Tata Sierra EV to be launched soon: Mahindra BE 6 highlights

Tata Motors is gearing up to launch the Sierra in an all-electric avatar. The Sierra EV is scheduled to be launched in India on June 30 and will join Tata’s growing electric vehicle portfolio as a premium mid-size electric SUV. Ahead of its debut, the company has released a new teaser that confirms one of the model’s biggest highlights: an all-wheel drive (AWD) dual-motor setup.The upcoming Sierra EV is expected to take on rivals like Mahindra BE 6, Hyundai Creta Electric and Maruti Suzuki e Vitara in the increasingly competitive electric SUV segment.

Design: Familiar Sierra silhouette with unique EV style

The production-spec Sierra EV will be very similar to the internal combustion engine-powered Sierra. However, Tata has given the electric version its own identity through several EV-specific styling elements.At the front, the SUV has an enclosed fascia with a body-colored panel that extends the width of the nose. The attached LED DRL light bar is located at the top, while the main headlight unit is located below. Additionally, it is equipped with vertically stacked LED fog lights.The rear of the Sierra EV features a full-width LED light bar, thick bumper cladding and a silver skid plate.

All-wheel drive confirmed for top model

One of the biggest highlights of the latest teaser is the confirmation of a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. Tata is expected to use its four-wheel drive technology, which debuted on the Harrier EV.The all-wheel-drive setup is likely to be reserved for higher trims, while more affordable models may get a single-motor configuration driving one axle. Adding all-wheel drive should improve traction and performance, especially on challenging surfaces.

Expect a feature-rich and premium cabin

Tata is likely to position the Sierra EV as one of its most premium electric products. The lower version is likely to feature a dual-screen dashboard layout, while the top-end version is expected to feature a triple-screen setup 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 may also 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 Harrier EV in Tata Motors’ electric lineup. Several battery pack options are available, including 55 kWh and 65 kWh units. Later versions may also borrow the Harrier EV’s larger 75 kWh battery pack.Tata could also extend its battery-as-a-service (BaaS) plan to the Sierra EV. Under this model, buyers can purchase the vehicle and battery separately and choose a subscription-based battery plan, which may lower upfront ownership costs.

How it compares to Mahindra BE 6

Mahindra BE 6 is currently one of the most talked about electric SUVs in the segment. Built on Mahindra’s purpose-built INGLO platform, the BE 6 is available in 59 kWh and 79 kWh battery pack options and offers an ARAI-certified range of over 680 kilometers in its larger battery version.With the Sierra EV expected to offer multiple battery options, premium features, and a now-confirmed AWD setup, Tata Motors seems all set to take on the BE 6 and other rivals in the mid-size electric SUV segment. More details, including specifications, battery options and pricing, will be announced when the Sierra EV officially debuts on June 30.