It took almost three years to find it, but the TVS X has finally arrived
Story: Anvay Mahajan
Photography: Sanjay Raikar
Back in 2023, TVS showcased the ultra-futuristic X electric scooter. At first glance, it looked like an Ntorq from the future; only sharper, stealthier, and with a blue illumination on the motor that gave it proper Cyberpunk vibes. It was launched at Rs 2.66 lakh (ex-showroom), and after riding it at the first ride held in Hosur, we thought deliveries would begin within a few months. Instead, the scooter took almost three years to finally land into dealerships. But after spending time with it, I feel that extra development time has largely paid off.
The TVS X looks angry. The exposed rear monoshock, single-sided swing-arm, and exposed rear alloy wheel give it a proper streetfighter feel. And in red, it constantly reminded me of a certain Italian motorcycle. There are a few build quality issues, though. Some exposed wiring and a few below par materials take away from what is otherwise a very premium-looking scooter. There are no hooks or storage compartments on the apron, but there is a generous underseat storage space to keep a 950-W charging adapter and, maybe, a bottle and gloves, adding some practicality to the scooter.
Then there’s the massive 10.1-inch touchscreen. The last time I saw a screen this big on a vehicle, it had four wheels. It is also the first scooter in India with Android Auto. Connecting the phone to Android Auto is seamless and it can run maps, music control, and call alerts. There are built-in games and even YouTube and Instagram, but only when the scooter is parked. Personally, I feel these are gimmicks, as it requires the mobile hotspot to run YouTube/Instagram (so why not use the mobile phone?) and the games are very generic. We experienced a few software glitches during our test, with the touchscreen freezing on a couple of occasions. And since the touchscreen controls almost everything, including unlocking the scooter, I wish TVS had provided a physical backup key.
The TVS X is powered by an 11.7-kW (15.91-hp) PMS motor, with a top speed of 110 km/h and it comes with three ride modes: Xtealth, Xtride, and Xonic. Xtealth is more than enough for everyday commuting, Xtride makes overtakes effortless, but Xonic is where the fun begins. Twist the throttle, and the scooter simply launches. It is addictive. The downside is that the battery percentage drops almost as quickly as your smile grows.
The 4.43-kWh NMC battery has a claimed IDC range of 159 kilometres, but in our mixed riding conditions we managed around 92 km. There was also some noticeable battery drain while the scooter was parked for long periods of time. That sounds disappointing on paper, but this isn’t a scooter built for maximum range. It is built to put a grin on your face.
When it comes to ride quality, TVS has done a commendable job. For me, the Yamaha EC-06 was the benchmark for ride quality in electric scooters. Compared to the TVS X, however, the EC-06 feels a bit lazy. The TVS X is much more nimble and feels noticeably zippier. The suspension set-up strikes a good balance between comfort and sportiness. It soaks up broken roads reasonably well without feeling too soft, while the brakes offer strong stopping power. The best part is the handling. This scooter absolutely loves corners and slices through traffic like an arrow, making every ride entertaining. However, the seat could do with a bit more cushioning for improved comfort.
At Rs 2.66 lakh (ex-showroom), the TVS X is among the most expensive electric scooters on sale today. And there are no government subsidies to soften the blow. However, it also sits in a rather unique space. Its closest rivals are the Yamaha Aerox-E and the Ultraviolette Tesseract, but neither has fully established itself in the market yet. The Aerox-E feels noticeably stiffer and its overall build quality does not match that of the TVS X. The Tesseract is still in the beta-testing phase and production ready models are yet to be showcased. That gives the TVS X an advantage—it feels like a more complete and ready product today. Fix the software glitches and it becomes one of the most exciting premium electric scooters currently available.
Need to know:
| TVS X | |
| Price | Rs 2.66 lakh (ex-showroom) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 1,793 millimetres |
| Width | 809 mm |
| Height | 1,149 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,285 mm |
| Ground clearance | 175 mm |
| Weight | 137 kg (kerb) |
| Driveline | |
| Configuration | PM synchronous motor |
| Output | 11.7 kW (15.91 hp), 14 Nm |
| Battery | 4.43 kWh, NMC li-ion |
| Power-to-weight | 116.14 hp/tonne |
| Transmission | |
| Final drive | Belt |
| Chassis | |
| Type | Aluminium alloy |
| Brakes (F) | 220-mm disc, ABS |
| Brakes (R) | 195-mm disc, ABS |
| Tyres | 100/80-12 (F), 110/80-12 (R), tubeless |
| Suspension (F) | Telescopic fork |
| Suspension (R) | Monoshock |
| Range | |
| Charge time | Four hours (0 to 80 per cent) at 950 W (claimed) |
| Range | 159 km (claimed), 120 km (indicated) |
