Tata Nexon.ev review

The Nexon.EV looks almost identical to the ICE vehicle from the rear, but the front looks distinctly futuristic with the DRLs connected by an LED strip. This connected LED system goes beyond being an aesthetic element. Apart from displaying Welcome and Goodbye sequences, the central strip also indicates the charging status for a set duration. Now that the EV identity has been firmly established, the piano black element resembling a radiator grille has disappeared in the EV. The front bumper and bonnet now provide a broader appearance and improved aerodynamics. The new Low Rolling Resistance tyres are stated to improve the range significantly.

Once inside the cabin, the seamless, linear dashboard and two-spoke steering wheel now bestow the new generation of Nexons with a roomier appearance. However, the EV welcomes you with a larger 12.3-inch high-definition infotainment display along with a 10.25-inch digital cockpit. The premium comfortable seats from the earlier Nexon EV have been retained in the top Empowered variant, with classy white upholstery. 

The beautiful rotary drive selector has been a signature feature of the Nexon EV, but this role has now been taken over by a shifter similar to the one on the new ICE model. In fact, the central console is identical to the ICE vehicle including the rotary drive mode selector featuring Eco, City, and Sport modes. Electronic parking brake and Auto Hold button have been retained from the earlier Nexon EV in place of the mechanical parking brake. Paddle shifters are a welcome addition in the new cabin. For those who are wondering what paddle shifters are doing in an EV, these are actually regen level selectors. So you can now adjust regen levels on the fly depending on the traffic conditions without fumbling around for the right buttons.

Rest of the design elements largely mimic the ICE model.

The new Harman infotainment system now brings a dedicated app suite not found in the ICE variant. Christened Arcade.ev, this is the centre of all your entertainment apps with its own app store. This suite currently supports streaming and OTT platforms like Prime Video and Disney Plus Hotstar. The 9-speaker JBL sound system comes complete with JBL modes including Cinematic Experience and 'Kids Sleeping in Back' along with tools for further personalisation of sound stage. The result is an immersive experience that may entice you to spend your weekends in the car with a tub of popcorns. Well, a word of caution, though; make sure not to touch the expansive glossy black surfaces and screens around if you have chosen the flavoured variety. Anyway, charging time needn’t be as boring as before. As a safety measure, movie playback is disabled while the vehicle is in Drive mode. 

The screen proved responsive and the display crisp. The system now supports Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant and “Hey Tata”, the brand’s own voice assistant. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are now supported wirelessly, and the familiar cooled wireless charging mat has been retained. You get Type-C ports with 45W fast charging both at the front and the rear.

The Nexon.EV is powered by a new smaller and lighter gen II motor that is lighter by 20kg and uses 30 percent less rare-earth metals. Technologies like four-stage liquid pump operation and smart low voltage battery charging have been optimised to improve efficiency.

More importantly, the Nexon.EV now supports Vehicle-to-Vehicle charging, which can now mitigate some range anxiety, considering the number of Nexon EVs we see on the road. It also offers Vehicle-to-Load technology, with which the EV can function as a massive power bank. In fact, we could witness a Nexon.EV powering a cafe at the media drive event. Both the variants are now capable of 7.2kW charging.  

The Nexon has been one of the most agile and compact cars around, thanks to the sub-four-metre length and practical ground clearance. Now the 360-degree cameras add another level of confidence with 2D and 3D options and with multiple views selectable. Front Park Assist has been added. Blind spot assist kicks in once you activate the turn indicator. However, this occupies the entire infotainment screen and turns navigation off momentarily. We wish there was an option to turn this off. Six airbags take care of safety, and the structure has been reinforced for side pole impact.

Always a peppy performer, the Nexon.EV now feels even more quiet and nimble, and hence you don’t get any drive train feedback at higher speeds. The motor is now capable of running at 16000 rpm, up from 12000 rpm. The EV dashes from 60 to 100 and beyond without any vibration or perceptible change in vehicular dynamics on a smooth highway. However, tyre and tarmac noises are felt in the cabin even more, probably due to the quietness of the drive train. The LR variant now offers a top speed of 150 kmph and the range has been increased to 465 km on the LR variant (ARAI).

The Nexon.EV now feels like a complete transition from an ICE-derived design to a futuristic, tech-heavy vehicle that an EV is supposed to represent. With vehicle-to-vehicle charging, 360-degree cameras and a comprehensive entertainment package, the new Nexon EV goes beyond the regular task of going from place to place. The vehicle is now much more fun to drive with all controls right where you want them with a cabin doubling as a personal entertainment space. Prices start from ₹14.74 lakh for the MR variant, while the LR range starts from ₹ 18.19 lakh.