THE REAL DEAL!

A bold design, breakthrough tech and AWD — the Harrier.ev lives up to the hype

- By Yash Sunil Photographs Amit Naik

What does 'hype' really mean? According to the dictionary, it's defined as 'excessive publicity and the ensuing commotion.' But what does that have to do with a car? Well, in the case of the Tata Harrier.ev, quite a lot. Long before Tata Motors showcased the production-ready version at Auto Expo 2025, curiosity and excitement had already reached fever pitch. Enthusiasts were glued to their screens, dissecting every spy shot, teaser, and hint.

'Tata fanboys,' as the Internet calls them, went into overdrive every time new details emerged. Social media was abuzz, forums were flooded, and the hype wasn't just real, it was relentless. Naturally, the question followed, why all this hype? What is it about the Harrier.ev that sent everyone into a tizzy? That's what I set out to understand during my time behind its wheel.

I'll admit it upfront, the Harrier. ev had already won me over in the design department. Compared to its more flamboyant rivals, the Harrier.ev takes a more mature and sophisticated approach. Built on the solid foundation of the facelifted ICE Harrier, the EV version cleverly blends familiarity with quirky EV- centric touches.

The puffed-up wheel arches and sharp shoulder lines remain, now complemented by EV-specific cues like a closed-off grille and aero- optimised 19-inch alloy wheels. Subtle EV badging on the door and tailgate keeps the look clean, while the unique 'QWD Dual Motor' emblem hints at its drivetrain. Slightly larger than its ICE sibling (2 mm longer and 22 mm taller), the Harrier.ev shares the same 2741-mm wheelbase. The extra height enhances its road presence, while the redesigned rear subtly incorporates an aero diffuser.