2023 Tata Nexon EV Review: More Range, Feature Loaded and a Significant Makeover

The Tata Nexon EV stands as one of Tata Motors' most significant achievements. Launched in 2020, this vehicle propelled the domestic automaker into the future as it became the first mass-market electric vehicle. The Nexon EV offered respectable range, excellent refinement, low operating costs, and a reasonable price premium compared to its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart. Its impact was so profound that despite the Nexon being over six years old and starting to show its age, it remained one of the best-selling sub-4m SUVs.

Now, Tata Motors has unveiled an update to the Nexon EV, alongside its ICE counterpart. While it may be considered a facelift, the changes are so substantial that it feels like anything but.

Looks 

The updated Tata Nexon EV features a more defined design, drawing inspiration from the Curvv SUV concept. It showcases sleek daytime running lights that extend along the hood which also doubles up to show the percentage of charge remaining, split LED headlights, a closed grille, and sporty air curtains on the bumper's lower side. These alterations make it seem a lot more like a generational upgrade than a simple facelift. 

The rear design has been heavily reworked as well with it now featuring a connected lighting setup similar to the front, featuring an X-shaped pattern with sleek LEDs. The rear bumper has also been redesigned, and Tata has cleverly integrated the rear wiper into the roof spoiler to maintain a clean rear appearance. 

The side profile, however, remains similar, with the primary change being the redesigned 16-inch alloys, which improve aerodynamic efficiency compared to the previous version. Overall, the 2023 Nexon EV looks more purposeful and modern than the old car. 

Interiors 

Entering the 2023 Nexon EV facelift reveals an interior that is a departure from previous iterations. The layout remains straightforward with a relatively flat dashboard, but it now boasts an abundance of screens, touch-sensitive panels, and displays. The steering wheel has a new two-spoke design with a unique backlit Tata logo, and the upholstery varies depending on the selected variant package. 

The 12.3-inch infotainment system stands out as the largest in its price range, and in our experience, it also delivers top-notch screen quality, graphics, and ease of use. The screen is crisp, and the touch sensitivity generally performs well. Unlike the internal combustion version, we encountered minimal system glitches, although there were occasional delays in response. The HVAC controls have been revamped, featuring touch-sensitive controls along with physical knobs for temperature and fan speed adjustments.

Notably, seating comfort has seen a significant improvement thanks to Tata Motors' decision to provide the Nexon seats with more generous cushioning. These seats not only deliver comfort but also offer better support for your back and thighs. The padding strikes an ideal balance between softness and firmness, making the seats suitable for both city drives and long journeys. However, the thicker seats have slightly reduced knee room. While there's still enough space for two 6-footers to sit one behind the other, it may feel a bit snug compared to segment standards. The Long Range EV version faces a similar challenge as the older model due to the larger battery pack, resulting in a slightly raised floor and reduced underthigh support, especially in the rear seat. For superior rear seat comfort, the medium-range EV and internal combustion engine variants outperform.

In terms of practicality, the boot space remains consistent with the previous model, offering ample room for weekend luggage. However, cabin practicality hasn't been significantly improved. Front storage areas like door pockets remain relatively small, and if you opt for the top variants with the wireless phone charger, front cup holders are not available.

Features 

With the 2023 Nexon EV, Tata Motors has taken the tech package to the next level. It features the best-in-class 12.3-inch touchscreen with an arcade mode for downloading games or streaming content while charging. Additionally, there's a new fully digital 10.25-inch driver's display which works really well, a high quality 360-degree camera, ventilated front seats, a wireless phone charger, a punchy 9-speaker JBL sound system with a subwoofer, a sunroof, and connected car technology. Notably, it offers vehicle-to-load (V2L) and vehicle-to-vehicle charging capabilities, essentially turning it into a portable power bank that can charge other electric vehicles. Safety features have been enhanced, with six airbags now standard and the inclusion of ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, blind spot monitoring, and a tyre pressure monitoring system. 

Powertrain

Tata has made significant improvements in this area, mainly by using a Gen-2 permanent magnet synchronous AC motor that's 20kg lighter and introducing small aerodynamic enhancements in its design. The medium-range version comes with a 30kWh battery paired with a 129PS motor, while the long-range variant boasts a 40.5kWh battery and a 143PS motor. These changes have resulted in a slight boost in range, as per ARAI claims: 325km for the medium range, and 465km for the long range.

Our experience with the long-range version left us highly impressed. The new motor operates much quieter, but the most significant change is in how it delivers power. Unlike the old motor, which felt spirited but slightly too eager, acceleration in the updated Nexon EV LR is incredibly smooth and linear. There are hardly any jerks, especially in ECO and City drive modes. Even in Sport mode, it maintains eagerness without feeling abrupt. According to Tata, it's quicker to reach 100kmph, clocking in at 8.9 seconds compared to the old car's 9.4 seconds. Interestingly, from the driver's seat, it doesn't feel as fast as the outgoing model, mainly due to the smoother power delivery and quieter cabin. The improved power delivery also makes it more enjoyable to drive at lower speeds and an excellent choice for city commuting.

On the highway, performance is more than sufficient, and the updated motor allows for a higher top speed of 150 kmph. Even in City mode, there's enough power for high-speed overtaking, and in tricky situations, you can tap into the extra performance of Sport mode. The vehicle offers three regen modes, but similar to the previous model, we wish they were better tuned. The transition from using power to regenerative braking is still not entirely smooth, so we found ourselves preferring the lower mode 1 for a smoother ride. Unfortunately, the Nexon EV doesn't offer a single-pedal mode, which could have further improved the city driving experience. 

During our brief test drive, we weren't able to accurately assess real-world range improvements. This is something we plan to explore in our upcoming "Drive To Death" series, where we'll fully deplete the Nexon EV's battery from a full charge to provide real-world range data.

Ride and Handling

Like all Tata cars, the 2023 Nexon EV performs admirably in this aspect. Despite its added weight, the Nexon EV feels nearly identical to the ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) version. Its handling instills confidence with excellent body control, and while it may not be overly sporty, it offers a sense of safety and predictability.

Moreover, the ride quality is impressive, effortlessly handling even large potholes thanks to its ample suspension travel. The suspension operates quietly, contributing to a soothing overall driving experience.

Verdict

The 2023 Tata Nexon EV represents a significant improvement. Its appearance is fresh, the interior feels more premium, it boasts an extensive list of features, and its performance is both strong and smooth. It provides a comfortable driving experience and incorporates plenty of advanced technology. If you're considering an electric SUV, the 2023 Nexon EV stands out as an excellent choice.

Also Read: In-Depth Look at 2023 Tata Nexon EV Facelift's Creative Base Variant In 7 Images

What's even more impressive is Tata Motors' pricing strategy. The new model is priced competitively, with the base variant costing Rs 25,000 less and the higher-spec version being only about Rs 40,000 more expensive. This pricing is remarkable when you consider the array of enhancements that come with the updated car.