Tata Nexon EV vs Nexon EV Max: Which would you choose?

Nexon EV Max is said to be capable of sprinting from 0 - 100 km/h in 9.3 seconds, compared to 9.9 seconds on the standard model.

Tata Motors launched the Nexon EV in the Indian market back in 2020. Since its launch, the all-electric SUV has gone on to become one of the best-selling EVs in the country, allowing the company to command a majority of the market share in the Indian EV segment.

Fast forward to 2022 and Tata Motors have now introduced a long-range version of the crossover, the Nexon EV Max. While the new car carries forward an identical design, it does offer a number of new features, tech and most importantly a larger battery pack - allowing for better range and performance.

So, if you had to pick between the Nexon EV and Nexon EV Max, which would you choose?

Here are all the major differences between the two models, to further help you make a decision.

Exteriors

The Tata Nexon EV and EV Max carry forward identical designs. However, the EV Max does come with a few subtle changes which help differentiate between the two.

The first is the inclusion of a new paint scheme - Intensi-Teal, which is exclusive to the Nexon EV Max. The Max also comes with a dual-tone paint scheme as standard. The EV Max carries forward the same 16-inch wheel size as the Nexon EV, however, the long-range version comes with a new dual-tone five-spoke alloy design.

Other exterior differences include reduced ground clearance on the Nexon EV Max (by 10 mm). The EV Max also weighs 100 kg more than the regular model, mainly due to the larger battery and additional equipment on-board. Tata Motors has also tuned the Nexon EV Max's suspension setup to handle the additional weight.

Interiors

Nothing has changed on the inside, except for a small handful of cosmetic bits and feature additions. The Nexon EV Max gets an exclusive dual-tone black & beige dashboard with lots of piano black on the centre fascia. Changes include a deep blue insert with tri-arrow detailing on the dashboard, blue accents on the air-con vents and the new seat upholstery.

The bigger battery pack means a higher floor level though, which has resulted in lower levels of seating comfort compared to the regular Nexon.

Features

The Tata Nexon EV Max carries forward most of the features from the standard model, while also packing a host of new ones. The Nexon EV Max now features a rotary gear knob with a digital display on top, indicating the multi-drive modes on offer (Eco, City & Sport). The EV Max also comes with an electronic parking brake, auto-hold, wireless charger, ventilated seats, hill-descent control, air purifier, cruise control, smartwatch integration and an upgraded ZConnect 2.0 connected car tech with 48 smart features.

Specifications (Battery, Range & Charging)

This is where most of the changes between the two models are concentrated. The Tata Nexon EV Max comes with a larger battery pack of 40.5 kWh, which is 10.3 kWh more than that of the standard model. The larger battery pack has allowed the Nexon EV Max to offer a higher "ideal conditions" range of 437 km - 125 km more than on the standard Nexon EV (which offers a 312 km certified range). The Nexon EV Max's real-world range should be in the 250 - 300 km space.

Not only the range, but Tata Motors has also improved the power & torque output on the Nexon EV Max, which is now rated at 143 BHP and 250 Nm (up by 14 BHP and 5 Nm). In terms of performance, the Nexon EV Max is said to be capable of sprinting from 0 - 100 km/h in 9.3 seconds, compared to 9.9 seconds on the standard model.

The Tata Nexon EV Max has two charging options, a standard 3.3 kW charger which takes 15 - 16 hours to completely charge the long-range model. Tata also offers the EV Max model with a 7.2 kW fast charger, which reduces charging times to just 6.5 hours. The regular model, on the other hand, comes with a standard 3.3 kW unit which charges the EV in 10 hours.

To further aid range, the Tata Nexon EV Max is offered with three levels of regenerative braking. While the highest-level regen aids single-pedal driving, owners can also switch off the regen feature completely.

Prices

The standard Nexon EV model is offered in three trims: XM, XZ+ and XZ+ Lux. Prices for the standard model range from Rs 14.79 lakh to Rs 17.40 lakh (ex-showroom). The long-range Nexon EV Max is offered in two variants: XZ+ and XZ+ Lux, both offered with a choice of either the 3.3 kW or 7.2 kW charger. Prices for the Nexon EV Max start from Rs 17.74 lakh and goes all the way up to Rs 19.24 lakh (ex-showroom).

Read the official Team-BHP review of the Tata Nexon EV Max - here.

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

Hmmm, a bit of a pickle here. I usually go for the engine option with the max power, but the difference really isn't that much more with the EV Max. Especially when you consider the power-to-weight ratios. The main advantage of the EV Max would be the enhanced range & some features (especially adjustable re-gen braking). Still, this is the rare time I'd go for the "regular" variant. Reasons = Based on BHPian comments so far, the regular Nexon is more comfortable, in terms of seating position as well as ride quality. Both of these are very important to me. My EV will be purely a city car so that ~200 km range is more than sufficient for me. I have other, bigger, faster cars for highway runs.

Would consider the money saved as "free maintenance" for 10 years.

Here's what BHPian lamborghini had to say on the matter:

Purely for the rear seating comfort: it would be the regular EV for me, had I needed to buy one.

The EV Max would have been the better choice due to the better range, features, etc. It is one car that could do Mumbai - Pune runs on a single charge, a requirement for me to consider any vehicle as we often do day trips to Pune.

However, an unusable backseat for dad & my 6'+ frames is a big deal-breaker: one reason there is no EV that truly excites us as most of them have a compromise in terms of rear-seat comfort or ground clearance or range (350 km real-world range would be ideal).

Here's what BHPian pradheepsr had to say on the matter:

I went with the Nexon EV max.

I'd like to have more power for the money I invest in a car.

EV Max has obvious advantages over the regular Nexon in terms of longer-range, power and better charging options.

GC and rear-seat space have drawn mixed opinions but it's not a deal-breaker for me as it will be used for 80% in the city and 20 % on highways (long drives) with a max of 2 adults and 2 kids.

Feature-rich - rotary gear selector, adjustable regen levels, ventilated seats, to name a few.

Last but not least - I have booked one for myself and awaiting delivery next week!

Will write about my booking, delivery and after-sales experience soon.

Here's what BHPian raghupro had to say on the matter:

I got the delivery of my Nexon EV last Monday and as much as I am happy about the car, I do realise the limitations it has to offer when compared to the Nexon EV Max. Still, I would prefer the EV over EV Max as the seating comfort of both driver and rear seats on EV Max was not even close to being acceptable for me.

I am 5’ 11” and a lot on the healthier side. From my experience with the EV Max, anyone shorter than 5’ 6” or 7” and having a normal physique can find the EV Max seating to be acceptable and not a deal-breaker.

My ideal car would have been MG ZS EV Excite but no point contemplating on it now as I already got the regular Nexon EV.

The range I get currently is barely 150km per full charge. Discussed with a couple of folks in forums and they advised me to get the BMS updated. Shall wait till I complete 1000KM, go for the first service and get BMS and software updated if any. I hope the range woes would get a tad bit better post that.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.