right and will come closest to the BMW 523i's experience, as far as interior quality, sound insulation, and refinement go, although performance isn't its strong suit. For strong performance, a laundry list of features, and a larger and more spacious interior, consider the Kia EV6. Sure, on paper it is much more expensive; however, Kia dealers are offering mouth-watering discounts. Also, the AWD version's price is lower than the recently launched RWD Hyundai Ioniq 5.As far as resale value goes, EVs across the board don't hold strong residual values compared to their ICE counterparts, irrespective of the badge they wear or the segment they belong.

BYD Sealion 7

BYD Seal

Hyundai Ioniq 5

Kia EV6

BMW iX1 LWB

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While both your shortlisted EVs are excellent in their own right, they do have their shortcomings. The Tesla Model Y L is priced at Rs 62 lakh (ex-showroom), putting it outside your budget, and though it has an impressive WLTP range, it has yet to be proven in the real world. Similarly, though the BYD Sealion 7 represents excellent value for money, its real-world range is far removed from its official figure, and in our real-world test, the dual-motor version managed around 370km on a full charge. Of the two, we'd recommend the Sealion 7, which offers better value overall than the Tesla. However, another EV you should consider in your price range is the recently unveiled Hyundai Ioniq 5 facelift. The original model came the closest to delivering a real-world 500km range in our tests, and this new one, with its larger 84kWh battery, should easily cross that figure. Hyundai's EV powertrains are among the most efficient around, and the Ioniq 5 is as well-appointed and equipped, spacious and comfortable as the best out there.

Tesla Model Y

BYD Sealion 7

Hyundai Ioniq 5

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The new Hyundai Ioniq 5 has just been launched and is available for Rs 55.7 lakh (ex-showroom). The big change is a larger battery 84kWh battery (up from 72.6kWh ) with a corresponding increase in range to 690km on a full charge, which is quite substantial. Other changes are mainly cosmetic with styling enhancements to the front and rear bumpers, a new set of alloy wheels and a redesigned rear spoiler. The interiors are largely unchanged and continue with the same airy and spacious cabin, connected cockpit, and in-car payment support for charging.Hyundai has also added a few safety and convenience features like rear parking collision-avoidance assist and enhanced parking distance warnings.

Hyundai Ioniq 5

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The Hyundai Creta Electric is much smaller than the Tata Harrier EV and Mahindra XEV 9S, making it relatively much lighter than the other cars. It also has the smallest battery pack compared to the others, but on account of its lower kerb weight, it is a lot more efficient, and you can expect around 430km on a single charge with mixed usage.Hyundai has also improved the battery's DC fast-charging capability recently, so charging times are also much lower. Furthermore, it is the most sorted electric SUV you can buy, with logical ergonomics and a clutter-free user interface/experience. Also, with no or minimal glitches, the Hyundai is much more reliable than the other two, and one that's very easy to recommend.Since you have a budget of up to Rs 35 lakh, you could look for a Hyundai Ioniq 5. The Ioniq 5 is an outstanding electric car, and for all its merits, it even won our 2024 Car of the Year. It will be a bit more effort to source one, but because a facelift is expected soon, dealers will try to liquidate existing stock at mouth-watering discounts.

Hyundai Ioniq 5

Hyundai Creta Electric

Tata Harrier EV

Mahindra XEV 9S

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Check out the Volvo EX30 - it's a compact crossover with a high-tech, luxurious interior and loads of features with a focus on safety. It comes with a large 65kWh battery with a WLTP range of 480km and strong performance from its 272hp single motor setup. Its quirky design is very EV forward and will stand out on the road for looking like nothing else on the market.The only consideration you have to make is that, being a compact electric car, it's not super spacious in the rear seat. There are other great EVs at this price, but none of them are compact - like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and BYD Seal.

Volvo EX30

Hyundai Ioniq 5

BYD Seal

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Doing long trips in an EV is possible, but it does require planning. With the charging infrastructure improving, many people are already doing highway drives without major issues. That said, charging infrastructure can still be unreliable in some areas, and charging does take more time than refuelling. If you plan to buy an EV, having access to a home charger is important. Over time, charging on long drives is only going to become easier as infrastructure improves.Given that you drive extensively and also take long trips, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a suitable option. In our real-world range test, the Ioniq 5 delivered an overall range of 457km, which should work well for your usage.

Hyundai Ioniq 5

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You have correctly identified each SUV's weakness; thus, it really boils down to which of these is the least worry for you. On the whole, the Skoda Kodiaq is something you could consider, unlike the other car's weaknesses. Also, you could offset the lower AC performance of the Skoda with good habits like parking the car with a sunshade and also using window blinds.If you are open to looking at an EV, we would recommend you look at the Ioniq 5. It isn't a three-row vehicle, but it addresses all of the weaknesses you have mentioned in the other cars in your shortlist.

Skoda Kodiaq

Hyundai Ioniq 5

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Go for the Hyundai Ioniq 5 - it is a far more sophisticated and reliable car. Yes, the Indian offerings are better equipped, but if you don't mind sacrificing some of the new-age features, the Ioniq 5 is undeniably the best option at that price point.

Hyundai Ioniq 5