Introduction: In the ever-evolving landscape of India’s electric vehicle market, the competition between homegrown offerings intensifies. The Tata Nexon EV and the Mahindra XUV400 have both undergone significant updates, sparking renewed interest and scrutiny. As these two contenders step back into the arena for a recharged rematch, discerning consumers seek clarity on which electric SUV reigns supreme. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into every facet, from design and performance to features and pricing, to unveil the ultimate choice in India’s electrifying automotive landscape.
Contents
Exterior designTata Nexon EV: Edgy and ModernMahindra XUV400: Conventional with a TwistInterior and SeatingTata Nexon EV:Mahindra XUV400:FeaturesTata Nexon EV:Mahindra XUV400:Powertrain and performanceTata Nexon EV:Mahindra XUV400:Handling CharacteristicsTata Nexon EV:Mahindra XUV400:Comparison:Price and Overall Verdict:Tata Nexon EV:Mahindra XUV400:Conclusion
Exterior design
Tata Nexon EV: Edgy and Modern
The Tata Nexon EV’s recent facelift brings a fresh and modern design language. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:
- Split headlamp setup with all-LED lights: This creates a sharp and futuristic look.
- LED light bar at the front: This bar serves a dual purpose: displaying the charging status and providing a welcoming/goodbye animation. It adds a touch of interactivity to the design.
- Cool-looking 16-inch alloy wheels: The design of the wheels complements the overall sporty and edgy vibe of the Nexon EV.
- LED light bar at the rear with V-shaped tail-lights: This combination creates a distinctive rear signature that’s both modern and eye-catching.
- Roof-mounted spoiler with concealed rear wiper: This integrated design element cleans up the rear aesthetics and adds a touch of sportiness.
Mahindra XUV400: Conventional with a Twist
The Mahindra XUV400 takes a more traditional design approach compared to the Nexon EV. However, it incorporates some unique elements:
- Blanked-off front grille with “X” motifs: Since it’s an electric vehicle, a grille isn’t functional. The blanked-off area with “X” motifs maintains a familiar look while hinting at the electric nature of the car.
- Bronze accents: These accents throughout the car help differentiate the XUV400 from its gasoline-powered sibling, the XUV300 T-GDI, and add a touch of personality.
- 16-inch alloy wheels: While they share the same size as the Nexon EV’s wheels, the design might differ, potentially giving the XUV400 a more conventional or rugged appearance.
- LED taillights: LED taillights are becoming increasingly common, offering improved visibility and a more modern look.
Interior and Seating
Tata Nexon EV:
- Wow factor with two large screens: The Nexon EV’s interior impresses with its two large screens, providing a modern and high-tech feel to the cabin. The flat-bottomed steering wheel with an illuminated logo adds to the premium ambiance.
- Cleaner dashboard layout: Tata has opted for a cleaner dashboard layout in the Nexon EV, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the cabin. The use of textures and materials uplifts the cabin’s ambiance, contributing to a more upscale feel.
- Improved quality: The revamped interior of the Nexon EV reflects an improvement in quality compared to its predecessor. However, there’s still room for enhancement in the fit and finish department.
- Ample storage space: The Nexon EV offers more storage space compared to before, making it convenient for occupants to stow their belongings. USB ports are also easily accessible, adding to the convenience factor.
- Comfortable rear seats for two: While the rear seats of the Nexon EV are supportive and well-contoured for two passengers, they may lack under-thigh support for some individuals.
Mahindra XUV400:
- Marginally better fit and finish: The XUV400’s cabin boasts marginally better fit and finish compared to the Nexon EV, with materials in certain places feeling nicer. However, there’s room for improvement in certain aspects.
- Dated dashboard layout: Despite the improvements, the dashboard layout of the XUV400 feels dated compared to the Nexon EV. The presence of numerous buttons contributes to a cluttered appearance.
- Spacious boot and rear legroom: The XUV400 offers a bigger boot space of 378 liters compared to the Nexon EV’s 350-liter capacity, thanks to its longer length. Additionally, it provides more rear legroom, accommodating three adults comfortably.
- Lack of rear AC vents and charging port: A notable omission in the XUV400 is the absence of rear AC vents and a charging port, which may affect passenger comfort and convenience, especially during longer journeys.
Features
Tata Nexon EV:
- 12.3-inch touchscreen: Larger and more advanced touchscreen display.
- Full LED lighting: Enhances visibility and adds a modern touch to the exterior.
- Ventilated front seats: Provides added comfort during hot weather conditions.
- 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster: Offers detailed and customizable information to the driver.
- 360-degree camera: Assists in parking and maneuvering in tight spaces.
- Front parking sensors: Aid in parking and prevent potential collisions.
- Auto climate control: Maintains the desired cabin temperature automatically.
- Wireless phone charger: Conveniently charges smartphones without the need for cables.
- Wireless smartphone integration: Seamless integration with smartphones for enhanced connectivity.
- Electronic parking brake: Provides convenience and safety while parking.
- JBL audio system with subwoofer: Delivers high-quality audio performance for an immersive driving experience.
Mahindra XUV400:
- Cruise control: Allows for maintaining a constant speed on highways.
- ESP (Electronic Stability Program): Enhances vehicle stability and control during challenging driving conditions.
- Hill-hold assist: Prevents the vehicle from rolling back on steep inclines.
- Auto-dimming mirror: Reduces glare from headlights of vehicles behind for improved visibility.
- Fog lamps: Enhance visibility in foggy conditions for safer driving.
- Tyre pressure loss indicator: Alerts the driver in case of low tyre pressure for safety.
- 16-inch alloys: Stylish alloy wheels complement the vehicle’s design.
- Sunroof: Adds to the aesthetics and provides natural light and ventilation to the cabin.
- Leatherette seats: Offer a premium feel and easy maintenance.
- Connected car tech: Provides various connectivity features for convenience and safety.
- Six airbags: Ensures enhanced safety for occupants in case of a collision.
Powertrain and performance
Tata Nexon EV:
- Motor Characteristics: The Nexon EV is equipped with an all-new electric motor, which is lighter, quieter, and more efficient compared to its predecessor. It delivers a power output of 145 horsepower and 215 Newton-meters of torque.
- Acceleration: It achieves a 0-100 km/h acceleration in 9.3 seconds, showcasing its performance capabilities.
- Drive Modes and Regenerative Braking: The Nexon EV offers three drive modes and allows independent adjustment of regenerative braking via paddleshifters, offering enhanced driving customization.
- Throttle Response: The throttle response is more linear, providing smooth acceleration and improved drivability.
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP): The inclusion of ESP enhances stability during driving maneuvers, ensuring a safer driving experience.
- Battery Capacity and Range: With a battery capacity of 40.5 kWh, the Nexon EV offers an ARAI-certified range of 465 kilometers, ensuring ample driving range on a single charge.
- Charging: It supports DC fast charging up to 30 kW, allowing for convenient and quick charging capabilities.
Mahindra XUV400:
- Motor Characteristics: The XUV400 features a more powerful electric motor, delivering a higher power output of 150 horsepower and a torque output of 310 Newton-meters.
- Acceleration: It achieves a quicker 0-100 km/h acceleration in 9.0 seconds, showcasing its impressive performance capabilities.
- Drive Modes and Regenerative Braking: Similar to the Nexon EV, the XUV400 offers three drive modes, but regenerative braking is bundled with drive modes, limiting independent adjustment.
- Throttle Response: The XUV400 offers a sharper throttle response in its sporty driving mode, providing a more dynamic driving experience.
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP): The inclusion of ESP improves vehicle stability, ensuring better control during challenging driving conditions.
- Battery Capacity and Range: With a slightly smaller battery capacity of 39.4 kWh, the XUV400 offers an ARAI-certified range of 456 kilometers, providing competitive driving range on a single charge.
- Charging: It supports faster DC fast charging up to 45 kW, allowing for quicker charging times compared to the Nexon EV.
Handling Characteristics
Tata Nexon EV:
- City Driving: The Nexon EV offers a firmer suspension setup, providing stability and control at higher speeds. However, this setup may feel lumpy at low speeds, potentially affecting comfort during city driving.
- Highway Driving: On highways, the Nexon EV exhibits a more composed and planted feel, thanks to its firmer suspension and tidy body control. The quicker steering with more weight and feedback enhances handling and maneuverability, making it suitable for highway cruising.
Mahindra XUV400:
- City Driving: The XUV400 excels in city driving conditions, offering a cushy low-speed ride and light steering. These characteristics contribute to a comfortable and relaxed driving experience in urban environments.
- Highway Driving: However, on highways, the XUV400 may feel less stable and more bouncy, with the light steering feeling disconnected during cornering. While steering heft can be adjusted, it is tied to drive modes, limiting independent customization.
Comparison:
- City vs. Highway: The XUV400 is better suited for city driving, offering a comfortable ride and light steering for maneuvering through urban environments. In contrast, the Nexon EV shines on the highway, providing a more composed and planted feel, along with precise steering and handling characteristics.
Price and Overall Verdict:
Tata Nexon EV:
- Price Range (Ex-showroom, India): Rs 14.74 lakh to Rs 19.94 lakh
- Variants and Trims: Offers a diverse range of options
- Justification of Premium: Easily justifies premium over XUV400
- Overall Verdict: Remains the king of the hill, with significant improvements across various aspects.
Mahindra XUV400:
- Price Range (Ex-showroom, India): Rs 15.99 lakh to Rs 19.39 lakh
- Variants and Trims: Limited options available
- Justification of Premium: –
- Overall Verdict: Performs well in certain aspects, but feels somewhat outdated compared to Nexon EV.
Conclusion
In this head-to-head comparison between the Tata Nexon EV and the Mahindra XUV400, the Nexon EV emerges as the clear winner, showcasing a modern exterior design, enhanced interior features, and superior performance. With its comprehensive updates and premium offerings, including advanced technology and refined driving dynamics, the Nexon EV maintains its position as the king of the electric SUV segment. While the Mahindra XUV400 presents competitive features, it falls short in terms of design innovation and overall refinement, making it feel somewhat outdated compared to the Nexon EV. Ultimately, for consumers seeking excellence in design, performance, and technology, the Tata Nexon EV remains the preferred choice, solidifying its dominance in the market and ensuring its continued success in the evolving automotive landscape.
