The Sierra EV by Tata Motors is an upcoming electric SUV in India and has high aspirations for the revival of the historic nameplate with modern-meets-futuristic styling. It was showcased at Auto Expo 2023 as a very near-to-production prototype, but the final details of the production model have been kept under wraps-theater until now; a design patent leak has given us our first look inside the production-spec Sierra EV. Many of the concept's design elements were retained, however.
With a premium dashboard layout, multiple seating configurations, and unique personalization options, the Sierra EV will be introduced as a flagship electric SUV in the growing portfolio of Tata EVs.
Futuristic Yet Familiar Design
The leaked interior image indicates that the production Sierra EV model will not vary significantly from the concept model. The dashboard will carry a large central touchscreen (most likely 12 inches) integrated with a digital instrument cluster.
Below it, the central AC vents seem larger as compared to the concept model, and the side vents merge into horizontal design lines running on the entire dashboard, giving it an overall clean-lined appearance.
Other retaining elements from the concept include:
Four-spoke steering wheel with a minimalist design
Floating center console with additional storage space
Centrally mounted speaker on the dashboard
Stepped effect dashboard design for a premium appearance
However, there is one major exclusion in the moss inserts, which can be found in the concept. There are customization options, though, such as mini flower vases, fold-out tray tables, and ambient lampshades, which Tata Motors' design head has hinted at.
Seating Options: Traditional and Lounge-Style Configuration
Two seating configurations are expected to be on offer by Tata Motors for the Sierra EV
A conventional 5-seat arrangement with a rear bench
The other offering will be a luxury 4-seat lounge-type arrangement with butler-style reclining seats for the rear passengers.
The latter configuration is anticipated to offer something nearing an executive-lounge experience, thus making the Sierra EV stand out among other electric SUVs in its class.
Tech & Features: Borrowed from the Curvv EV
Among the tech features expected to be borrowed from Tata's Curvv EV as far as the Sierra EV is concerned are:
A touch-based HVAC (climate control) panel
Drive selector lever similar to that of the Curvv
Floating center console with premium storage solutions
One key difference, however, between both the versions of the Sierra EV and ICE is the design of the dashboard. The petrol/diesel version of the Sierra has recently been showcased with triple screens on the dashboard, which will certainly be absent from the EV version. Such a difference creates a difference between customers and the variants.
Powertrain and Expected Pricing
Tata has not disclosed the powertrain details for the Sierra EV, yet the model is expected to operate on Tata's new Acti.EV architecture, currently shared with the Curvv EV. Unlike the future Harrier EV, which is expected to have AWD variants, the Sierra EV will be pure front-wheel drive.
The expected price for the Tata Sierra EV will be between ₹20-25 lakh (ex-showroom), which places it below the Harrier EV but above the Curvv EV.
Expected Launch and Rivals
The expected date of launch for the Tata Sierra EV is the end of 2025 when the launch of the ICE-powered Sierra takes place earlier this same year. Henceforth, Sierra EV will enter the priced midsize electric SUV segment in competition with the likes of:
Mahindra BE 6
Hyundai Creta Electric
The upcoming Maruti e-Vitara
And with that, the most iconic legacy, futuristic design, and premium interiors, the Sierra EV can prove to be a game-changer for the EV space in India.
Building the Past with Present Touch
The EV of Tata dominates nostalgia with high-end designs to accommodate a posh interior, cutting-edge technology, and space-saving seating configurations. Though the technical specifications remain highly guarded, the leaked interior design patent hints that Tata Motors does indeed keep up with the concept, enhanced on practicality as well as luxury.
Scheduled for late 2025, the Sierra EV is seen as a friendly competitor to the well-heeled buyers looking for an ultra-cool, comfortable, and well-performing midsize electric SUV that is reminiscent of an Indian automotive icon.
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