The next big EV launch from Tata Motors is set to be the much-awaited Sierra.EV. The carmaker had earlier confirmed that the electric SUV would arrive in the first quarter of financial year 2027 (FY27). This typically translates to April, May, or June. We have now learnt that the launch will commence in May this year.
Tata Motors is likely in the final stages of launch-preparations. The Sierra.EV is just as important a product for the Indian giant as the internal combustion engine (ICE) version. In the company’s EV portfolio, it will be positioned below the Harrier.EV. When launched, it will compete with the likes of mid-size electric SUVs like the Mahindra BE6, Maruti e Vitara, and Hyundai Creta Electric here. A good pricing would give it it an edge over rivals.
The electric Sierra will also be produced at Tata’s Sanand facility. The internal combustion version is also produced there. The carmaker hasn’t revealed much details of the Sierra.EV yet. Here’s everything we know about it yet.
Packaging and pricing will be decisive in the success of this product. From what we have learnt, the EV version will have notable design differences from the internal combustion version. It will have a different front fascia, new alloy wheels and likely a tweaked rear end. The overall design will feel balanced, and will retain elements like the larger panoramic rear glass area and flush-type door handles seen on the petrol/diesel Sierra.
Inside, the EV is likely to feature a different colour scheme and trims than the internal combustion Sierra. Most of its features will be shared with the ICE version. Tata Motors hasn’t revealed the production-spec EV’s interior yet.
Going by how Tata has been keeping features consistent across powertrains recently, it is safe to assume the Sierra.EV getting the likes of a panoramic sunroof, triple-screen cluster, a 12-speaker JBL audio system with Dolby Atmos, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, 360-degree camera, rear sunshades, Head Up Display (HUD), electronic parking brake, ventilated seats, wireless charger, ambient lighting, connected car features, powered tailgate, and more.
The Sierra.EV will be based on the ARGOS platform- the same multi-energy architecture used in the combustion version. The carmaker hasn’t revealed the powertrain specifications yet. We expect the electric SUV to come with two battery pack options- 55kWh and 65kWh.
However, borrowing the Harrier.EV’s 75kWh battery pack would put it squarely against rivals like the BE6. The Mahindra e-SUV’s higher trims come with a 79kWh battery pack. The actual direction that Tata Motors would take with battery sizes remains to be seen.
The Sierra.EV is expected to come with both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. Offering AWD from launch will give it an edge over rivals. Most electric SUVs in its segment lack dual-motor-based AWD setups.
In Tata’s lineup, the Harrier.EV offers AWD. Called Quad Wheel Drive (QWD), it was originally offered only on the range-topping trim of the Harrier.EV. QWD saw surprising demand from among Harrier.EV owners, forcing the carmaker to later offer it on more variants. Tata Motors is likely to take a similar approach on the Sierra.EV- keep AWD limited to top trims initially, gauge demand and plan distribution accordingly.
There is also a strong possibility that the Sierra.EV could use an integrated drive unit, similar to what is seen on the facelifted Punch EV. It combines the motor and key components into a single compact unit. This improves packaging efficiency and enables better cost control.
We expect Tata Motors to price the Sierra.EV aggressively and place it squarely against rivals. Packaging and pricing will be critical in defining its fate here.
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