In the ever-evolving landscape of EVs, Tata Motors has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation and sustainability. Think of Tata Motors as that overachieving kid in school — consistently topping the scoreboard, brimming with ideas, and showing up with three science projects when the rest of the class could barely manage one. The Tata Curvv.ev is very much in that spirit. While it marks the carmaker’s foray into the mid-size SUV segment, it doesn’t feel like a late entry. If anything, it feels like Tata Motors waited to strike when the timing (and tech) was just right.

Tata Motors already had its bases covered — from micro-SUVs to premium 7-seaters — and with the Curvv.ev, it’s now ticking off the coupe-SUV box in style. It’s stepping into the ring with biggies like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, MG Astor, and Toyota Hyryder. With ICE and EV variants of the Curvv ready to hit the streets, Tata’s now offering the full buffet of powertrains, catering to those who still like their petrol punch, the diesel torque lovers, and the new-age electric heads.

We had the Curvv.ev for an extended road test — and when I say extended, I mean everything from dodging handcarts in Pune traffic, making a shopping stop with family in the backseat in Mumbai’s maddening market lanes, to chasing sunsets on the scenic Pune-Nashik stretch on New Year’s Eve. The Curvv.ev was more than just a test drive; it was part of family arguments, highway playlists, and Google Maps tantrums. It became the designated chariot of chaos, calm, and curiosity.

Here’s how it fared across design, tech, comfort, and—most importantly—the road.

Design and Styling: Curve Appeal

From the moment we parked it in a crowded Pune cafe lane, people stopped and stared. Some were curious, others walked around it like art critics judging an installation. The Curvv.ev’s bold styling, ever since its Auto Expo reveal, has been a head-turner.

The sleek LED light bar upfront not only does welcome/goodbye animations (that the kids in my neighbourhood absolutely adored), but also functions as a charging status display — form and function working in harmony. The hidden charging port behind the grille felt like a magician’s trick — futuristic and practical. There’s an air of maturity in the design; it’s not overly flashy, nor is it trying too hard. The design language screams sophistication, much like the clean lines and confident proportions of a European crossover.

Move to the sides, and what do you notice? Flush door handles that glow at night? Yep. Aero-optimized 18-inch wheels? Check. The wheels themselves are a visual treat, with blue highlights adding an EV-specific signature. And then there’s that coupe roofline that makes you think Tata Motors sneaked in a bit of Range Rover DNA into the Curvv’s silhouette. That tapering roof design makes it look lithe and agile — even when it’s parked.

The longer 2,560mm wheelbase also shows, both in stance and cabin space. That’s longer than that of the Nexon EV, and it translates into better legroom and a more planted ride quality. The Curvv.ev, thanks to its dedicated Gen2 EV platform, benefits from a low-set floor and balanced proportions that give it a commanding presence.

At the rear, the full-width LED light bar and sporty spoiler shout sporty SUV coupe, but the sloping design does take a toll on rear visibility. During one chaotic Mumbai monsoon drizzle, I truly missed a rear wiper. It’s a trade-off, but one that designers clearly made in the name of style. The rear bumper gets a faux diffuser, and the tailgate has sculpted creases that lend it an aggressive stance.

Bonus points for the new key fob. It’s sleek, it’s brushed aluminium, and yes, it’s been mistaken for a luxury car fob more than once.

Interiors: Familiar Meets Futuristic

Slide into the cabin and you’re greeted by a fusion of Tata Motors’ greatest hits in the past. The steering wheel (lifted from the Safari) felt slightly large for a coupe, but everything else hit the mark. The twin displays — a 10.25-inch digital cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment unit — are crisp, intuitive, and quick to respond. The new UI looks polished, animations are smooth, and transitions are fast.

The cabin colour palette in the EV gets off-white and blue tones, making it feel airy and premium. Soft-touch materials on the dashboard, metallic inserts, and layered textures create a very upmarket vibe. Ambient lighting on the dashboard adds to the cabin’s mood, especially during nighttime drives. And yes, the panoramic sunroof is massive — you’ll use it more than you think.

On our highway trip to Nashik, the 9-speaker JBL system became the unofficial DJ. Sound clarity? Chef’s kiss. Meanwhile, the wireless phone charger and seat ventilation saved us from sweaty phone batteries and backs during peak summer. The air purifier kept pollution levels in check while we passed through dusty outskirts.

Rear seat space is better than the Nexon’s, but headroom is tight for six-footers like me. On our return from Mumbai with three adults at the rear, the sloping roof made the rear feel cozy but not claustrophobic. AC vents, USB-C ports, and seatback pockets kept the rear occupants reasonably content. The gesture-controlled electric tailgate came in handy when our hands were full of shopping bags and temper tantrums.

However, the lack of usable cupholders in the front became a running joke on our road trip. “Where does the chai go?” became a daily debate.

Tech and Safety

Here’s where it gets real. About halfway through the drive, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) started flashing alerts like it was trying to warn us of a zombie apocalypse. Turned out to be a faulty valve, but the constant notification became our annoying third wheel. Still, better safe than stranded.

ADAS? Mostly fantastic. On the Pune-Mumbai Expressway, adaptive cruise control was a blessing. Smooth, consistent, and confidence-inspiring. But within city traffic? Lane keep assist felt confused by rickshaws, two-wheelers, and surprise U-turns. Emergency braking felt a tad overzealous, often bringing the car to a halt when a pedestrian *looked* like they might cross.

Tata’s arcade.ev app suite kept me and the crew entertained at charging stops, though I had to explain (more than once) that yes, the car can play videos, but no, we are not chilling while driving. There’s also a voice assistant, though its responses still feel very mechanical — it’s no Alexa or Siri yet, but it gets the job done.

Driving Dynamics: City Slicker Meets Highway Hero

City Commute

In the Mumbai bazaar area, it felt like a video game. Pedestrians everywhere, scooters popping out from corners, and the ADAS emergency brake slamming down like a panicked co-pilot. Effective? Absolutely. Annoying when overused? Slightly. But at the end of the day, it ensured zero scratches and zero drama — the good kind, anyway.

The light steering and tight turning radius made narrow lanes easy to navigate. One-pedal driving with higher regen levels became a handy trick for stop-and-go traffic, reducing foot fatigue. Parking sensors and the 360-degree camera helped us squeeze into spots where a rickshaw would hesitate.

Highway Cruise

Once we hit the open highway to Nashik or Mumbai, everything changed. In Sport mode, the Curvv.ev roared to life (figuratively, of course — it’s whisper quiet). The steering felt confident, the suspension soaked up the road beautifully, and overtakes were a breeze.

Even the hill climbs en route to the vineyard outskirts near Nashik or the ghats back to Pune on the Mumbai-Pune expressway were tackled effortlessly, thanks to the torquey front-mounted motor and hill-hold assist. The car never felt out of breath, even when loaded with luggage and a backseat full of post-wine tour drowsiness.

Braking felt progressive, and the regen blending was seamless. There’s no lurching or awkward transitions, which shows the level of tuning Tata’s engineers have achieved.

Range & Real-World Observations

Here’s what we noticed on actual drives:

Eco Mode: ~321 km

City Mode: ~310 km

Sport Mode: ~290 km

We drove across varied terrains — urban sprawls, fast highways, elevation climbs — and the Curvv.ev delivered a consistently reliable range. Regenerative braking truly made a difference during downhill stretches. I could almost feel the battery saying, “Thanks for that boost, buddy.” Adjusting regen levels to suit my style was one of those small joys that make EV driving so personal.

With the 50 kWh battery pack, DC fast charging from 10% to 80% took us around 55 minutes. We planned charging breaks alongside meal stops, making the whole process less intrusive. Tata’s growing network of EZ Charge stations made life easier, although more consistency in working chargers across locations would be appreciated.

Verdict: The Future, With a Personal Touch

Priced between ₹17.49–21.99 lakh (ex-showroom), the Tata Curvv.ev isn’t just another EV — it’s a lifestyle statement. It’s stylish enough to turn heads, practical enough for grocery runs, and packed with enough tech to keep the family and the nerd in you equally happy.

Sure, there are some quirks. The ADAS could use a bit more urban street wisdom. The TPMS glitch was annoying. And yes, Tata Motors, please… cupholders.

But here’s the thing — over four days, three cities, and one very loud family, the Curvv.ev didn’t just win our attention, it won our trust. It blended into our chaotic Indian lifestyle while offering a quiet revolution underneath. If you’re looking to join the electric revolution without compromising on comfort, design, or performance, this one’s a strong and very real contender.

The Curvv.ev shows that Tata Motors isn’t just following trends — it’s setting them, one well-sculpted panel and one silent mile at a time.

Shot by: Ali Asgar Karmawala and Anup Lakra for Drive Around the Globe