The Kia Clavis EV has officially made its debut in the Indian electric vehicle segment with a starting price of ₹17.99 lakh (ex-showroom). Touted as a game-changer in the compact EV SUV category, the Clavis EV combines cutting-edge electric technology, premium interiors, and a design that blends boldness with practicality. But does it offer enough to disrupt the growing competition?
This in-depth review dives into everything you need to know about the 2025 Kia Clavis EV – from performance to range, styling, smart features, and how it compares to its rivals.
Table of Contents
Introduction to the Kia Clavis EV
The 2025 Kia Clavis EV is designed to cater to the new-age urban EV buyer looking for performance, style, and functionality without a sky-high price tag. With its roots built on Kia’s latest modular electric platform, it offers a mature package of reliability and innovation tailored for India’s road conditions.
Key Features of the 2025 Kia Clavis EV
- Battery Pack: Around 39.2 kWh lithium-ion
- Range: Expected real-world range of 350–400 km
- Charging Time: DC Fast Charging (10% to 80%) in ~45 minutes
- Infotainment: 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- ADAS: Level 2 driver assistance in top variant
- Wheels: 17-inch alloy wheels with aero design
- Drive Modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport
- Connectivity: Kia Connect app for remote controls
Design and Styling Evolution
The Kia Clavis EV features a unique crossover silhouette, blending SUV toughness with hatchback proportions. The front fascia adopts Kia’s signature “Tiger Nose” design but reinterpreted in a closed EV-friendly grille. Sleek LED DRLs with heartbeat signatures and squared-off bumpers add a modern appeal.
On the sides, flush door handles and high ground clearance give it a premium yet rugged look. The rear gets a connected LED tail-light strip and sharp roof spoiler for that futuristic feel.
Interior and Cabin Quality
Step inside, and the Clavis EV greets you with an eco-conscious cabin finished in dual-tone recycled materials. The floating dashboard, large touchscreen, and digital instrument cluster give it a tech-rich vibe. Despite its compact footprint, the Clavis offers ample headroom and legroom for urban families.
Interior highlights include:
- Wireless charging pad
- Ventilated front seats (top variant)
- Voice-controlled sunroof
- Ambient lighting with 64 colors
- Flat-bottom steering wheel with EV-specific controls
Battery, Range, and Charging
The 2025 Kia Clavis EV is likely powered by a 39.2 kWh battery, similar to what we’ve seen in the Soul EV. Kia claims an ARAI-certified range of 452 km, though real-world testing suggests around 350–400 km on a full charge.
Charging Options:
- 11kW AC Charger: 0–100% in 6–7 hours
- 50kW DC Fast Charger: 10–80% in 45 minutes
- Portable home charger included for emergency use
Performance and Driving Dynamics
While this isn’t a performance EV, the Clavis EV’s front-mounted electric motor produces about 134 bhp and 395 Nm of torque. This enables brisk acceleration in the city, with a 0-100 kmph time around 9–10 seconds.
The suspension setup is tuned for Indian roads, providing a comfortable ride without sacrificing handling at urban speeds. Regenerative braking with multiple levels adds to the driving confidence and efficiency.
Smart Features and Connectivity
Tech-savvy buyers will appreciate:
- OTA (Over-The-Air) updates
- Kia Connect 2.0 with 60+ features
- Voice assistant powered by natural language
- Remote AC pre-cooling and geo-fencing
- Integrated smartwatch control
The infotainment system integrates seamlessly with smartphone apps, navigation, music streaming, and vehicle diagnostics.
Safety Features
Safety is a core strength of the Clavis EV, especially in its top variant, which gets:
- 6 airbags
- ABS with EBD
- ESC, HAC, and VSM
- Rear parking sensors and camera
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
- Lane Keep Assist
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Adaptive Cruise Control
Pricing and Variants
The starting price of ₹17.99 lakh (ex-showroom) makes the Clavis EV a strong contender in the affordable electric SUV segment. Higher variants with ADAS, larger wheels, and more creature comforts could push the price to ₹21–22 lakh.
Expected Variants:
- Clavis EV Lite
- Clavis EV TechLine
- Clavis EV GT Line (Top-end)
Competitors and Market Dynamics
The Kia Clavis EV enters a highly competitive landscape. Here’s how it stacks up:
| Model | Starting Price | Claimed Range |
|---|---|---|
| Tata Nexon EV | ₹14.49 lakh | 312–453 km |
| Mahindra XUV400 | ₹15.49 lakh | 375–456 km |
| MG ZS EV | ₹18.98 lakh | 461 km |
| Hyundai Kona EV | ₹23.84 lakh | 452 km |
Its primary rivals are Tata Nexon EV and Mahindra XUV400, but the Clavis EV wins with better styling, tech, and Kia’s growing EV service network.
Why Budget Buyers Should Consider It
- Affordable premium electric SUV under ₹18 lakh
- Excellent range for city and highway mix
- Loaded with safety and connected features
- Stylish and compact for urban parking
- Backed by Kia’s strong dealer service and warranty
Launch Timeline and Availability
The Clavis EV is set to go on sale in late Q3 2025, with bookings expected to open by September. Initial deliveries will start in major metro cities, followed by tier-2 locations.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Clavis EV?
If you’re planning to switch to electric mobility and want a smartly priced EV SUV without compromise, the 2025 Kia Clavis EV is worth serious consideration. It’s stylish, safe, tech-laden, and has just the right mix of urban practicality and EV innovation.
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