Tata Tiago.ev Long Range Review: A new benchmark for affordable electric cars

The Tata Tiago.ev has been a strong performer ever since its debut in September 2022. With more than 75,000 units sold, it has successfully bridged the gap between affordability and usability in the Indian electric vehicle market. Now, Tata Motors is taking that formula a step further.

Built on the brand-new X-Alpha architecture, the next-generation Tiago.ev represents far more than a routine facelift. It is a comprehensive re-engineering exercise that seeks to democratize electric mobility even further by bringing premium technology, advanced safety features, and a sophisticated ownership experience to a segment where such equipment has traditionally been reserved for larger and more expensive vehicles.

With prices starting at INR 6.99 lakh for full ownership, or an attention-grabbing INR 4.69 lakh under the Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model, the new Tiago.ev challenges long-standing assumptions about what an affordable electric vehicle can offer.

The first thing that stands out about the next-generation Tiago.ev is its stance. The move to the X-Alpha architecture has allowed Tata to rethink the hatchback’s proportions completely. By pushing the wheels further towards the corners, the platform makes the car appear wider, longer and considerably sharper than before.

Beyond improving packaging efficiency, the new architecture lowers the centre of gravity, lending the Tiago.ev a more athletic and planted appearance. Up front, the EV identity is immediately apparent through the smooth, body-coloured blanked-off nose panel, which also contributes to improved aerodynamic efficiency. The overall front-end design enhances the car’s futuristic appeal and gives it a distinct personality.

The new colour palette further elevates its presence. While Dehradun Dew brings a calm and eco-conscious character, the Sobo Surge shade of our test vehicle delivers a vibrant road presence that makes the hatchback feel more premium than its price tag suggests.

High-intensity Lux Beam LED headlamps with integrated daytime running lights provide excellent illumination, while blacked-out wheel arch cladding and 14-inch hyper-styled aerodynamic wheels add visual character along the sides.

At the rear, sleek LED taillights and a clean bumper design create a mature and cohesive look, giving the Tiago.ev the visual sophistication typically associated with premium European hatchbacks.

Step inside and the Tiago.ev immediately feels more sophisticated than before. Tata’s Fabrica Luxe design philosophy successfully eliminates the inexpensive plastic-heavy ambience often associated with cars in this segment, replacing it with textures that feel both durable and premium.

The dashboard adopts a clean horizontal layout anchored by two freestanding displays. A 10.25-inch ultra-HD touchscreen serves as the hub for the iRA connected car ecosystem, offering more than 40 connected vehicle features. Complementing it is the Bluetooth-integrated Digital Island instrument cluster, which presents critical driving information with excellent clarity.

The equipment list is particularly impressive for the segment. Automatic climate control comes equipped with an Auto Demist function that automatically clears the windshield during humid or rainy conditions, improving visibility during monsoon driving.

The 360-degree HD surround-view camera system is another standout feature. With a dedicated bonnet and bumper view, it significantly simplifies manoeuvring through tight urban spaces. Equally useful is the turn assistance feature, which displays a live feed from the corresponding ORVM-mounted camera on the central screen whenever the indicators are activated, improving visibility during lane changes and turns.

The rotary gear selector is intutive and adds to the clean, uncluttered layout of the cabin.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the interior, however, is its refinement. Noise, vibration and harshness levels are exceptionally well controlled. Without the constant thrum of an internal combustion engine, the sound insulation qualities of the X-Alpha architecture become immediately apparent. At city speeds, occupants are accompanied only by a subtle pedestrian warning sound, creating a remarkably serene driving experience. Even at higher speeds, wind and tyre noise remain well contained.

Powering the Long Range variant is a 75 PS electric motor that feels significantly stronger than its output figures might suggest. During our drive around the outskirts of Bengaluru, which included city traffic, open stretches of road and broken surfaces, the Tiago.ev consistently impressed with its responsiveness.

The instant torque delivery inherent to electric propulsion gives the hatchback a lively and eager character. Sport mode, in particular, delivers a noticeable surge in performance, making overtaking manoeuvres effortless and confidence-inspiring.

While sustained highway cruising at 100 km/h naturally increases energy consumption due to wind resistance, the Tiago.ev is at its best in urban environments where its electric drivetrain can be fully exploited.

One of the highlights is the four-level regenerative braking system. In dense traffic conditions, Level 3 regeneration allows for near one-pedal driving, slowing the vehicle significantly when the accelerator is released while simultaneously recovering energy. Importantly, even at its strongest setting, the regenerative braking system remains smooth and predictable rather than intrusive.

In real-world city use, the Long Range variant consistently delivers between 205 km and 215 km per charge, making it a practical solution for daily commuting and weekly urban driving needs.

The ownership proposition is strengthened further by the introduction of the Battery-as-a-Service model, which lowers the entry price to INR 4.69 lakh by separating battery costs from vehicle ownership. For users seeking lower upfront costs, this significantly reduces the psychological barrier to EV adoption.

Charging convenience remains another key advantage. The 30 kW DC fast-charging capability can add 100 km of range in just 18 minutes, while the ability to charge overnight at home effectively eliminates routine visits to fuel stations. For high-mileage users, the switch to electric mobility can translate into estimated annual savings of INR 1.4 lakh to INR 1.5 lakh.

The Tiago.ev’s dynamic abilities benefit substantially from the X-Alpha architecture and its high-strength steel roll-cage construction. The resulting torsional rigidity inspires confidence and contributes to a reassuring sense of solidity on the move.

Ride quality is one of the car’s strongest attributes. The suspension strikes an excellent balance between comfort and control, absorbing broken surfaces without compromising composure. Whether tackling uneven roads, sweeping flyovers or tighter corners, the Tiago.ev feels planted and predictable.

Sharp steering responses further enhance driver confidence, while the lower centre of gravity afforded by the battery placement helps the hatchback maintain stability during directional changes.

Safety credentials are equally reassuring. Six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and traction control are offered as standard, providing a comprehensive safety package for buyers.

Tata has also strengthened long-term ownership confidence by offering an industry-first Lifetime Unlimited-Kilometre High-Voltage Battery Warranty on the Long Range 24 kWh+ model for the first registered owner, directly addressing concerns surrounding battery longevity and degradation.

The next-generation Tata Tiago.ev is a compelling example of how electric mobility can be made both accessible and desirable. Rather than asking buyers to compromise in the name of affordability, Tata has delivered a product that feels remarkably complete.

Its premium-looking cabin, advanced connected technology, practical 360-degree camera system, refined driving experience and robust safety package combine to create a hatchback that punches well above its segment.

More importantly, the Tiago.ev proves that entry-level electric vehicles no longer need to feel basic or compromised. With its disruptive Battery-as-a-Service model, low operating costs and everyday usability, it sets a new benchmark for affordable electric mobility in India.

For urban families seeking a practical, economical and genuinely modern electric vehicle, the next-generation Tiago.ev stands out as one of the most convincing options on the market today.