Tata Harrier EV First Impressions

Tata has thrown everything at updating the new Harrier EV with thorough off-road cred. We got behind the wheel of the new EV SUV to find out how it all comes together

- Kanaad Chatterjee

The first time I floored the Tata Harrier EV on a clear stretch of the Yamuna Expressway, the speedometer shot past 150kmph and kept going. I backed off only as it nudged its 180 kmph limit. In that moment, I almost forgot I was piloting a 2.3-tonne family SUV. It's undeniably the age of brute SUVs and the Harrier EV delivers this blend of sportscar shove and SUV confidence in spades. Tata's flagship electric SUV manages to feel equally at home barreling down an open highway, crawling through NCR traffic, or tackling a rutted trail. The Harrier EV aims to be the only vehicle a tech-savvy, adventure-hungry driver in India will ever need, and after spending time with it through city chaos and weekend escapades, I'm inclined to believe it.

Styling & Interiors

The Harrier EV keeps its SUV stance while adding EV-specific cues like a blanked-off grille, full-width LED DRL, and teal-accented logos. Squared wheel arches, 19-inch alloys, and a connected taillight give it a clean, assertive presence. It's an SUV that looks rugged enough for Ladakh yet polished enough to roll up to the Oberoi without turning the valet's head for the wrong reasons.

Slide into the driver's seat and you're greeted by a cabin that feels both premium and tech-forward. Tata has stepped up materials—soft-touch dash, leatherette upholstery, and brushed metal accents. The Empowered QWD 75 gets a crisp 14.5-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto/ Apple CarPlay, a 360° camera, builtin navigation, and a JBL system with Dolby Atmos. Thankfully, physical knobs remain for climate control. A slick digital driver's display offers clean visuals and key data.