20 May 2022

CAR REVIEW | Tata Nexon Max a winner compared to Standard variant

The Tata Nexon Standard electric vehicle (EV) is a runaway success in the Indian market where Tata Motors has done a clever balancing act so far as space, pricing and premium features go but the new Max is a clear winner.

Those who have made the Tata Nexon a part of their lives have benefitted tremendously, especially during their long drives, where they have saved substantial costs.

Also, the range of 312 km (as per ARAI standard) is not a hindrance for them, some have reported.

Tata Nexon EV Max -- Source:
Tata Motors.

Taking all these factors into consideration, it seems Tata Motors has taken the Nexon EV to the next level. The Nexon Max gets a larger battery, implying a higher range, as well as added safety and premium features.

These will be offered at just Rs 1.5 lakh (Rs 150,000) more and the Standard variant will also be available along with the Nexon Max.


Subtle differences


There are some subtle differences between the Max and the Standard Nexon. Some differences are the EV Max’s new 16-inch diamond-cut alloys and the new Intensi-Teal paint shade, which is one of the three exclusive options.

The other two — Daytona Grey and Pristine White — are carried forward from the Standard SUV.

The Max comes with a two-tone roof as standard. And, like the Standard variant, the Nexon Max continues to feature blue highlights all across.


New battery pack


The Tatas have shuffled the entire floor plan to accommodate the new 40.5kWh battery. 

Car review | Tata Nexon Max a winner compared to Standard variant
Nexon EV Max battery pack --
Source: Tata Motors.

Since this battery pack has increased in size substantially, ground clearance has become lower by 15 mm compared to the Standard EV.

The Max now weighs 1,500 kg, which is about 100 kg more than the Standard version — this is mainly due to the new battery pack and owing to other features.


Interiors


This battery size also compromises the cabin floor, which is about 10 mm higher now. So, rear passengers have to put up their knees, which is not the case in the Standard version. This is a tad uncomfortable.

The Max’s light-coloured cabin with blue highlights is just like the Standard version.

If you have a hawk’s eye, you can notice a unique tri-arrow pattern on the black dashboard, which seamlessly fades into a beautiful dark shade of blue towards the sides.

In the Nexon Max, the auto giant embeds a clear display that changes colour based on the driving mode — red for Sport, blue for City and green for Eco.

The Eco mode is a new feature available in the Max only. The drive selector rotary knob operates with a smooth click.

The selector is slow in its operation, and this can get troublesome while taking quick turns or parking in a difficult situation.

An electronic parking brake switch is there instead of the hand brake, along with an auto-hold function. There are switches to adjust the regeneration levels.

There is an air purifier integrated into the infotainment system. Cup holders have been replaced by a wireless charging pad.

Car review | Tata Nexon Max a winner compared to Standard variant
Tata Nexon EV Max interior -- Source: Tata Motors.

Like the Standard car, the beige leatherette front seats come with blue stitching. The new seat ventilation function takes the comfort to a new level altogether.

The Nexon Max’s boot space hasn’t changed and is still at 350 litres. There is also the option to fold down the rear seats.


Driving the Nexon Max

The 40.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack is 33 per cent larger than the Standard Nexon EV. In the sports mode, the Nexon EV Max’s motor belts out 143hp and 250Nm, which are higher than the Standard SUV.

Despite being more powerful and gaining 100 kg, the Sports mode’s performance of the Max feels the same.

The acceleration of the Nexon Max is the same as the Standard, which is from 0-100 km per hour in 9.4 seconds. But the Max can touch a top speed of 137 km per hour, which is 17 km higher than the Standard version. 

While driving in Eco mode, it may not be the best experience for you on city roads.

For these two modes (City and Eco), the acceleration time (from 0 to 100) is somewhat higher — of over 14 seconds. The Max performs slightly better in the City mode compared to the Standard, which takes just over 16 seconds to reach 100.

With the inclusion of all-wheel disc brakes, the Max also features an intelligent Vacuum-less Boost and Active Control device, which electronically controls the brake pressure. And, there are no pedal vibrations during hard braking.

The braking power is somewhat less in the Max. The Standard version can stop from 80 km/hour to zero within 27 metres; but for the Max, it is 2 metres more.


Charging and range


The Nexon Max comes with a 3.3kWh AC charger, which will take the battery from 0-100 per cent in 15 hours.

Customers can opt to buy a 2kWh wall-mounted AC charger for Rs 50,000 extra and this charger can do full charging in just 6.5 hours.

The Nexon Max has a higher ARAI-certified range of 437 km while the Standard variant comes with a range of 312 km.


Variants and safety

The Nexon EV Max is available in XZ+ and XZ+ Lux variants, which are priced between Rs 17.74 lakh (Rs 17,74,000) and Rs 18.74 lakh (Rs 18,74,000). This is just Rs 1.54 lakh (Rs 154,000) more than the Standard version.

The Max comes with a litany of safety kits like ESP, Traction Control, Hill-Start Assist, Hill-Descent Control and Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold function along with rear disc brakes. All these are not there in the Standard version.

Car review | Tata Nexon Max a winner compared to Standard variant
Nexon Max comes with all-wheel disc
brakes -- Source: Tata Motors.

In addition, there are the 16-inch diamond cut alloys, a dual-tone roof (as standard), wireless charging, cruise control and four levels of adjustment for regenerative braking.

The top-spec XZ+ Lux variant offers a sunroof, ventilated front seats, an air purifier and auto-dimming inside mirror. Side and curtain airbags are not there in the Max.

Bookings have opened for the Nexon Max, and as per initial reports, there is already a waiting period of four months.


Conclusion

With so many features added for just Rs 1.5 lakh more, the Tata Nexon Max EV is a clear winner compared to the Standard version, considering its longer range and added premium features.

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