Bengaluru-based automotive start-up, Pravaig, has launched the electric Defy SUV, which is its first SUV priced at Rs 39.5 lakh (ex-showroom). The brand was founded in 2011 in Jaipur and began making specialist off-road buggies by securing the backing of the Eren group from France, a company active in the field of renewable energy.
Pravaig Defy EV SUV: exterior design
The Pravaig Defy gets angular styling, which gives it a butch look mixed with crossover-like cues. The brand calls the styling theme “brutal sophistication”, however, the SUV does have some styling bits resembling Range Rover SUVs. The front styling has sharp cuts and an LED light bar running across its width.
Coming to its profile, the top half of the SUV has a black paint and the glasshouse looks big, but the angular windows and sloping roof give it a sporty look. At the rear, a strong character line runs from the rear fender across the width, and neatly merges with the tailgate and horizontally placed LED light bar.
Pravaig says the SUV has a “notably dynamic” shape with a drag co-efficient of 0.33. The brand further said that the Defy SUV also has some styling cues from the Extinction MK1, its EV sportscar demonstrator that we had driven earlier. The SUV will come with a panoramic fixed roof as standard.
The Defy EV SUV gets 18-inch alloy wheels with 255/65R18 tyres. It also gets optional “aero covers”, which, according to the brand, would add up to 10km or more range per charge, especially on the highway.
Pravaig EV SUV: interior
Pravaig says the Defy SUV’s interior is made from sustainable fabrics (recycled materials like PET), and that the upholstery is made of vegan leather. The seats get six-way power adjustment and ventilation, and can adapt to the cabin temperature on their own. A large 15.6-inch touchscreen display takes centre stage on the dashboard, which allows users to browse the internet and double up as a navigation screen via 5G connectivity. The infotainment will also offer on-board gaming, with the option to add more games via over-the-air (OTA) updates, according to the brand.
Instrumentation duties are carried out by a separate 10-inch screen behind the steering wheel, and this screen is also customisable and adaptable according to the driving mode. Pravaig says the Defy SUV also gets 3D sound from French audio specialist brand Devialet.
The Pravaig gets a 4-seat interior with two individual rear captains seats, a 240V outlet, a wireless charger and two individual 15.6-inch screens. Additional features include separate climate control zones for front and rear passengers and interiors that can be pre-conditioned via the connected car app. Mood lighting will be standard on the Defy EV SUV and it will also get multiple wireless chargers and two high-power USB-C ports which can also charge laptops. The SUV will come with a unique key card, but can be locked or unlocked using the connected car tech.
The SUV also gets adaptive LED headlamps, 360-degree camera set-up and a 77GHz solid state radar. The Defy EV SUV will get automatic emergency braking at a later stage, which will be enabled via an OTA update, and get tyre pressure monitoring system and six airbags as standard.
Pravaig Defy EV SUV: platform, AWD powertrain
Pravaig says the Defy SUV is built on a dedicated skateboard platform which has been developed from the grounds up. Being a skateboard, the battery is placed in the center of the SUV, thus, liberating space for luggage and occupants. The same platform could also be used to underpin future products.
The Pravaig Defy SUV gets a dual electric motor set-up, which generate 407hp and 620Nm. This power output puts the Defy on par with SUVs like the Jaguar iPace, Audi e-tron and the Mercedes-Benz EQC. The SUV also gets three levels of regeneration, which allow one pedal driving and four wheel disc brakes with ABS and ESP.
Pravaig Defy EV SUV: charging, battery and range
Pravaig says the Defy SUV can be charged either at home or via a fast charger. The SUV will come with an optional 7.2kW home charger, which will top up up to 300km of range in around eight hours. The EV SUV can also be charged using a 150kW DC charging set-up. The brand is in the process of partnering with multiple charging infrastructure providers across India at the moment.
Pravaig says the Defy SUV comes with a 5 module Li-ion battery with 5,000 hardcase shells. Battery capacity is 90.9kWh and, according to Pravaig, this is good for over 500km of real world range.
Pravaig Defy EV SUV: data security, service network
Pravaig claims user data will be treated as the ownership of the consumer and the brand will not track or resell any of it. Currently, there is no clarity on how brands manage data collected by connected cars although policies are being formulated.
While the company has not disclosed dealership details, it says it can service the Defy SUV at 34,000 PIN codes across India along with emergency road side assistance. The brand provides 1 year complimentary service, which can be extended to four years.
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
