Indonesia’s electric-MPV market has a new contender: the Kia Carens EV is available to order, putting it against the BYD M6. Both models offer six-seat versions with captain’s chairs as well as seven-seat layouts. Kia’s design is more SUV-like, with pronounced body cladding, while the M6 has a smoother, more conventional MPV profile.
The BYD is longer at 4,710 mm and has a 2,800-mm wheelbase; the Carens EV measures 4,550 mm long with a 2,780-mm wheelbase. Kia’s stated ground clearance is 200 mm, compared with 170 mm for the M6. The Carens EV includes Level 2 ADAS with 20 assistance functions, regenerative-braking paddle shifters, one-pedal driving and V2L. The M6 also offers ADAS and V2L, as well as a 360-degree camera.
Kia’s Air Standard Range uses a 42-kWh NMC battery, produces 99 kW and 255 Nm, and is rated for up to 404 km. The Earth Long Range has a 51.4-kWh battery, 126 kW and the same torque, with a stated range of up to 490 km. BYD’s 55.4-kWh and 71.8-kWh LFP Blade Battery versions are rated for up to 420 km and 530 km respectively on the NEDC cycle; outputs are 120 or 150 kW, with 310 Nm in both.
Kia lists four Carens EV variants, priced at an estimated Rp 382 million to Rp 432 million on the road in Jakarta. The BYD M6 is listed at Rp 395 million to Rp 445 million, putting the two electric MPVs in overlapping price territory.