New Tata Nexon SUV Coupe to launch in 2023

In January, we broke the news that a SUV Coupe version of the Tata Nexon is in development, and that it would come with electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) options. While the SUV Coupe was originally slated to debut this year, our sources tell us that Tata is likely to launch it in India sometime in 2023.

• Tata Nexon Coupe will be larger than the standard model
• It will launch first as a pure EV
• Petrol- and diesel-powered version will follow

Tata Nexon Coupe: what do we know?

Firstly, we know that the new Nexon Coupe is going to be based on the same X1 platform as the regular Tata Nexon, though it will be longer, measuring in at around 4.3 metres. This is down to the fact that the Nexon Coupe was conceived as a midsize SUV – back in 2018 – to rival the Hyundai Creta, but was shelved due to financial reasons.

According to our sources, the increase in length will largely come from an increased rear overhang, though it will also have an approximately 50mm longer wheelbase, which will be achieved by tweaking the wheel geometry.

In terms of its design, the Nexon Coupe is expected to feature a number of changes over the standard Nexon to help differentiate it. Up front, the Nexon Coupe will likely sport a heavily redesigned nose, though the A-pillar, windscreen and front doors will remain more or less unchanged.

The main change will be in profile, where the SUV Coupe is set to feature longer rear doors and a tapering roofline that will merge neatly with the new fastback style boot. Another thing the increased rear overhang is expected to add is improved rear seat legroom and a significantly larger boot. 

Tata Nexon Coupe: expected powertrains

We expect the Nexon Coupe to be launched as a pure EV first, and that will be followed by an ICE version. As things stands, there are no concrete details on the EV powertrain, although it is fair to assume that the Nexon Coupe EV will use the same set-up as the Nexon EV long range that is set to launch next month. This means it will get a larger 40kWh battery pack, and the carmaker is also likely to upgrade the larger Nexon Coupe’s electric motor with a unit that develops more power and torque than the standard Nexon EV’s 129hp and 245Nm motor. 

Powering the ICE version will likely be a new 1.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine that is expected to produce around 160hp as Tata’s plan to produce this bigger petrol engine has been revived. The carmaker won’t use the regular Nexon’s 1.2 turbo-petrol, because firstly, it won’t get the tax benefits on the Nexon Coupe due to its length being over 4 metres, and secondly, it will be a touch underpowered for a car that size. The 1.5-litre diesel engine currently used in the Nexon is also expected to be used in the Nexon Coupe, though it will likely be an updated unit that complies with the BS6 Stage 2 norms (set to come into effect in 2023), and makes a little bit more power.

Also see:

Tata Motors, after record sales, prepares to build 5 lakh cars a year

Tata Altroz DCT automatic launched at Rs 8.10 lakh

SCOOP! Tata Sierra to return as an EV only