Tata Motors has officially confirmed that the much-anticipated revival of the Sierra will gain a crucial capability missing from its modern lineup: genuine all-wheel drive. In a significant revelation, the company has announced that an all-wheel-drive (AWD) version of the Sierra is in active development, with a launch scheduled for early 2027.
This move marks Tata’s return to the internal combustion engine (ICE) 4×4 segment after a five-year hiatus, with the last model being the Hexa, which was discontinued in 2020.
The Flexible ARGOS Platform
The key to the Sierra’s new-found off-road potential is the ARGOS platform, the brand’s new, versatile monocoque architecture. Tata describes ARGOS—which stands for All-terrain Ready, Omni-Energy and Geometry Scalable Architecture—as a foundation designed for the future. It’s engineered to support various body styles, powertrains (including petrol, diesel, CNG, and hybrid), and crucially, all-wheel-drive systems.
While the platform is primarily front-wheel drive, Mohan Savarkar, Tata Motors’ Chief Product Officer, confirmed that it is fully capable of accommodating an ICE all-wheel-drive system. This inherent flexibility is what allows Tata to plan both electric and conventional 4×4 variants from the ground up.
A Two-Pronged AWD Launch Strategy
Tata’s rollout of the Sierra AWD will happen in two distinct phases:
- The Electric Pioneer: The Sierra EV, slated to launch next year, will be the first to offer AWD. From its initial launch, buyers will have the choice between rear-wheel-drive and more powerful all-wheel-drive configurations.
- The ICE Comeback: Following the electric variant, the conventional ICE-powered Sierra AWD will arrive in early 2027, officially ending Tata’s dry spell in the non-electric 4×4 market.
This strategic launch sequence highlights how Tata is using its new electric technology to lead the charge while ensuring its traditional powertrains catch up.
Why AWD Matters for the New Sierra
The decision to invest in AWD isn’t just about technical capability; it’s a direct response to market trends and brand identity. Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer at Tata Motors, shared key insights driving this move.
He pointed to a growing consumer perception in India where AWD is seen as an essential “personality trait” for a true SUV, even if it’s not used for hardcore off-roading every day. This demand is backed by solid numbers. For the flagship Harrier EV, the AWD variant accounts for a surprising 35% of total sales, a figure that has surpassed the company’s own expectations.
Srivatsa also acknowledged the weight of Tata’s heritage, stating, “We were an SUV maker to start with, and there was a lot of pushback when we moved away from 4WD. We thought this was the right car to bring it back.” The Sierra, an icon in its own right, is the perfect vehicle to reclaim that rugged identity.
The current Sierra is available with three front-wheel-drive engine options: a 1.5-litre petrol, a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol, and a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel. Which of these engines will be paired with the new AWD system, and what transmission will be used, are details that remain under wraps for now.
