Kia EV6 vs BMW IX2
What's the difference?

Kia EV6

$72,590 - $99,865

2026 price

View pricing & specs

BMW IX2

$59,990 - $89,900

2024 price

View pricing & specs

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA250

Mercedes-Benz GLB

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Toyota Landcruiser 70 Series

Summary

2026 Kia EV6

2024 BMW IX2

By Tim Nicholson

By John Law

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Electric motor type

Electromagnetically Excited

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Electric range

560 km

Electric range

—

Energy consumption

17.2 kWh/100km

—

Battery capacity

84.00 kWh

67.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

Successful facelift
Grippy performance
Improved driving range

Spacious and thoughtful cabin
Polished drivetrain
Daring appearance

Dislikes

Cramped headroom in front seats
Still pricier than many rivals
Annoying driver aids

M35i's over-firm ride
Not as practical as X1
Some rivals charge faster

2026 Kia EV6 Summary

Four years is a long time in the Australian automotive sector. Back in 2022, the Kia EV6 made a big splash as a cool, edgy EV with a focus on driver engagement.

It won a bunch of awards and was praised for its dynamism and design. Kia’s first dedicated EV was a winner! But in the years since it’s been overshadowed by a gaggle of newer and cheaper electric cars, largely from China.

More than a year after it made its global debut, Kia Australia has finally launched the facelifted EV6 in Australia. It brings with it a number of changes, most notably a new front end design, as well as a multimedia and software upgrade, chassis refinements, local ride and handling tuning tweaks and bigger batteries for more driving range.

But is it too little, too late for the Kia EV6? Have buyers moved on from this once ground-breaking EV to more affordable Chinese options? Read on to find out why this EV shouldn’t be so easily forgotten.

View full pricing & specs

2024 BMW IX2 Summary

Following its global launch in February this year, the second-generation 'U10' 2024 BMW X2 and iX2 have landed in Australia.

The coupe SUV range comprises four variants with turbo-petrol and pure electric models sitting alongside each other in showrooms with precious few visual differences.

That'll either be a good or bad thing, depending on how much you want to parade your choice to go for current or combustion.

More clear cut is the X2's new – and more sensible – position in BMW's SUV line-up. Rather than a quirky curio that's smaller and less practical than the X1, the 20cm longer gen-two X2 finally makes sense in BMW's X line-up.

To see if the driving experience and build quality live up the shiny new exterior, we've been invited to Tasmania to sample the new car's attributes on typically testing (and picturesque) roads.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2026 Kia EV6 2024 BMW IX2

Verdict

It’s fair to say the Kia EV6 is not the most affordable mid-to-large electric SUV money can buy. Especially in the era of cheaper Chinese models.

It also lacks some of the practicalities of a few rivals. If that’s your focus and you’re dead set on buying a Kia, then the EV5 is the clear choice.

But that’s not the sole purpose of this car.

It doubles as family transport and a car for driving enthusiasts. It’s the sort of EV that can convert EV non-believers.

After a week with the EV6, it’s not a car I’ll forget easily. And I urge buyers looking in the EV space not to overlook this pioneering model. It’s a brilliant car to drive and the GT-Line RWD is the value pick of the whole line-up.

Verdict

The second-generation BMW X2 is leagues better than the car it replaces. It now sits nicely in BMW's line-up and offers genuinely tempting electric variants.

This isn't an affordable car by any means but next to rivals from Mercedes-Benz and Volvo, the well-equipped iX2 xDrive30 feels a complete package.

Similarly, the entry-level xDrive20i petrol is a very compelling choice with a comfortable ride and sporty drive.

We'd skip the contrived M35i unless your heart is set on going quickly in a straight line. With the thinking cap on, it's also hard to make a case for the X2 over the objectively better (and more affordable) X1. Then there's the more spacious, powerful, efficient and cheaper Tesla Model Y.

That's not really the point of this car, though. It'll never sell in as many numbers as the X1. Those who love its fastback styling will be pleasantly surprised by the new X2. It does what it says on the tin, marrying the BMW badge with a sporty drive and daring style.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Kia EV6 vs BMW IX2 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Kia EV6 vs BMW IX2
What's the difference?