About Tata Nexon EV Empowered Plus 45 Red Dark
Buying a new car in India is a big decision, isn’t it? You think about your budget, how safe the car is for your family, what it will cost to maintain every month, and of course, whether it has all the latest features. And let’s not forget the importance of a reliable company service network. Well, if you’re looking for a vehicle that ticks all these boxes and pushes you into the future of mobility, you’ve likely heard whispers about the Tata Nexon EV. Today, we’re taking a deep dive into its top-tier offering: the new Tata Nexon EV Empowered Plus 45 Red Dark. This variant isn't just a car; it's a statement, promising style, technology, and zero-emission driving.
The Heart of the Beast: Engine and Powertrain
The Tata Nexon EV Empowered Plus 45 Red Dark is part of the Long Range (LR) lineup, meaning it’s built for those who want more distance on a single charge. It comes with a powerful electric motor and a substantial battery pack.
- Motor Type: Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM)
- Max Power: 106.4 kW (equivalent to about 143 bhp)
- Peak Torque: 215 Nm
- Battery Capacity: 40.5 kWh (Lithium-ion)
- ARAI Certified Range: 465 km on a full charge. Remember, real-world range can vary based on driving style and conditions.
- Charging: It supports 7.2 kW AC home charging (takes about 6 hours for 10-100%) and DC fast charging up to 50 kW or even faster at 130 kW, depending on the charger. With a 50 kW fast charger, you can typically go from 10% to 80% in about 56 minutes.
Striking Design: Exterior & Interior
The Nexon EV facelift brought a fresh, futuristic look, and the Red Dark edition takes it up a notch with a stealthy and sporty appeal.
- Exterior: The Nexon EV Red Dark variant boasts an all-black exterior with red accents on the grille and brake calipers, giving it a menacing yet sophisticated presence. The new connected LED DRLs spanning the width of the car look stunning, especially at night. The revamped front fascia is sharp, modern, and aerodynamic, while the new full-width LED tail lamp bar at the rear completes its contemporary design. The diamond-cut alloy wheels further enhance its premium look.
- Interior: Step inside, and you’re greeted by a luxurious all-black interior with subtle red highlights, mirroring the exterior theme. The cabin feels premium with high-quality materials, a redesigned dashboard layout, and ambient lighting. The two-spoke steering wheel with an illuminated Tata logo is a standout feature. The seats are comfortable, offering good support for long journeys, and the overall fit and finish are impressive.
Feature Rich: What You Get
The Empowered Plus variant is loaded with cutting-edge technology and comfort features.
- Infotainment Screen: A massive 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
- Connectivity: Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, plus Tata’s iRA connected car technology for remote functions and vehicle diagnostics.
- Sunroof: A voice-assisted electric sunroof adds to the premium feel.
- Camera: 360-degree surround view camera system for easy parking and maneuvering.
- Wireless Charging: Convenient wireless phone charging pad.
- Climate Control: Automatic climate control for optimal cabin temperature.
- Other Notable Features: Ventilated front seats, a crisp 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, air purifier, paddle shifters (for regen braking levels), and a JBL audio system.
Key Numbers You Need to Know
- Ground Clearance: 190 mm, which is excellent for tackling Indian road conditions.
- Boot Space: 382 liters, offering ample space for your luggage.
- Dimensions:
- Length: 3994 mm
- Width: 1811 mm
- Height: 1616 mm
- Wheelbase: 2498 mm
Safety First: Your Peace of Mind
Tata Motors has always prioritized safety, and the Nexon EV is no exception. It inherits the strong build quality of its ICE counterpart, which has proven its mettle in crash tests.
- Airbags: 6 airbags (standard across the facelifted Nexon EV range).
- Braking: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).
- Stability Control: Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Traction Control, Roll-over Mitigation.
- Hill Assist: Hill Hold Assist and Hill Descent Control for tricky slopes.
- Monitoring: Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
- Parking Aids: Rear parking sensors and the 360-degree camera.
- Child Safety: ISOFIX child seat anchor points.
NCAP Rating Table
While the Nexon EV hasn't been separately crash-tested by Global NCAP or Bharat NCAP, its underlying platform and body shell are shared with the ICE Tata Nexon, which has achieved impressive results.
| Rating Body |
Adult Occupant Protection |
Child Occupant Protection |
| Global NCAP (for Tata Nexon ICE) |
5 Stars |
5 Stars |
| Bharat NCAP (for Tata Nexon ICE) |
5 Stars |
5 Stars |
This 5-star rating for the ICE Nexon reflects the robust structure and advanced safety features, instilling confidence in the EV variant's crashworthiness.
Who Does It Compete With? (Rivals)
The Tata Nexon EV Empowered Plus 45 Red Dark faces competition from other electric SUVs in the Indian market:
- Mahindra XUV400 EV
- MG ZS EV
- Hyundai Kona Electric
- Tata Punch EV (an internal rival for those seeking a slightly more compact option)
The Verdict: How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)
Let's weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the Nexon EV Empowered Plus 45 Red Dark to help you make an informed choice.
Pros:
- Stunning Design: The facelift and Red Dark theme make it incredibly appealing and modern.
- Feature-Loaded: Packed with premium features like a large infotainment screen, 360-degree camera, ventilated seats, and more.
- Excellent Safety: Backed by a 5-star crash test rating (for its ICE counterpart) and a comprehensive suite of safety features.
- Impressive Range: The 465 km ARAI range is competitive and practical for most users.
- Strong Performance: Zippy acceleration and refined electric motor deliver an enjoyable driving experience.
- Reliable Network: Tata Motors has the largest EV service network in India, offering peace of mind.
- Refined Ride: The suspension is well-tuned for Indian roads, offering a comfortable ride.
Cons:
- Rear Seat Space: While adequate, it can feel a bit cramped for three adults on longer journeys compared to some rivals.
- Charging Infrastructure: While improving, public charging infrastructure outside major cities can still be a challenge.
- Price Premium: As a top-end EV variant, it carries a higher price tag compared to its ICE counterparts, which might be a barrier for some budget buyers.
- Charging Time: While fast charging is available, a full charge at home (AC) still takes several hours.
Conclusion
The Tata Nexon EV Empowered Plus 45 Red Dark stands out as a truly compelling package in the Indian electric vehicle market. It beautifully blends futuristic design, a feature-rich cabin, strong performance, and paramount safety, all while offering a practical range for daily commutes and weekend getaways. If you're looking to embrace sustainable driving without compromising on style, technology, or safety, and you have the budget for a premium EV, this variant should be at the very top of your list. It’s more than just an electric car; it’s a statement of sophistication and a step towards a greener future. Tata has indeed delivered an exceptional EV that perfectly fits the aspirations of modern Indian car buyers.
