Tata Nexon EV

This SUV’s current model has a pretty clean interior, with its recent update flashing a more modern, tech-infused, and “phygital” design language.

Cabin Layout and Quality

Inside, things felt incredibly familiar to us. The dashboard has a clutter-free design, with the 12.3-inch central Harman infotainment screen mostly taking up space. Tata has also used premium touch materials, and the white interiors look great, but are difficult to maintain in our country's dusty environments. And while the SUV's overall fit and finish have improved, minor squeaks and rattles may still pop up as the car grows older.

Seating Comfort
Front Row

The driving position offers a commanding view of the road ahead, typical of a well-sorted SUV. The front seats provide good bolstering and under-thigh support, while additions like ventilated seats and a central armrest significantly improve the comfort on longer journeys.

Second Row

Space in the rear is ideal for two adults, though a third passenger can easily be accommodated. Because the floor is completely flat, legroom for the middle passenger is not an issue. However, the floor sits a bit high to accommodate the battery pack, which means under-thigh support is slightly less than that of the petrol-powered Nexon.

Features That Improve Daily Use

• A massive 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• A crisp digital instrument cluster for the driver.
• A much-loved panoramic sunroof is available on the Empowered Plus trim.
• An integrated air purifier for dusty city commutes.

The Nexon EV carries an accessible price tag, starting at Rs. 12.49 lakh for the base mid-range variant and climbing all the way to Rs. 17.49 lakh for the top-spec 45 kWh model. The fully loaded Empowered Plus 45 trim, which has a panoramic sunroof and ventilated seats, asks for Rs. 16.99 lakh. While the initial purchase cost is a bit steep, the excellent value proposition becomes clear once you factor in the exceptionally low running costs.

Ex-Showroom Prices (India)

When it comes to electric vehicles, range is everything. The older version usually delivered just under 300 km in real-world tests when driven sensibly. For those mostly pottering around town, this meant charging the Nexon only once a week. However, the new 45 kWh battery significantly changes the game. Tata claims this one can now comfortably manage between 350 and 370 km, and in our real-world tests through heavy traffic and highway runs, the car confidently backed up those claims.
Seshan notes,
“After covering over 350 km, the battery was finally down to 10 per cent. That is a highly impressive real-world figure.”

Observed Fuel Efficiency During Testing

Safety is paramount, and we all know Tata Motors's reputation in this department. Under the skin, the Nexon EV has a robust platform that feels sturdy on the road, and its doors shut with a heavy thud, inspiring confidence before you even set off.

Passive Safety and Crash Protection

The SUV is generously equipped to protect its occupants. Six airbags are standard alongside ISOFIX child seat anchor points and three-point seatbelts for all passengers. While the EV model does not have an official Bharat NCAP crash test rating yet, its internal combustion engine sibling has consistently pulled off a five-star rating.

Active Safety and Stability Systems

On the active safety front, the SUV has a competent suite of electronic aids, including an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), all-wheel disc brakes on the 45 kWh model, and electronic stability control. The brakes have plenty of bite for tight traffic, but take note, under panic braking, you will feel the vehicle's weight bias shifting.

Safety Verdict

Overall, the Nexon EV feels incredibly solid and sure-footed. It lacks the advanced Level 2 ADAS features found on some premium rivals, but the rest of the fundamentals are well-sorted.

You get 350 litres of cargo capacity at the back. It is a practical, well-shaped load bay, and its load lip is at a manageable height, letting you easily slide heavy suitcases inside. The 60:40 split rear seats let you fold down a section to expand stowage, and for airport runs or the odd overnight trip, this space is sufficient. The recent addition of the frunk under the bonnet only frees up more room in the back, as you no longer need to keep charging cables mingling with your luggage.

The suspension layout uses an independent MacPherson strut at the front and a twist beam at the rear. It is a slightly soft setup, but it goes well with the tall stance, making the ride comfortable.

City Driving

The sub-four-metre footprint makes this EV incredibly easy to live with in tight traffic. It feels nippy and darts into gaps effortlessly.
According to Girish,
"The electric power steering has ample assistance. Not the sharpest but light so easy to use."
It easily irons out bumps and ruts, thanks to the 16-inch wheels and a suspension setup built for broken tarmac. Regenerative braking offers three distinct levels, and you control them via the paddle shifters, making the entire system feel wonderfully progressive.

Highway Driving

Out on the open road, the SUV’s chassis remains sorted and planted.
Seshan observes,
"Power delivery remains remarkably linear. The acceleration is quick and entirely fuss-free. It pulls cleanly."
Additionally, the low-end shove from the electric motor makes overtaking simple, but aggressive acceleration drains the battery fast. The brakes bite well, given it has rear discs on higher trims.

Tata sells the sub-four-metre electric SUV in several main personas: Creative, Fearless, and Empowered. The variants are further divided by battery size: the 30 kWh (MR) and the 45 kWh pack.

The Essentials That You Don’t Get

• Level 2 ADAS features (until you reach the top-spec Empowered Plus A trims).
• A spare wheel (you get a puncture repair kit instead).
• Cupholders in the front centre console.

Finding this vehicle's sweet spot depends heavily on your daily driving routine and whether you have access to home charging or not.

Best for City Runabouts: Creative 30 kWh

If you strictly potter around town and have a dedicated home charger, the entry-level 30 kWh model is highly practical. It delivers enough range for weekly errands, keeping your running costs incredibly frugal without the massive upfront price tag.

Best Value Proposition: Fearless 45 kWh

This mid-spec trim hits the sweet spot. You secure the larger 45 kWh battery pack and a highly usable 70 km of extra driving range without paying top money. It gets all the crucial creature comforts and charges quickly on a 

fast charger.

Best for Tech and Comfort: Empowered Plus 45 kWh

If you want a more sophisticated cabin, this top-spec version ticks the boxes. You get the panoramic sunroof, the massive 12.3-inch screen, and ventilated seats.