Kia Syros EV launched in India at Rs. 13.49 lakh

• Offered with two battery pack options and up to 526km claimed range
• Prices go up to Rs. 19.99 lakh (ex-showroom)

Kia India has finally taken the wraps off the all-electric Syros in the country, making it the brand's second locally made EV after the Carens Clavis EV. Prices start at Rs. 13.49 lakh (ex-showroom) for the entry-level 42kWh variant, while the larger 51.4kWh Extended Range version starts at Rs. 16.99 lakh. The top-spec X-Line ER is priced at Rs. 19.99 lakh, with deliveries set to commence from 30 July.

At first glance, the Syros EV looks familiar, and that's because Kia hasn't strayed too far from the ICE model. The overall shape remains unchanged, but a handful of EV-specific touches help it stand apart. There's a closed-off Digital Tiger Face, redesigned bumpers, Ice Cube LED headlamps, Star Map lighting elements, aero-optimised alloy wheels, and flush-fitting door handles. Kia is also offering the electric SUV in nine exterior colours, including an exclusive Matte Graphite shade reserved for the X-Line.

The cabin, too, mirrors the standard Syros, although it packs in everything buyers would expect from a premium electric SUV. Dominating the dashboard is Kia's 30-inch Trinity display that combines the digital instrument cluster, infotainment touchscreen, and climate control interface into one seamless layout. Other notable features include wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a Harman Kardon eight-speaker audio system, ventilated front and rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, powered driver's seat, ambient lighting, a wireless charger, and even a 16-litre frunk.

The Syros EV can be had with either a 42kWh or a 51.4kWh battery pack. The former offers a claimed range of 443km, while the larger unit stretches that figure to 526km on a full charge. Kia says this also makes the Syros EV the first model in its segment to deliver more than 500km of certified range and with the larger battery, the SUV can sprint from 0-100kmph in a claimed 8.1 seconds. Charging from 10 to 80 per cent using a 100kW DC fast charger takes 39 minutes.

Safety hasn't taken a back seat either. The Syros EV comes equipped with six airbags, Level 2 ADAS with 16 autonomous driving functions, a 360-degree camera, blind view monitor, front, rear and side parking sensors, ESC, hill start assist, electronic parking brake with auto hold, tyre pressure monitoring, and ISOFIX child seat mounts.

Perhaps the bigger talking point is Kia's ownership package. Alongside the launch, the company has introduced a 15-year unlimited-kilometre warranty on the high-voltage battery for the first owner, an assured buyback programme promising up to 80 per cent resale value after three years, Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) finance options, and access to the K-Charge network with more than 20,300 charging points across India. It's a move that aims to address some of the biggest concerns around EV ownership beyond just the purchase price.

Kia Syros EV prices (ex-showroom)