Tata Motors hosted a media drive for the all-new Sierra.ev in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, giving journalists a chance to experience the electric revival of the iconic SUV. We tested the flagship Sierra.ev QWD (Quad Wheel Drive / AWD) variant equipped with the larger 75 kWh battery pack. Our focus was straightforward: extract maximum real-world efficiency and range under practical driving conditions, without resorting to extreme hypermiling techniques.
- Sierra.ev QWD 75 kWh: 624 km (ARAI/MIDC certified).
- For comparison, the rear-wheel-drive 75 kWh variants claim up to 665 km.
These figures come from standardized lab testing. Real-world performance depends heavily on driving style, terrain, load, climate control, and speed.
We conducted the test on a mix of 15% city and 85% highway driving, primarily on the Coimbatore-Salem stretch (similar to NH-44 conditions — smooth 4-lane state highway with good surfaces).Key parameters:
- Speeds: Legal maximum speeds maintained; mostly cruising above 82-85 km/h on the highway.
- Occupants & Load: 2 passengers with moderate luggage.
- Climate: AC switched on throughout for comfort.
- Driving Modes:
- Started in Eco mode until ~20% SoC (State of Charge) used.
- Switched to City mode for the middle portion.
- Returned to Eco mode for the final ~25% SoC to maximize remaining range.
- No aggressive acceleration, no unnecessary stops, and steady-state cruising where possible.
The goal was efficient touring rather than maximum range at the cost of drivability or comfort. The QWD dual-motor setup (combined output around 320 bhp / 504 Nm in Boost mode on higher trims) provided strong performance when needed while the modes helped balance efficiency.
Under these mixed real-world conditions, the Sierra.ev QWD 75 kWh delivered strong efficiency for an AWD electric SUV of its size and capability. The vehicle proved comfortable for highway stints with good stability, responsive steering, and a composed ride even with moderate luggage.Expectations for highway-heavy runs at legal speeds with AC on typically see EVs achieve 70-80% of ARAI figures, depending on conditions. Our test aligned well with efficient real-world use cases for long-distance touring.Key takeaways from the drive:
- The 75 kWh battery provided confident range for inter-city travel.
- Mode switching (Eco for efficiency bookends, City in the middle) helped optimize consumption without feeling restrictive.
- Highway cruising at 80+ km/h with AC was smooth and quiet, showcasing the Sierra.ev’s touring credentials.
- Regenerative braking and the Eco mode contributed positively toward the end, stretching the remaining charge effectively.
The Tata Sierra.ev QWD 75 kWh impresses as a genuine highway cruiser that balances performance, comfort, and efficiency. While the official 624 km figure represents ideal lab conditions, our mixed 15:85 city-highway test under practical loads and speeds confirmed it as a strong option for buyers seeking effortless long-distance electric mobility.
For families or those planning highway-dominant trips in India, the Sierra.ev delivers usable range that reduces range anxiety, especially with Tata’s improving charging infrastructure and fast-charging capability (adding substantial km in minutes).
The electric Sierra revives the spirit of the original with modern EV advantages — silent operation, instant torque, and lower running costs — while proving itself efficient in real Tamil Nadu highway conditions. It’s a promising package for those ready to go electric without compromising on versatility.
