Tata Sierra EV to be launched soon: Top things about Mahindra BE 6

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

Design: Familiar Sierra silhouette with EV-specific touches

The production-spec Sierra EV is very similar to the ICE-powered Sierra. However, Tata has given the electric version its own identity with several EV-specific styling elements.At the front, the SUV gets a closed-off fascia with a body-colored panel that spans the width of the nose. A connected LED DRL strip sits on top, while the main headlamp units are positioned below. Besides, it also has vertically stacked LED fog lamps.At the rear, the Sierra EV features a full-width LED light bar, chunky bumper cladding and a silver skid plate.

AWD is confirmed for the top variants

One of the biggest takeaways from the latest teaser is the confirmation of a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. Tata is expected to use the Quad Wheel Drive technology, which made its debut in the Harrier EV.The AWD setup is likely to be reserved for the higher trims, while the cheaper variants may get a single-axle drive motor configuration. Adding AWD should improve traction and performance, especially on challenging road surfaces.

Expect rich and premium cabin

Tata is likely to position the Sierra EV as one of its most premium electric offerings. The lower variants may have a dual-screen dashboard layout, while the top-end versions are expected to get 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, powered tailgate and 360-degree camera. The SUV is also likely to offer connected car technology, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with 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’ power line-up. Several battery pack options may be offered, including 55 kWh and 65 kWh units. Higher variants may also borrow the larger 75 kWh battery pack from the Harrier EV.Tata may also extend its Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) program to the Sierra EV. Under this model, buyers can buy the car separately from the battery and opt for a subscription-based battery plan, which can reduce the high cost of ownership.

How does it compare to the Mahindra BE 6

The Mahindra BE 6 is currently one of the most talked about electric SUVs in the segment. Built on Mahindra’s dedicated INGLO platform, the BE 6 is offered with 59 kWh and 79 kWh battery options and delivers an ARAI-certified range of over 680 km in the larger battery version.With the Sierra EV expected to offer multiple battery options, premium features and now a confirmed AWD setup, Tata Motors seems poised to take on the BE 6 and other rivals in the midsize electric SUV space. More details, including specifications, battery options and pricing, will be revealed when the Sierra EV makes its official debut on June 30.