Tata Nexon EV First Impressions | MotorInc First S01E13

Tata Nexon EV — First Impressions

What’s new

• The facelift gives the EV a closed-off front grille and removes the contrasting side “sash,” allowing more exterior colour choices. Aero-style alloy wheels are shared with the ICE Nexon. They were wind-tunnel tested and are said to improve efficiency by about 2%, though the reviewers didn’t like their appearance.
• EV versions are now called Medium Range (formerly Nexon EV Prime) and Long Range (formerly Nexon EV Max). The EV trim range begins with Pure, Creative, Fearless and Empowered. The top Empowered trim gets a distinctive light-coloured interior.
• The car feels more deliberately positioned as the Nexon flagship, rather than an ICE model adapted into an EV. Tata has also made structural and panel changes to account for the EV’s greater weight while aiming to preserve crash performance.

Driving, range and efficiency

• The motor is new: its maximum speed rises from 12,000 to 16,000 rpm, and it is about 20 kg lighter. Power and acceleration figures are broadly similar to before, but the delivery feels smoother and easier to control. Sport mode remains noticeably stronger, while City mode felt overly restrained to one reviewer.
• Tata claims only a modest increase in official range—roughly 10–15 km—but says real-world range could improve by around 7–8%. The reviewers estimated about 250–260 km from one varied 190 km drive that included city, expressway and highway use. They considered 280–300 km in mostly city driving plausible.
• Range gains are attributed in part to lower-rolling-resistance MRF tyres, reportedly 10% more efficient, as well as drivetrain and control-system changes.
• Regenerative braking has three levels, and the stronger levels can recover more energy. However, the regen response varies with conditions and was difficult for one reviewer to predict. It does not provide a true, consistent single-pedal-driving experience. Tata reportedly cited battery limitations as a constraint on stronger regeneration.
• Top speed is now 150 km/h. The lighter steering and improved sound insulation make highway driving more relaxing. Wind noise around the windows and A-pillars becomes more noticeable because the cabin is otherwise quiet.
• Ride quality over potholes and rough roads is very good, and the EV’s suspension was praised. Its weight and high ground clearance can still produce some side-to-side movement on uneven roads; the ICE version was said to feel flatter in that situation.

Cabin, comfort and equipment

• The Long Range’s larger battery raises the rear floor by 15 mm, reducing rear-seat under-thigh support. The Medium Range retains the lower floor and better rear-seat comfort.
• The facelift’s shared cabin drawbacks remain, including the lack of front cupholders and largely unchanged storage and cabin space.
• The EV gets a 12-inch infotainment screen and JBL audio. Reviewers were especially impressed by the sound quality and by the “Arcade” apps for streaming video while parked or charging. Video playback cuts off above 5 km/h.
• 45 W USB-C charging is provided at both the front and rear.
• Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-load (V2L) functions are included. Charge transfer is activated with a button in the boot, and the amount of charge to transfer can be set through the infotainment system.

Charging and variants

• Home charging is broadly unchanged. DC fast charging may be slightly slower because of continuous cell balancing; the Nexon EV was already described as slower to charge than the XUV400, particularly for drivers who fast-charge frequently. The reviewers did not test fast charging on this drive.
• The Medium Range now gets a 7.2 kW onboard charger, which was not previously offered on the less expensive version. The reviewers were unsure of the added cost, estimating roughly ₹60,000–₹70,000.
• The variant and feature combinations were considered unusually complicated and difficult to understand. The reviewers said the range needs simplifying. They also noted that the Medium Range can be had with higher equipment levels, including six airbags and ESP in the Fearless and above trims.

Price and comparisons

• The reviewers said the price increase was about ₹30,000 at the base and up to roughly ₹80,000 at the top end. They felt the value proposition remained similar or slightly improved.
• They considered the EV the easiest Nexon to recommend when charging access and range suit the buyer, citing its smoothness, performance and reduced concern about conventional powertrain reliability.
• The EV’s more premium feel and refinement distinguish it from the ICE Nexon, though it shares much of the facelift’s design and cabin. Its streaming and audio features were presented as particularly useful while waiting during charging.

Verdict

The updated Nexon EV is a more polished, refined and convincing version of an already recommendable electric SUV. Its driving manners, ride, quietness and equipment have improved, but its range is not a dramatic leap, DC charging remains a weakness, and the regen system lacks the predictability of true single-pedal driving.

It is a strong option for buyers whose daily use fits its real-world range and who can charge conveniently; it is less compelling for frequent long-distance travel or regular reliance on fast charging.

Different reviewer perspectives

• One reviewer felt that roughly 250–260 km of real-world range is workable for many owners and questioned whether a higher range target would meaningfully change everyday use.
• Another argued that an EV used as the household’s primary car should fit normal routines without requiring owners to adapt, and saw a dependable 300 km as a more reassuring benchmark.
• Both highlighted the regen system’s inconsistent feel and the need for more predictable, user-friendly calibration.