Imagine buying a Rs 80 lakh SUV, which offers a great combination of features, performance, tech and exclusivity, and finding it to be lacking in front of a Rs 20 lakh SUV. Surprising, isn’t it? Well, it’s true. The recently launched Tata Sierra EV has a long list of features, which is apparently more than the features a Rs 80 lakh Skoda SUV, the Kodiaq RS, offers. Here’s how.
Cheaper But More Feature-Rich?
Tata recently launched the electric version of the Sierra, and the package that it has to offer is quite impressive. In terms of features, tech or performance, the Sierra EV seems to have everything covered. So, is the Sierra EV really better than the Rs 80 lakh Skoda SUV, the Kodiaq RS? Well, it might just be in terms of features, tech and performance. You see, the Kodiaq RS is an extremely exclusive model and does offer all the essential features and tech along with blistering performance and a fun-to-drive experience for a whole family of seven. But for 1/4th the price of the Kodiaq RS, the Sierra EV offers more. Here’s how
| Tata Sierra EV | Skoda Kodiaq RS |
| 540-degree camera | 360-degree camera |
| Level 2+ ADAS | Level 2 ADAS |
| Triple screen setup | 13-inch touchscreen & fully digital instrument cluster |
| Powered and ventilated front seats | Powered, ventilated and massaging front seats |
| Auto park assist | Intelligent park assist |
| Ambient lighting | Ambient lighting |
| Summon mode | – |
| Head-up display | – |
| Extendable under-thigh support | – |
| Rear window shade | – |
| Dual-zone automatic climate control | Three-zone automatic climate control |
| Frequency-Dependent Damper Suspension | Dynamic chassis control |
| Six terrain modes | Off-road mode |
| Three drive modes | Drive mode select |
| 12 JBL Black speakers with Dolby Atmos with a soundbar | 12-speaker Canton sound system |
| Six airbags | Nine airbags |
| Boost mode | – |
| Panoramic sunroof | Panoramic glass roof |
The Skoda Kodiaq RS does not lack any features and ticks all the boxes when it comes to all the essentials and a bit more. However, the Sierra EV has the upper hand with an endless list of features. However, it is worth mentioning that the interior quality and the overall fit and finish of the Kodiaq RS are far superior to those of the Sierra EV. That said, let’s take a look at the performance difference between the two.
Performance
The “RS” badge on the Kodiaq exudes performance combined with luxury and practicality. In India, there is a massive fan following for every Skoda RS car, whether it be the Octavia or the Laura. However, this is the first time that the Kodiaq has adorned this badge, and it looks and feels mind-blowing. But how does it perform? Well, the Kodiaq RS gets a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine producing 263bhp and 400Nm of torque along with a 7-speed DSG and AWD. This allows the massive 7-seater SUV to go from 0-100 km/h in just 6.4 seconds, which is quite impressive considering its sheer size.
On the contrary, the Sierra EV is available with 2 battery pack options: a 63kWh battery pack and a 75kWh battery pack. The larger battery pack is offered with an option of 2 electric motors producing a combined output of 313bhp and 504 Nm of torque along with AWD. This helps propel the Sierra EV from 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds, almost a second quicker than the Kodiaq RS. While the driving feel and pleasure are likely to be better in the Skoda Kodiaq RS, on paper, the Sierra EV does offer better performance.
Tata Sierra Features – Verdict
All said and done, the Sierra EV does have the upper hand in terms of features as well as performance when compared to the Skoda Kodiaq RS. Bear in mind, this isn’t really a comparison, but pointing out the number of features that are being offered by mid-size SUVs, especially electric, while cars from the higher segment are more focused towards offering sophistication, unmatched build quality and exclusivity, with just 50 units in India.