Tata Nexon.ev Empowered+ (45 kWh) Review: A Game-Changing Electric SUV for the Modern Indian Driver?
The Tata Nexon.ev has cemented its position as a pioneer in India’s electric vehicle revolution. The top-of-the-line Empowered+ variant with the 45 kWh battery pack is the culmination of this journey, offering a truly ‘game-changing’ package. With a striking design, benchmark-setting safety credentials including a 5-Star BHARAT NCAP rating, and an arsenal of futuristic technology, it redefines what an Indian consumer can expect from an EV. This isn’t just an electric car; it’s a statement of innovation, packed with features like Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology and an in-car app suite. In this in-depth review, we explore if this tech-loaded SUV is the ultimate electric choice for you.
First Impressions: Design & Exterior – A Striking Digital Presence
The Nexon.ev’s design is sharp, modern, and unapologetically electric. The front is dominated by the Smart Digital DRLs with a signature welcome and goodbye sequence that immediately commands attention. At the rear, the “Smart Digital X Factor” connected LED tail lamps provide a sleek, high-tech identity. It’s a design that looks like it’s driven straight out of the future.
Wheels & Stance:
The Empowered+ variant rides on stylish R16 (40.64 cm) Alloy Wheels with aerodynamic inserts, enhancing both looks and efficiency. The 190 mm ground clearance provides a confident SUV stance.
Signature Lighting:
Equipped with powerful LED Projector Headlamps and Sequential LED Turn Indicators, the vehicle ensures excellent visibility with a premium flair. The central position lamp also functions as a charging indicator.
Functional Elegance:
Features like the hidden rear wiper improve aesthetics and visibility. The addition of a Front Trunk (Frunk) offers practical, clever storage for charging cables or small bags.
Color Palette:
Tata offers a vibrant palette including Empowered Oxide, Flame Red, Pristine White, and Intensi-Teal, many with dual-tone roof options to personalize your style.
Interior & Comfort: A High-Tech, Plush Cabin
Stepping inside the Nexon.ev Empowered+ reveals a cabin that prioritizes both technology and comfort. The minimalist dashboard is dominated by huge screens, and the use of premium materials and textures creates a truly upmarket feel.
Driver’s Command Center:
The driver faces a 26.03 cm (10.25-inch) digital cockpit with multiple views, including embedded navigation. The two-spoke steering wheel with an illuminated logo and phygital controls for AC and other functions complete the futuristic feel.
Premium Comfort & Seating:
The bolstered leatherette seats are ventilated for the driver and co-driver, a huge boon in Indian climates. The rear seats offer a 60:40 split and a central armrest for added comfort and flexibility.
Airy Cabin & Climate Control:
A voice-assisted panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with light. Fully Automatic Climate Control with rear AC vents ensures all passengers remain comfortable, while the in-built air purifier with AQI display maintains a healthy cabin environment.
Smart Storage Solutions:
Practicality is key, with a cooled and illuminated glovebox, a large 350L boot, and the innovative frunk under the hood. Fast-charging 45W USB Type-C ports are available for both front and rear passengers.
Uncompromised Protection: 5-Star BHARAT NCAP Safety
Safety is a non-negotiable cornerstone of the Nexon.ev, validated by its top-tier 5-Star rating from BHARAT NCAP for both adult and child occupants. This is supported by a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety technologies.
Comprehensive Airbag System:
Equipped with 6 Airbags as standard (front, side, and curtain), the Nexon.ev provides a critical safety cocoon for all occupants in the event of a collision.
Proactive Driving Assistance:
Advanced Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with i-VBAC ensures superior handling. Features like Hill Ascent & Descent Control and All-Wheel Disc Brakes provide confident control in all situations.
360° Visibility & Awareness:
A high-definition 360° Surround View System and a Blind Spot View Monitor provide a complete view around the vehicle, making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces significantly safer and easier.
Emergency & Monitoring Systems:
An in-cabin SOS Emergency Call button provides instant access to assistance. The Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and Auto-Hold Electronic Parking Brake add further layers of safety and convenience.
Convenience & Technology: The True Game-Changer
The Nexon.ev Empowered+ is where technology takes center stage. It’s packed with segment-first features that fundamentally change how you interact with your vehicle.
Cinematic Infotainment & Audio:
The massive 31.24 cm (12.3-inch) touchscreen acts as a cinematic hub. Paired with the 9-speaker JBL sound system and the Arcade.ev app suite, you can stream videos, play games, and enjoy an immersive audio experience.
Vehicle-to-Load & Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2L/V2V):
A truly innovative feature, V2L allows you to power external gadgets and appliances directly from the car’s battery. V2V lets you charge another EV, turning your car into a mobile power bank.
Seamless Connectivity:
Enjoy the convenience of Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay. The iRA 2.0 connected car tech offers over-the-air (OTA) updates, ensuring your car’s software stays new forever.
Intuitive Driving Controls:
Paddle shifters allow you to control the level of regenerative braking on-the-go. The Smart Digital Shifter offers quick and seamless drive selection, while three distinct drive modes (Eco, City, Sport) tailor the performance to your mood.
Dimensions: Compact Footprint, Commanding Presence
The Nexon.ev maintains its popular compact SUV dimensions, making it perfectly suited for Indian city conditions while offering a robust, high-riding stance.
Overall Length:
3995 mm
Overall Width:
1802 mm
Overall Height:
1625 mm
Wheelbase:
2498 mm
Full Specifications Table: Tata Nexon.ev Empowered+
Electric Drivetrain & Performance
- Motor Type: Permanent Magnet Synchronous AC Motor
- Battery Pack: 45 kWh, Liquid Cooled System
- Max Power: 106 kW (142 bhp)
- Max Torque: 215 Nm
- Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 8.9 seconds
- Certified Range (ARAI): 489 km
- Real-World Range (Est.): 350-375 km
- Ingress Protection: IP67 (Motor & Battery Pack)
- Drive Modes: City, Sport & Eco
- Regen Control: 4-Level, via Paddle Shifters
Charging
- DC Fast Charge (10-80%): 40 mins (with 60kW charger)
- AC Fast Charge (10-100%): 6.6 hrs (with 7.2kW AC Wallbox)
- Standard Charge (10-100%): 17.6 hrs (with 3.3kW / 15A socket)
- Charging Standard: CCS2
- Special Features: Vehicle-to-Load (V2L), Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V)
Exterior Features
- Headlamps: LED Projector with Auto Function
- DRLs: Smart Digital LED with Welcome/Goodbye Sequence & Charging Indicator
- Tail Lamps: Smart Digital ‘X-Factor’ Connected LED
- Turn Indicators: Sequential LED
- Wheels: R16 (40.64 cm) Alloy Wheels with Aero Inserts
- Sunroof: Voice-Assisted Panoramic Sunroof
- Wipers: Rain-Sensing Front, Hidden Rear Wiper
- ORVMs: Electrically Adjustable & Auto-Folding
- Storage: Front Trunk (Frunk)
Safety Features
- Crash Test Rating: 5-Star BHARAT NCAP (AOP & COP)
- Airbags: 6 Airbags (Front, Side, Curtain)
- Braking System: All-Wheel Disc Brakes with ABS & EBD
- Stability Control: ESP with i-VBAC
- Parking Brake: Electronic with Auto Hold
- Hill Assist: Hill Ascent & Descent Control
- Parking Aids: 360° Surround View Camera, Front & Rear Sensors
- Visibility Aids: Blind Spot View Monitor, Auto-Dimming IRVM
- Monitoring: Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Emergency Support: SOS Emergency Call Button
Infotainment & Technology
- Infotainment Screen: 31.24 cm (12.3-inch) HD Cinematic Touchscreen by HARMAN
- Instrument Cluster: 26.03 cm (10.25-inch) HD Digital Cockpit
- Sound System: JBL 9-Speaker Cinematic System with Subwoofer
- App Suite: Arcade.ev (Prime Video, Hotstar, Games etc.)
- Wireless Connectivity: Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
- Voice Assistants: Native, Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant
- Connected Tech: iRA.ev 2.0 with Smartwatch Integration
- Software Updates: Over-The-Air (OTA) capability
Convenience & Comfort
- Seats: Leatherette, Ventilated Front Seats
- Rear Seat: 60:40 Split with Centre Armrest
- Climate Control: FATC with Express Cooling & Rear Vents
- Air Quality: Air Purifier with AQI Display
- Wireless Charging: Yes
- USB Ports: 45W Fast Charging Type-C (Front & Rear)
- Steering: 2-Spoke with Illuminated Logo, Tilt Adjust
- Glovebox: Cooled & Illuminated
- Keyless Entry: Push-Button Start/Stop
Pros and Cons: Our Balanced View of the Nexon.ev Empowered+
Pros:
- Benchmark-Setting Safety: The 5-Star BHARAT NCAP rating combined with 6 airbags, ESP, and a 360° camera offers peace of mind that is unmatched in its class.
- Truly Next-Gen Technology: The massive 12.3-inch screen, Arcade.ev app suite, and V2L/V2V functionality make it feel like a gadget on wheels, setting it far apart from competitors.
- Premium Cabin Comforts: Ventilated front seats, a high-quality JBL sound system, and a panoramic sunroof create a luxurious in-cabin experience.
- Striking Exterior Design: The sharp, futuristic styling with signature digital lighting ensures the Nexon.ev stands out everywhere it goes.
- Practical Range & Fast Charging: A real-world range of ~350-375 km is sufficient for most users, and the 40-minute DC fast charging capability makes long trips viable.
Cons:
- Premium Pricing: As the top-end variant, its ex-showroom price is a significant investment and puts it in competition with larger ICE SUVs.
- Rear Seat Comfort: While spacious, the high floor resulting from the battery placement can lead to a less-than-ideal knees-up seating position for taller rear passengers on long journeys.
- No ADAS Features: Despite being packed with tech, this variant surprisingly omits Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control or lane-keeping assist.
- Weight and Handling: The heavy battery pack makes the Nexon.ev feel very planted, but it lacks the agility of its lighter ICE counterpart around corners.
Who Is This Car For? Tailored Recommendations
The Tata Nexon.ev Empowered+ is an outstanding choice for:
- Tech-Savvy Early Adopters: Who want the latest and greatest features like V2L, a huge cinematic screen, and an in-car app store.
- Safety-First Buyers: For whom a 5-Star BHARAT NCAP rating and a full suite of safety features are non-negotiable priorities.
- Urban Commuters: Who want a stylish, zero-emissions vehicle with low running costs for daily city driving and occasional highway trips.
- Single-Car Households: Who need an EV that is versatile enough for both daily errands and weekend getaways, thanks to its practical range and fast charging.
Who Might Consider Other Options?
You might consider other options if:
- You Frequently Travel with Tall Rear Passengers: The rear seating comfort might be a concern on very long journeys.
- You Must Have ADAS Features: If lane-keeping assist or adaptive cruise control are on your must-have list, you would need to look at competitors.
- Your Budget is Tighter: The Empowered+ variant is priced at a premium. Lower variants of the Nexon.ev or other EVs might be a better fit.
- You Live in an Area with Limited Charging Infrastructure: If you lack reliable home or public charging access, the EV ownership experience could be challenging.
Final Verdict: The Undisputed King of India’s EV Space
After extensive analysis, the Tata Nexon.ev Empowered+ (2025) is more than just an electric vehicle; it’s a comprehensive technology and safety package that sets a formidable new benchmark. It masterfully blends futuristic innovation with the practical needs of an Indian driver. The 5-Star BHARAT NCAP rating provides an unparalleled sense of security, while the cabin experience, elevated by the enormous 12.3-inch screen, JBL sound system, and ventilated seats, feels like it belongs in a car twice its price. While the absence of ADAS is a curious omission, the vehicle compensates with groundbreaking features like V2L and V2V charging, which are not just gimmicks but genuinely useful innovations. For the buyer who prioritizes safety, cutting-edge technology, and a premium cabin experience, the Nexon.ev Empowered+ is not just the best choice—it’s practically in a class of its own. It is a resounding declaration that the future of mobility in India has arrived.
Overall Rating: 4.9 out of 5.0 (Based on Expert Analysis)
