Kia Carens Clavis EV vs BYD eMax 7: Spec & Price Comparison of India’s Latest Electric MPVs

Bhupender Singh

4 days ago

The electric MPV segment in India is beginning to gain traction, and two key players are already vying for attention – the newly launched Kia Carens Clavis EV, developed and manufactured in India, and the BYD eMax 7, a premium Chinese import. While both offer electric mobility in a spacious, family-friendly three-row layout, their approaches differ in design, features, performance, and pricing. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which one makes more sense for your needs.

Dimensions: BYD eMax 7 is Bigger, But Kia Offers More Practicality

Specification	Kia Carens Clavis EV	BYD eMax 7
Length	4550 mm	4710 mm
Width	1800 mm	1810 mm
Height	1730 mm	1690 mm
Wheelbase	2780 mm	2800 mm
Ground Clearance	200 mm	170 mm
Frunk	25 litres	Not available
Boot Space	Undisclosed	180 litres (580L with 3rd row folded)
Wheel Size	16 / 17-inch	17-inch

While the BYD eMax 7 is longer and slightly wider, offering more cabin space, the Kia Clavis EV counters with better ground clearance and a practical frunk for additional storage. Both models can seat up to seven occupants, although BYD also offers a 6-seater variant with captain seats for a more premium middle row experience.

Performance & Battery: BYD Packs More Power and Range

Specification	Kia Carens Clavis EV	BYD eMax 7
Drive Layout	Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)	Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Power	135 hp / 171 hp (two variants)	163 hp / 204 hp
Torque	255 Nm	310 Nm
Battery Capacity	42 kWh / 51.4 kWh	55.4 kWh / 71.8 kWh
Range	404 km / 490 km (ARAI-certified)	420 km / 530 km (NEDC)
AC Charging (10–100%)	4 hrs / 4.45 hrs (11kW)	7.55 hrs / 10.16 hrs (7kW)
DC Fast Charging (0–80%)	39 mins (up to 100kW)	37 mins (up to 150kW)

The eMax 7 holds a clear edge in terms of raw power and battery capacity. It delivers stronger performance and longer range, particularly in its top variant. However, Kia’s ARAI-certified range figures are generally closer to real-world driving conditions compared to BYD’s NEDC-based estimates.

When it comes to charging, the Carens Clavis EV offers faster AC charging at home thanks to its 11kW onboard charger. BYD, on the other hand, wins in fast DC charging with its 150kW compatibility, which allows quicker top-ups on the go.

Pricing: Kia Carens Clavis EV Is Far More Affordable

Kia Carens Clavis EV Variant	Price (Ex-showroom)	BYD eMax 7 Variant	Price (Ex-showroom)
HTK+	₹18.00 lakh	Premium	₹26.90 lakh
HTX	₹20.50 lakh	Superior	₹29.30 lakh
HTX LR	₹22.50 lakh	Premium LR	₹27.50 lakh
HTX+ LR	₹24.50 lakh	Superior LR	₹29.90 lakh

The Kia Carens Clavis EV makes a strong case for itself in the pricing department. Even the fully loaded HTX+ LR variant undercuts BYD’s base eMax 7 by ₹2.4 lakh, and the entry-level HTK+ is a whopping ₹8.9 lakh more affordable. This considerable difference could be a deal-maker for buyers seeking an electric MPV that balances performance and value.

Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

If you’re looking for more power, larger batteries, and a slightly bigger interior, the BYD eMax 7 justifies its premium tag. It’s tailored more towards buyers who prioritize features and don’t mind the import price.

However, if you want a more accessible, locally produced electric MPV with faster home charging and competitive range, the Kia Carens Clavis EV offers remarkable value across its variants.

In a growing segment where price sensitivity is high, Kia’s aggressive pricing strategy could very well make the Clavis EV the more compelling choice for Indian families entering the electric vehicle space.

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