Tata Motors is all set to launch the Sierra in an all-electric avatar. The Sierra EV is expected to be launched in India on June 30 and will join Tata’s growing EV lineup as a mid-size electric SUV. Ahead of the launch, the company released a new teaser confirming one of the brand’s biggest features: a dual-wheel-drive (AWD) setup.The upcoming Sierra EV is expected to take on players like Mahindra BE 6, Hyundai Creta Electric and Maruti Suzuki e Vitara in the growing electric SUV segment.
Design: The familiar Sierra silhouette with EV-specific features
The production Sierra EV will be very similar to the ICE-powered Sierra. However, Tata has given the electric brand its own look with several EV styles.At the front, the SUV gets a compact grille with a body-shaped panel that stretches across the width of the nose. The integrated LED DRL line sits at the top, while the main headlamp units are placed at the bottom. In addition, it also has vertically mounted LED fog lights.At the rear, the Sierra EV has full LED headlights, chunky bumper cladding and a silver skid plate.
AWD is guaranteed for the higher versions
One of the key takeaways 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 debuted on the Harrier EV.AWD configuration should be reserved for higher trims, while cheaper models can get a single engine configuration to drive one axle. The addition of AWD should improve handling and handling, especially on rough roads.
A cabin with high quality and luxury is expected
Tata is expected to position the Sierra EV as one of the most affordable electric vehicles. Low-end models are likely to have a dual-screen display, while the higher-end models are expected to have a triple-screen display similar to the ICE Sierra.Expected features include a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, wireless phone calling, a power tailgate and a 360-degree camera. The SUV is also expected to offer connected car technology, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and 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. Several batteries can be supplied, including 55 kWh and 65 kWh units. Top models can also borrow the larger 75 kWh battery pack from 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 battery plan based on registration, which can reduce the cost of ownership.
How it compares 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 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 variant.With the Sierra EV expected to offer multiple batteries, high-end features and a confirmed AWD setup, Tata Motors seems poised to battle the BE 6 with other rivals in the mid-range electric SUV segment. Details, including specifications, battery options and pricing, will be revealed when the Sierra EV launches on June 30.
