Reviving an iconic badge is never easy, and
Tata Motors knows that better than most. The Sierra is a name that evokes nostalgia among Indian enthusiasts, and when you slap a green number plate on it, it begs the question – can the
Sierra EV live up to that hype? Fortunately, the Sierra EV isn't relying on its heritage alone and it’s packed with modern technology, a premium cabin and a powertrain that promises strong performance.
After spending a day behind the wheel in and around Coimbatore, it became clear that the Sierra EV hasn’t been engineered to be an outright performance SUV. Instead, it focuses on offering a refined, comfortable and confidence-inspiring family electric SUV. The question is, has Tata been able to strike the right balance?
Tata Sierra EV First Drive Review: Design - Familiar, Yet Distinctive
The overall silhouette remains largely identical to its ICE counterpart, retaining the upright proportions and boxy stance that give it proper SUV appeal. The differentiating elements are subtle but effective.
The front fascia features a body-coloured treatment where the ICE model uses contrasting black trim, while sleek LED lighting and neatly integrated fog lamp housings lend the SUV a cleaner appearance. The Sierra EV badge on the front fender leaves little doubt about what's powering it.
The 19-inch alloy wheels complement the SUV's proportions well. However, I feel that a 20-inch setup would have filled the wheel arches better. Flush-fitting door handles further modernise the profile by offering a sleek look.
At the rear, Tata has opted for a minimalist design with connected LED tail lamps, prominent Sierra EV lettering and a silver faux skid plate. While the clean treatment looks modern, the flat tailgate makes the rear appear slightly compact in person. Even so, viewed as a whole, the Sierra EV is a handsome SUV with plenty of road presence.
Tata Sierra EV First Drive Review: Interior & Features - Tata's Best Cabin Yet?
Step inside and the Sierra EV immediately feels like one of Tata's most premium offerings yet. The dashboard combines multiple textures, contrasting materials and layered surfaces to create an upmarket ambience. Soft-touch inserts, leather upholstery and tasteful piano black accents come together well, although the glossy surfaces will inevitably require careful maintenance to avoid scratches.
The seats deserve a special mention. They are wide, supportive and ventilated, while the extendable under-thigh support is a thoughtful addition that makes long highway journeys considerably more comfortable.
Technology takes centre stage with a triple-screen layout. The digital instrument cluster is crisp and easy to read, although slightly larger fonts would improve readability while driving. The central infotainment display offers sharp graphics and fluid animations, though the climate control interface occasionally felt laggy during our drive. The third passenger display is genuinely useful, allowing the co-driver to control media independently without interrupting the driver's navigation. It can be blocked from the driver’s view via an accessory privacy screen, which Tata says is available at dealerships.
Storage options are practical, with twin cupholders, bottle holders in the door and even umbrella slots. There are two USB charging ports upfront including a 65W fast charging outlet. Tata has also equipped the Sierra EV with JBL speakers, a panoramic sunroof, head-up display and terrain mode selector, creating a feature list that's among the strongest in the segment.
The second row continues the premium experience. Thanks to a flat floor and relatively lesser bolstering, accommodating three adults is easier than in many rivals. Rear passengers enjoy generous knee room, impressive headroom despite the panoramic sunroof, large AC vents, USB charging ports (including a 65W fast charger) and a centre armrest with cupholders. The expansive glass area also makes the cabin feel bright and airy.
Tata Sierra EV First Drive Review: Performance & Ride Quality - Comfort Before Everything Else
The variant we drove was the dual-motor all-wheel-drive version. It uses a high-induction motor at the front that makes 140 PS and a permanent magnet synchronous motor at the rear that makes 204 PS. The total torque output stands at 504 Nm. Tata claims a 0-100 km/h time of just 5.8 seconds, and it certainly feels every bit as quick.
While acceleration is brisk, it is never intimidating. Rather than delivering an explosive surge, the Sierra EV builds speed in a mature, progressive manner that suits its character. Drive modes including Eco, City, Sport and Boost allow drivers to tailor the throttle response, with City mode striking the best balance for everyday driving and Sport sharpening responses noticeably without making the SUV feel nervous.
While outright performance is impressive, ride quality is where the Sierra EV truly stands out. Tata has done an excellent job balancing comfort with body control. Large SUVs often either feel excessively soft or overly stiff, but the Sierra EV avoids both extremes.
Its frequency selective dampers deserve much of the credit. The suspension remains composed during spirited driving yet absorbs broken roads, potholes and expansion joints with remarkable ease. High-speed stability is equally reassuring, and even repeated hard braking from triple-digit speeds inspires confidence, with the SUV stopping in a straight line and exhibiting very little body movement.
As for range, it's too early to draw conclusions. During our drive, the indicated range dropped more rapidly than expected, but the vehicle was subjected to repeated acceleration tests, filming requirements and an unusually demanding drive cycle. Under normal driving conditions, owners are unlikely to experience similar behaviour.
Tata Sierra EV First Drive Review: Verdict - A Family SUV First
The
Tata Sierra EV may wear an iconic badge, but it doesn't try to be an electric performance SUV. Instead, it focuses on what matters most to family buyers — comfort, refinement, technology and confidence behind the wheel.
It also boasts what is arguably one of the best ride qualities in its class, backed by a genuinely premium cabin and a feature-packed interior. Enthusiasts may wish for a sharper driving experience, but the Sierra EV's mature dynamics are likely to appeal to a much wider audience.
There's just one caveat. At around ₹26.5 lakh (ex-showroom) for the fully loaded variant, it sits surprisingly close to the larger and more powerful
Harrier EV. That makes Tata's own showroom the Sierra EV's biggest competition.
Viewed on its own merits, however, the Sierra EV is an accomplished electric SUV that delivers exactly what it promises. If comfort, practicality and everyday usability rank higher on your priority list than outright driving thrills, this is undoubtedly one of the strongest family EVs to consider.