Ather 450S, 450X, or Apex: A Price and Range Comparison

Share This Post!

The Ather 450 range has changed dramatically over the years. Following shifts in government subsidies and what people are looking for, Ather has completely re-engineered its lineup to offer a scooter for just about everyone. It’s no longer just a single model but a family of five distinct scooters, each with its own specific purpose and personality.

Ather 450S (2.9kWh battery)

The Ather 450S (2.9kWh) is priced at Rs 1.31 lakh

The Ather 450S is positioned as the most affordable way into the Ather ecosystem. However, that price point comes with a few key differences. It swaps the vibrant 7-inch TFT touchscreen of the 450X for a more basic LCD color display, though it still manages to retain core features like Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation. This is a deliberate design choice that has been well-received by customers who prioritize function over a fancy screen and appreciate the lack of lag.

Under the hood, the scooter is powered by a 2.9kWh battery pack, a key factor in its lower price and weight. While the IDC-claimed range is 122 km, real-world user reviews suggest a more practical range of around 90-100 km, which is perfectly sufficient for daily city commutes. To conserve power, the motor is tuned down, and the exhilarating Warp mode is not available on this variant. Its top speed is capped at 90kph, and it produces 5.4kW of power and 22Nm of torque, making for a gentler acceleration profile compared to its siblings.

One of the main trade-offs with the base 450S is its slower charging. Although it supports the same fast charging at an Ather Grid station, it ships with a less powerful home charger. A full charge from 0 to 100% can take over 7 hours, a significant consideration for potential buyers who might not have access to a fast charger. On the plus side, the smaller battery pack makes the scooter slightly lighter and more agile, weighing in at just 108kg.

Interestingly, while the 2.9 kWh variant of the 450S was originally a key part of the lineup, Ather has since also introduced a version with a larger 3.7 kWh battery to address customer demand for more range. This new variant now provides a claimed IDC range of 161 km, bridging the gap between the entry-level and premium models. This strategic update from Ather shows that they are constantly adapting their lineup to meet customer needs and remain highly competitive in the fast-evolving EV market.

Ather 450S (3.7kWh battery)

The Ather 450S (3.7kWh) is priced at Rs 1.46 lakh

Ather Energy has expanded its popular 450S lineup by introducing a new version equipped with a larger 3.7kWh battery pack. This creates a perfect sweet spot, offering a powerful option for those who want more range than the entry-level model without needing all the features of the top-end 450X.

The biggest highlight is a massive leap in travel distance. Thanks to the bigger battery, the certified range (IDC) has been boosted to an impressive 161 km, a significant jump from the 122 km on the standard 450S. This represents nearly a 30 percent improvement, giving riders much more freedom on a single charge.

Beyond the certified numbers, Ather provides a clear picture of what you can expect in real-world use. In the efficient SmartEco mode, you can realistically achieve a range of 130 km, while the zippy Sport mode will deliver around 90 km, making it more than capable for both daily commutes and longer weekend rides.

Thankfully, this extra range doesn’t slow it down. The performance remains unchanged, with the motor still producing a punchy 5.4kW of power and 22Nm of torque. It retains its quick acceleration, going from 0 to 40 kph in just 3.9 seconds, and can reach a top speed of 90 kph. You get four ride modes to choose from: Smart Eco, Eco, Ride, and Sport.

Visually, the scooter is identical to the standard 450S, keeping its sharp design and dimensions. It is also packed with smart features, including a 7-inch LCD dashboard with turn-by-turn navigation, hill-hold assist, the Fall Safe security feature, and the benefit of continuous improvements via AtherStack OTA software updates.

To power up the larger battery, this variant comes with an updated home charger. It takes a convenient 4.5 hours to charge from 0 to 80 percent, with an additional 1 hour and 15 minutes needed to reach a full 100 percent charge.

Ather 450X (2.9kWh battery)

The Ather 450X (2.9kWh) is priced at Rs 1.48 lakh

Ever wondered why Ather introduced a new battery option for its flagship 450X? It all comes down to a change in the FAME-II government subsidy. When the subsidy was higher, the cost of the larger 3.7kWh battery was manageable. After the subsidy was reduced, Ather cleverly responded by creating a more accessible version of its top-tier scooter to keep prices in check.

This led to the birth of the Ather 450X with a more compact 2.9kWh battery pack. While this is the same battery capacity found in the entry-level 450S, it’s crucial to understand that this is not just a rebranded scooter. This variant is for riders who want the premium 450X experience at a more attractive price point.

This is where things get exciting, as this model retains all the top-tier features that make the 450X special. You still get the vibrant 7-inch TFT touchscreen, a grippier and chunkier rear tyre for better handling, and the exhilarating Warp mode for breathtaking acceleration. It also includes advanced features like switchable traction control and Ather’s innovative Magic Twist regenerative braking system.

When it comes to range, its performance is nearly identical to the 450S, offering a maximum claimed range of 105 km in SmartEco mode. The key difference is the addition of Warp mode, which will give you an exciting 75 km of real-world range—the same distance the base 450S can only achieve in its less powerful Sport mode.

Perhaps the biggest surprise is its incredible charging speed. This version of the 450X is now the fastest-charging scooter in the entire 450 line-up. It takes just 3 hours to get from 0 to 80 percent, with a full charge completed in only 4 hours and 30 minutes, making it exceptionally convenient for daily use.

Ather 450 Apex

The Ather 450 Apex is priced at Rs 1.85 lakh

At the very top of Ather’s electric scooter lineup sits the 450 Apex. This flagship model represents the absolute pinnacle of the 450 platform, engineered to deliver the maximum performance possible within safe operational limits. It’s not just another scooter; it’s a statement piece for the true performance enthusiast.

The Apex is all about raw, unadulterated power. It boasts the most potent motor in Ather’s portfolio, delivering 7kW and 26Nm of torque. This makes it the quickest Ather ever built, capable of a blistering 0-40kph time of just 2.9 seconds. These incredible figures are unlocked in an exclusive and even faster “Warp+” mode, which also pushes the top speed to 100kph, a full 10kph higher than any other model in the range.

All that power is backed by the proven 3.7kWh battery pack, giving it an IDC-certified range of 157km. In terms of real-world use, you can expect around 130km in the efficient SmartEco mode, while unleashing the thrilling Warp+ mode will provide a still-respectable range of 80km.

More than just a speed machine, the 450 Apex has always served as Ather’s technology pioneer. It was the very first model to debut now-popular features like the Magic Twist regenerative braking system and switchable traction control, which have since been integrated into other scooters in the lineup.

Continuing its innovative streak, the Apex recently received a highly advanced multi-level cruise control system. Unlike basic systems, this smart feature works at speeds as low as 10kph and intelligently adjusts both power and regenerative braking to maintain a set speed, even when going up or down hills.

You’ll recognize the Apex instantly thanks to its exclusive and stunning design. It comes in a striking Indium Blue colour scheme and features signature transparent side panels that showcase the bright orange chassis underneath. It also introduced the enclosed belt drive system, a durability feature that has since become standard across the range.

Priced at ₹1.85 lakh (ex-showroom), the 450 Apex is unapologetically Ather’s most premium offering. It justifies its cost by being the fastest, most powerful, and the first to consistently receive the company’s latest and greatest innovations in both hardware and technology. Sources


Share This Post!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *