To buy the electric Kia EV6 or the BMW i4

When BMW first showed us the i4 all electric sedan in April 2022, there was some disappointment amongst the motoring media as the car did not look striking enough to stir emotions. Unlike the awesome looking BMW iX SAV that stood out from all angles, the i4 was rather sedate in its visual appeal and looked more like a face-lifted current model BMW 5 Series sedan.

Then there was the selling price which was rather high at RM 389,800 which is very close to the asking price of the iX SUV at RM 419,640 (just an RM31k difference). 

Meanwhile, the electric vehicle segment gets rather interesting in Malaysia as non-premium automotive brands are closing the gap between themselves and premium car brands when it comes ONLY with electric vehicles. Yes, the electric revolution has brought brands like KIA and BMW side by side when buyers look at design and technology.

So, when local KIA brand guardian, Dinamikjaya teased the arrival of the all new KIA electric vehicle, the EV6, there was a lot of social media attention from Malaysians keen to take ownership. This avant-garde looking KIA will be launched in Malaysia in just a month’s time in two variants.

There will be a ‘GT-Line’ model and a ‘Base’ model to cater to two segments. The higher version will have a possible 510 km driving range with its 77.4-kWh battery and with its smaller 58-kWh battery a possible 350 km driving range. Power output for the EV6 will be 577 hp and 740 Nm of torque on the GT-Line version and 168 hp and 350 Nm of torque on the base EV6. 

The asking price in Malaysia is estimated at between RM 258,000 to RM 308,000 and this makes it more expensive than its close relative, the Hyundai IONIQ 5.

Also read: Buy or Hold: Should you wait for Kia EV6 or buy Hyundai IONIQ 5?

Back to the BMW i4. There is only one version on offer in Malaysia, the i4 eDrive40 M Sport which has 340 hp and 430 Nm of torque which allows for an estimated electric driving range of 590 km from its 83.9-kWh battery pack. This BMW EV has a bigger battery pack than the GT-Line KIA EV6 and this is why the asking price moves upwards. Plus, you need to add on the BMW branding and premium image which for some Malaysian buyers is still a selling point.

However, the KIA EV6’s smart looks and larger size are a definite plus point for any buyer. Standing out in any car park, it has head-turning looks and its styling will not be ‘offensive’ for anyone.

The BMW i4 fastback styling does not stand out in the car park and it lacks the ‘aura’ of being a modern electric car. Many EV buyers today want the world to know that they are driving an EV and this is why the gap between premium and non-premium cars is closing up fast with styling, technology and battery power delivery. The KIA EV6 GT-Line ticks all the relevant boxes and comes in at almost RM 80,000 cheaper. This is why the online interest for the KIA EV6 is 10 folds more than the BMW i4 right now. 

Also read: All-new 2022 BMW X1 and BMW iX1: All you need to know