Tata Motors is accelerating its electric vehicle offensive with the development of the Safari.EV, its first electric three-row SUV. This flagship model is poised to become a major player in India’s growing premium electric SUV segment, directly rivaling offerings like the Mahindra XEV 9S. Recent spy sightings confirm that the vehicle has entered active road-testing, with fresh visuals providing the best look yet at its evolving front and side profiles.
The latest spy images, captured in Bengaluru, show a heavily camouflaged test mule navigating public roads. While comprehensive details remain hidden under wraps, the sighting offers clear glimpses of key design elements on the front and sides.
Front Design Highlights:
- A redesigned grille section and new bumper are evident, aligning with Tata’s EV design language (similar to updates seen on the Harrier.EV).
- Restyled headlamps and LED DRLs (likely featuring a full-width light bar with animations) give it a more futuristic and premium appearance compared to the ICE Safari.
- The overall stance remains bold and commanding, retaining the Safari’s signature muscular SUV presence while incorporating aerodynamic optimizations for efficiency.
Side Profile Insights:
- The silhouette closely mirrors the current combustion-engine Safari, with familiar squared wheel arches, roof rails, and a gently sloping roofline.
- New aero-optimized alloy wheels are visible, designed to enhance range and efficiency.
- A notable addition is the side step (running board), which is not present on the standard ICE Safari. This practical feature enhances accessibility for a three-row family SUV.
The absence of a tailpipe at the rear is a clear giveaway of its electric nature. Spy shots also hint at a Harrier.EV-like independent multi-link rear suspension setup, suggesting improved ride comfort and dynamics tailored for an EV.
Expected Platform, Powertrain, and Range
The Safari.EV is being developed on Tata’s Acti.ev+ platform, essentially an ICE-to-EV conversion like its sibling, the Harrier.EV. It is expected to share battery and drivetrain options with the Harrier.EV, including:
- 65 kWh and 75 kWh (or potentially larger) battery packs.
- Rear-wheel drive (RWD) as standard, with dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD / Quad-Wheel Drive) on higher variants.
- Power outputs potentially around 238 hp (RWD) to over 350 hp combined (AWD), with strong torque delivery typical of EVs.
Due to its larger size and weight, the real-world range may be slightly lower than the Harrier.EV’s claimed figures (up to 600+ km), but expectations hover around 450–550+ km on a single charge, making it suitable for both city and highway use.
Features and Interior
Inside, the Safari.EV is likely to mirror the ICE model’s spacious three-row layout but with EV-specific updates:
- Modern dashboard with a large touchscreen infotainment system, digital driver display, and premium materials.
- Advanced features powered by Tata’s TiDAL architecture, including over-the-air (OTA) updates, 540-degree camera system, Level 2 ADAS, auto park assist, summon mode, and more.
- Expected comforts: Panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, premium audio, and dual-zone climate control.
Launch Timeline and Positioning
Tata is targeting a festive season (Diwali) 2026 launch for the Safari.EV. Pricing is anticipated in the ₹25–35 lakh range (ex-showroom), positioning it as a premium electric family hauler above the Harrier.EV.
This latest sighting indicates that development is progressing well, with focused testing on design, dynamics, and real-world performance. As Tata expands its EV portfolio, the Safari.EV could play a pivotal role in bringing three-row electric mobility to Indian buyers seeking space, capability, and zero-emission driving.
