Tata Motors is all set to debut the Sierra in an electric avatar. The Sierra EV is scheduled to be launched in India on June 30 and will join Tata’s growing EV portfolio as a premium mid-size electric SUV. Ahead of its debut, the company has published a new teaser that confirms one of the biggest points of the model: a dual-motor setup with all-wheel drive (AWD).The upcoming Sierra EV is expected to take on rivals such as Mahindra BE 6, Hyundai Creta Electric and Maruti Suzuki e Vitara in the increasingly competitive electric SUV segment.
Design: Familiar Sierra silhouette with EV-specific touches
The production Sierra EV looks a lot like the ICE-powered Sierra. However, Tata has given the electric version its own identity with several EV-specific styling elements.At the front, the SUV gets a closed fascia with a body-colored panel that stretches across the width of the nose. A connected LED DRL strip sits at the top, while the main headlight units are positioned further down. In addition, it also has vertically stacked LED fog lamps.At the rear, the Sierra EV features a full-width LED light bar, thick bumper cladding and a silver skid plate.
AWD confirmed for top variants
One of the biggest clues from the latest teaser is the confirmation of a dual-motor all-wheel drive system. Tata is expected to use its Quad Wheel Drive technology, which made its debut in the Harrier EV.The AWD configuration is probably reserved for higher trims, while more affordable variants could get a configuration of a single engine driving an axle. The addition of AWD should improve traction and performance, especially on challenging road surfaces.
Feature-rich and premium cabin expected
Tata will likely position the Sierra EV as one of its most premium electric offerings. The lower variants might feature a dual-screen dashboard layout, while the top-end versions are expected to get a triple-screen setup similar to the ICE Sierra.Expected features include a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, wireless phone charging, powered tailgate and a 360-degree camera. The SUV is also likely to offer connected car technology, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a 12-speaker JBL audio system with Dolby Atmos support.
Battery and powertrain options
The Sierra EV is expected to sit between the Curvv EV and Harrier EV in Tata Motors’ electric lineup. Several battery options may be offered, including 55 kWh and 65 kWh units. Higher variants may also borrow the larger 75 kWh battery pack from the Harrier EV.Tata could also extend its Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) program to the Sierra EV. Under this model, buyers can purchase the vehicle separately from the battery and opt for a subscription-based battery plan, potentially reducing the initial cost of ownership.
How does it compare to Mahindra BE 6
The Mahindra BE 6 is currently one of the most talked about electric SUVs in the segment. Built on Mahindra’s dedicated INGLO platform, the BE 6 is offered with 59 kWh and 79 kWh battery options and offers an ARAI-certified range of over 680 km in its larger battery version.With the Sierra EV expected to offer multiple battery options, premium features and now a confirmed AWD setup, Tata Motors looks set to take on the BE 6 and other rivals in the midsize electric SUV space. More details, including specifications, battery options and pricing, will be revealed when the Sierra EV makes its official debut on June 30.
