Tata Motors is all set to debut the Sierra in an all-electric avatar. The Sierra EV is set to launch 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 released a new teaser confirming one of the model’s biggest highlights: dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD).The upcoming Sierra EV is expected to take on rivals such as the 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 details
The production-spec Sierra EV will closely resemble the ICE-powered Sierra. However, Tata has given the electric version its own identity with a few EV-specific styling cues.Up front, the SUV features a closed fascia with a body-colored panel that runs the width of the nose. A connected LED DRL strip sits on top, while the main headlight units are placed lower. In addition, it also has vertically stacked LED fog lights.Out back, the Sierra EV features a full-width LED light bar, chunky bumper trim, and a silver skid plate.
AWD confirmed for top variants
One of the biggest takeaways from the latest teaser is the confirmation of a four-wheel drive system with two motors. Tata is expected to use its Quad Wheel Drive technology, which debuted on the Harrier EV.The AWD setup is likely to be reserved for larger trims, while more affordable variants could get a single-motor configuration driving one axle. The addition of AWD should improve traction and performance, especially on challenging road surfaces.
The expected feature-rich and premium cabin
Tata will likely position the Sierra EV as one of its most premium electric offerings. The lower-end variants could sport a dual-screen dashboard layout, while the top-end variants are expected to get a triple-screen display similar to the ICE Sierra.Expected features include a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, wireless phone charging, a power 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 the Harrier EV in Tata Motors’ electric lineup. More battery options could be offered, including 55 kWh and 65 kWh units. Higher variants may also borrow a larger 75kWh battery pack from the Harrier EV.Tata may also extend its Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) program to the Sierra EV. Under this model, customers can purchase the vehicle separately from the battery and opt for a battery subscription plan, potentially reducing the initial cost of ownership.
Compared 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 delivers an ARAI certified range of over 680 km in its larger battery version.With the Sierra EV expected to offer more battery options, premium features and a now-confirmed AWD setup, Tata Motors seems 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 is officially unveiled on June 30.
