The Tata Sierra EV launched on June 30 with prices starting from Rs 18.79 lakh (ex-showroom). Though it looks similar to the ICE-powered Sierra, a few key design elements, additional features and the choice of an all-wheel-drive (AWD) option set it apart. Here are all the similarities and differences between the Tata Sierra EV and Sierra ICE.
Tata Sierra EV vs ICE: Exterior design
Grille and bumper differ, but lighting elements are identical
While the electric and ICE versions of the Sierra get the same slim projector LED headlights and a connected LED light bar, the grille differs – it is body-coloured and blanked off in the Sierra EV but is a gloss-black unit with air vents and ‘Sierra’ lettering in the ICE version.
The front bumper is also a key differentiator. The EV features a gloss-black panel extending below the headlights, whereas the combustion-powered Sierra has a body-coloured panel in the same area, with the gloss-black finish limited to the lower section of the bumper. Vertically stacked LED fog lamps and a faux-silver skid plate, however, are the same for both iterations of the midsize SUV.
Side profiles are similar, except for the badges on the front doors
In profile, the only visible difference is the new ‘Tata.ev’ badge on the Sierra EV’s front doors compared to the ICE-powered model’s ‘Sierra’ badge. The flush-type door handles, window line, the Alpine-style rear window design, 19-inch alloy wheels and the gloss-black cladding on the wheel arches and lower portion of the doors are identical on both.
Different badges at the rear, too
Save for a ‘Sierra.ev’ badge on the tailgate, the rear design of the all-electric Sierra is the same as that of the combustion-powered model. The slim LED tail-light bar, a gloss-black rear bumper with two reflectors and a faux-silver skid plate, and a body-coloured roof-mounted spoiler are common to the Sierra EV and Sierra ICE.
Tata Sierra EV vs ICE: Interior design
Sierra EV gets a different cabin theme and some EV-specific features
The interior design of both Sierra versions is identical, except for the colour theme – the Sierra EV’s is grey and off-white while that of its ICE counterpart is black and beige. In the EV, the seat upholstery even gets green contrasting stitching. EV-specific features include vehicle-to-load (V2L) and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) charging capabilities, a 540-degree camera (360-degree camera with under-bonnet view function), auto-park assist and summon mode – all not offered with the ICE-powered Sierra.
Everything else is the same, including a four-spoke steering wheel and a triple-screen layout on the dashboard, comprising a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, a 12.3-inch infotainment system and a 12.3-inch front passenger entertainment screen. Both Sierra versions are also equipped with a panoramic sunroof, a wireless phone charger, a coloured head-up display (HUD), a 12-speaker JBL Black sound system, dual-zone climate control, powered and ventilated front seats and a powered tailgate. Notably, the Sierra EV offers the HUD with the triple-screen setup, unlike the ICE model.
The safety kit, except for a 540-degree camera system and auto-park assist, is also identical. Features include 6 airbags as standard, a Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) suite, puddle lamps, front and rear fog lights, and an electronic parking brake with auto hold.
Tata Sierra EV vs ICE: Powertrains
Sierra EV is the second Tata EV to offer AWD; it gets the same batteries as the Harrier EV
The Tata Sierra EV is built on Tata’s acti.ev+ platform that also underpins the Harrier EV. It is available with two battery pack options: 63kWh and 75kWh. The 63kWh version comes with a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) setup powered by a rear-mounted electric motor that produces 238hp and 315Nm. It has a claimed driving range of 535km.
The larger 75kWh battery is offered in both RWD and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations. The RWD version delivers 209hp and 315Nm, along with a claimed range of 665km. The AWD version uses a dual-motor setup, with a 140hp motor on the front axle and a 209hp motor on the rear axle, producing a combined 504Nm of torque. Its claimed range is 624km.
In comparison, the Sierra ICE comes with a front-wheel-drive (FWD) setup only, with a choice of naturally aspirated petrol, turbo-petrol and diesel engine options.
Tata Sierra EV vs ICE: Prices
Sierra EV costs a lot more than the ICE but offers an AWD option
The Sierra EV’s price range is higher than that of the ICE version. Its base variant costs a whopping Rs 7.30 lakh more, and even at the top end, the difference is significant but lower at Rs 4.70 lakh. At this price point, the EV is offered with an AWD setup, something the ICE version lacks. The Tata Sierra EV rivals eSUVs such as the Hyundai Creta Electric, Mahindra BE 6, Maruti Suzuki e Vitara, MG ZS EV, Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella and Vinfast VF6.
Prices are ex-showroom, India.
Uday Singh
Saptarshi Mondal
