An invigorated Tata Motors is planning an EV led, new model offensive to further accelerate its galloping sales growth and consolidate its first mover gains in India’s nascent EV market. A newly established subsidiary TPEML infused with funding of Rs 7,500 crore will lead the charge. Tata Motors’ new EV division has ambitious plans to have a portfolio of 10 EVs within the next five years.
To take advantage of the Nexon EV’s runaway success, Tata Motors is developing a bigger, all-electric coupe version of the Nexon as a key model in its EV portfolio. There will also be an IC engine version.
- Nexon Coupe stretched to a mid-size SUV with 4.3m length
- All electric version likely to use upgraded version of Nexon EV motor and battery
- IC engine variants also being developed
Tata Nexon EV Coupe: what is it?
Originally conceived as a mid-size SUV back in 2018 to rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta, The Nexon Coupe will in essence be a stretched version of the current Nexon with a new coupe body style, designed to accommodate both petrol and diesel engine options. The project was shelved in order to save money, given the struggling performance of Tata Motors before the pandemic hit. However, after Tata Motors change of fortunes, the company has decided to revive the project with plans to launch an EV version of the Nexon Coupe with an IC engine derivative to follow
The Coupe will share the same platform (X1) as the current Nexon and both body styles will have a lot in common. The A-pillar, windscreen, front doors will remain unchanged and its only aft of the B-pillar that the body is all-new. The rear doors are longer as is the tapering roof which meets an all-new rear end with a large overhang. The extension at the rear is expected to deliver more rear seat legroom and substantially more boot space. Sources tell us that the wheelbase is approximately 50mm longer, achieved by a change to the wheel geometry, whilst the overall length is around the 4.3 metre mark which in terms of size, puts the of the Nexon Coupe smack in the middle of the mid-size SUV segment. Design is expected to be a big differentiator for the Nexon Coupe which apart from its sportier body style will also get a completely redesigned nose to differentiate it from its sub-4 metre sibling.
Tata Nexon EV Coupe: expected powertrains
According to company sources, the Nexon Coupe will be launched as a pure EV first. There are no details on the powertrain but it is fair to assume that it will use the same electric drive as the current Nexon EV but with a larger 40kWh battery pack that is expected in long range Nexon EV this quarter. By the time the Nexon Coupe is launched, which won’t be anytime before 2023, it is also likely that Tata Motors will have upgraded the standard Nexon EV’s electric motor with more power and torque than the current 129hp and 245Nm output.
Despite its larger dimensions, the Nexon EV Coupe will enjoy the same tax advantages as the standard sub-4m Nexon EV since all EVs pay a flat 5 percent GST regardless of their dimensions. However that won’t be case for the IC engine variants which will get no benefit from the 1.2 turbo-petrol that allows the smaller Nexon to sit in the lower sub-4 metre tax bracket
Hence it makes no sense to use the 1.2 turbo-petrol for the Nexon Coupe version for two reasons; firstly there is no tax advantage as the Coupe is longer than 4 metres but more importantly, the 120hp 1.2, turbo-petrol would be too underpowered for this bigger and heavier variant. Hence, the Nexon Coupe is likely to come with a bigger 1.5 turbo-petrol developing an estimated 160hp. This engine, which is the four-cylinder version of the modular 1.2 three-cylinder unit, was initially destined for the Harrier and Safari until the company put this engine in cold storage due to tough market conditions and because it was not feasible to develop it for just one or two low volume models. However, with the Nexon Coupe now greenlighted for a market launch, plans to produce this bigger petrol motor have also been revived.
Tata Motors isn’t giving up on diesel engines anytime soon either and the Nexon Coupe will also be powered by the company’s tried-and-tested though mediocre 110hp 1.5 diesel. But to meet the 2023 deadline for BS6 Stage 2, this motor will be upgraded not just to meet the tougher emission norms but with a little bit more power as well. Hence it is likely the Nexon Coupe by the time it reaches showrooms will have a newer and upgraded 1.5 diesel.
Tata Nexon EV Coupe: expected launch timeframe
Tata’s original plan was to unveil the Nexon Coupe as a concept at the 2022 Auto Expo scheduled to take place in February. However, with the Auto Expo now cancelled, it remains to be seen if Tata will still reveal the new SUV during the same time that month. The market launch is still sometime away, and we expect to see the Nexon Coupe in showrooms not before 2024.
Are you looking forward to Tata’s new SUV Coupe? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.
For more on Tata Motors' upcoming EV plans, pick up the January 2022 issue of Autocar India Magazine which is on stands now. Click here to buy your copy.