Tata Motors is all set to debut the Sierra in an all-electric avatar. The Sierra EV is scheduled to go on sale 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 released a new teaser confirming one of the model’s biggest highlights: a dual-motor setup with all-wheel drive (AWD).The upcoming Sierra EV is expected to take on rivals like 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 will look a lot like the ICE-powered Sierra. However, Tata has given the electric version its own identity with a few EV-specific styling cues.At the front, the SUV gets a closed fascia with a body-colored panel that runs across the width of the nose. An integrated LED DRL strip sits at the top, while the main headlamp units sit below. In addition, it also features vertically stacked LED fog lamps.At the rear, the Sierra EV is equipped with a full-width LED light bar, a thick bumper cover and a silver skid plate.
AWD is confirmed for top variants
One of the biggest takeaways from the latest teaser is the confirmation of a dual-motor all-wheel drive system. Tata is expected to use the Quad Wheel Drive technology that debuted on the Harrier EV.The AWD configuration will likely be reserved for higher trims, while more affordable variants may get a single-motor configuration driving one axle. The addition of AWD should improve traction and performance, especially on rough road surfaces.
Rich features and a premium cabin are expected
Tata is likely to position the Sierra EV as one of its most premium electric offerings. Lower variants may feature a dual-screen dashboard, while higher-end variants 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, cordless phone power, power tailgate and a 360-degree camera. The SUV is likely to offer connected car technology, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as 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 the Harrier EV in Tata Motors’ electric lineup. Multiple battery pack options can be offered, including 55 kWh and 65 kWh units. Higher variants can also take a larger 75kWh battery pack than the Harrier EV.Tata may 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 choose a subscription-based battery plan, potentially reducing initial ownership costs.
How does it compare to the Mahindra BE 6?
The Mahindra BE 6 is currently one of the most talked about electric SUVs in the segment. Built on Mahindra’s proprietary INGLO platform, the BE 6 is offered in 59 kWh and 79 kWh battery pack options and offers an ARAI-certified range of over 680 km in the larger battery version.With the Sierra EV expected to offer multiple battery options, premium features and the now-confirmed AWD setup, Tata Motors looks set to take on the BE 6 and other rivals in the mid-size 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.
