Ather’s new 450 Apex sits at the top of the 450 series. The latest-gen version is also a tenth-anniversary model, and it gets exclusive styling treatments and a more powerful motor than the standard 450X, not to mention several performance-focussed and geeky features.
Sharp, Sporty Styling
From a distance, the Ather 450 Apex looks similar to the 450X except for some visual elements. Most visible is the semi-transparent side panels that expose part of the internal frame. Up front, a sharp LED headlamp sits integrated into the apron, and the bodywork keeps surfaces clean and minimal. Orange accents and unique graphics separate it from the rest of the 450 lineup. The compact dimensions stay unchanged.
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The translucent panels are one of a kind: no other two-wheeler in India has anything like this.
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With such panels, fans can appreciate the internals of the electric scooter. It doesn’t look messy either.
Colours
The 450 Apex comes in only one colour: Indium Blue. The brand claims it is the most matte-looking blue out there, with a unique satin-like feel. only. No palette choices, unlike the 450X. That single option is ‘Indium Blue’, finished in a premium satin coat.
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The graphics are very minimal, and they nicely bring out the premium quotient of the electric scooter.
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The orange frame really pops out from under the translucent panels.
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Orange wheels match the frame rather well – a neat detail.
Motor And Performance
Ather’s quickest and most powerful scooter yet, the 450 Apex uses a permanent magnet motor with a peak output of 7kW (0.6kW more than the Ather 450X) and 26Nm of torque. Top speed is 100kmph (10kmph more than the 450X). To go with this, Ather also added a new riding mode, ‘Warp+’, exclusive to the Apex.
Warp+ mode sharpens throttle response beyond the standard Warp mode and gets the 450X from 0 to 40kmph in 2.9 seconds (claimed). A 3.7kWh battery pack gives an IDC-certified (Indian Driving Conditions) range of 157km. It’s not a lot but gets the job done for city commutes.
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Warp+ mode is super addictive
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The motor’s power delivery, throttle response make it one of the most engaging electric scooters to ride in India
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Real-world range is fairly consistent too
Features
Ather calls it ‘Magic Twist’, for its regenerative braking system. Twist the throttle backwards and regenerative braking kicks in, slowing the scooter without touching the brake levers. In stop-start traffic, that also recovers more energy (thus improving range).
Ather puts a 7-inch TFT touchscreen at the centre of the dashboard, running AtherStack Pro software. This enables full-fledged Google Maps, call and music controls, and WhatsApp notifications, among others. OTA (Over The Air) software updates can add new features, including Live Cricket Scores and Voice on Ather (voice assist) on compatible hardware. Ride modes and Infinite Cruise control (Ather’s cruise control designed for Indian riding conditions) round out the package.
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Full-fledged navigation makes it extremely convenient to navigate through new areas in the city.
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Switchgear quality is good, and menu navigation is fairly easy, plus you have a touchscreen as well.
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SmartEco, Eco, Ride, Sport, and Warp+ – lots of riding modes to choose from, depending on the situation
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Gets a multi-mode traction control too, for added safety
For more information, check out our detailed features explainer of the Ather 450 Apex.
Underpinnings And Other Specifications
Ather built the 450 Apex on the same aluminium chassis used across the 450 platform. Up front, there’s a telescopic fork, and the rear gets a monoshock – same as the 450X. There are disc brakes at both ends that come with a Combined Braking System (CBS).
Under the seat, there’s 22 litres of storage – same as the 450X. The ground clearance stands at 170mm. At 111.6kg kerb weight, the scooter is light enough to handle well in city traffic.
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The disc brakes are powerful, the rear tends to lock up rather quickly in the standard version
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Since this one too uses the same brakes as the Ather 450X, we feel the brand should’ve given it a dual-channel ABS – especially considering it’s a flagship scooter
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The ground clearance is good enough for most of the bad roads in India.
All in all, the Ather 450 Apex is ideal for those who want the absolute best in an electric scooter with features that work consistently well. As a bonus, the scooter’s sharp design and attention-grabbing translucent panels sweeten the deal even further. At Rs 1,94,999 (ex-showroom, Bengaluru), it is expensive. But the level of features and giggle-inducing performance is something very few EVs will match.
Here are some other options you can consider over the Ather 450 Apex for the same price.
