Tata Nexon EV Expert Review

Tata completely redesigned the exterior, making it nearly unrecognizable as a facelift. Like the updated ICE Nexon, the EV draws heavily from the Curvv concept, featuring a bold split-headlamp setup, full-LED lighting, a sleeker bumper, and a wide LED light bar at the rear. New aero-efficient 16-inch alloys, the omission of blue highlights, and a stylish integrated spoiler give it a mature and modern stance. Unique to the EV are elements like a front LED bar that also shows charge status, metallic strakes in the air dam, and exclusive paint options like Empowered Oxide and Intensi-teal. These updates make the Nexon EV facelift a definite head-turner.

Inside too, the Nexon EV made a serious leap forward. Two large, crisp screens dominate the dashboard, complemented by a premium dual-tone grey interior with blue stitching. The twin-spoke steering with an illuminated logo feels nice, but its gloss black surfaces pick up smudges easily. HVAC controls are now touch-based toggles, and while visually appealing, they’re prone to fingerprints. The gear selector is now conventional, but the new drive mode rotary dial can be slow to respond. While seat bolstering and under-thigh support have improved, the cushioning is firm, and rear headroom is tight for tall passengers. USB Type-C ports, 3-point seat belts for all, and minor tweaks improve convenience, but missing features like rear seatback pockets and proper cupholders remain a downside.

Under the hood, Tata’s Gen 2 electric motor is 20kg lighter, uses fewer rare-earth materials, and revs higher at 16,000rpm. Though torque is down to 215Nm, the flatter curve ensures smoother delivery and better efficiency. It still feels quick, doing 0-100kph in 9.3sec on wet roads—quicker than the outgoing EV Max. The updated 45kWh version, introduced in 2024, bumped up power to 150hp, though it felt near identical to drive. Three drive modes—Eco, City, and Sport—now show clearer differentiation, especially in throttle response and power delivery.

The facelift launched with 30kWh and 45kWh batteries, the latter claiming 465km (ARAI) thanks to better aerodynamics and efficiency. Regen braking remains adjustable via paddles and now recovers more energy. In real-world tests, the 45kWh version delivered a solid 350km combined range. Tata backs the battery and motor with an 8-year/1,60,000km warranty. Charging remains limited to 7.2kW AC and 30kW DC, which is slow by current standards. However, the addition of vehicle-to-load and vehicle-to-vehicle charging is a handy upgrade.

Ride quality remains firm but composed, improving at higher speeds. The Nexon EV handles well, with solid grip, confident braking, and well-weighted steering, even with efficiency-focused tyres. The rear disc brakes on higher variants further boost braking performance.

The 10.25-inch digital cluster is customisable and informative, while the 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen is fluid and bright, though slightly glitchy on the pre-production unit we tested. The system supports OTA updates, wireless smartphone connectivity, and integrates features like a 360-degree camera, blind spot monitor, and the new arcade.ev app store, which offers OTT and games. Top trims include ventilated seats, a wireless charger, air purifier, sunroof, JBL sound system, and connected car tech. Safety is top-tier with six airbags, ESC, parking sensors, electronic parking brake, and hill controls. The updated model has also earned a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating.

Priced from Rs 12.49 lakh to Rs 17.19 lakh (ex-showroom), the Nexon EV facelift builds on its predecessor’s strengths. With major updates to design, quality, performance, and features, it nearly feels like an all-new model. Minor flaws like inconsistent fit/finish and slow charging remain, but overall, it’s a standout mid-cycle refresh that enhances an already successful formula.