Tata Sierra AWD Confirmed For 2027, EV Variant Coming First In 2026

Tata Sierra to gain AWD options, with EV version launching before ICE

Tata Motors has officially begun work on all-wheel-drive versions of the upcoming Sierra, with the electric variant set to debut first. The Sierra EV will arrive in both rear-wheel-drive and AWD configurations in 2026, followed by an AWD-equipped internal combustion engine (ICE) model scheduled for an early-2027 launch.

The development is significant because it marks Tata’s return to ICE all-wheel-drive systems after a gap of nearly five years, the last model being the Hexa that was discontinued in 2020. While the Harrier EV reintroduced AWD to the brand earlier this year, no diesel or petrol Tata SUV currently offers a 4×4 setup.

ARGOS Platform Enables AWD Flexibility

The Sierra is built on Tata’s new ARGOS architecture, designed to support a wide range of body styles, sizes and powertrains. Although the platform is fundamentally front-wheel-drive, it has been engineered to accommodate AWD hardware for ICE models as well. This versatility allows Tata to expand the Sierra lineup without significant structural rework.

Why Sierra AWD Makes Strategic Sense

Tata Motors says that buyer interest in AWD SUVs has grown steadily in the Indian market, with many customers viewing it as an extension of the vehicle’s personality and capability. This shift is reflected in the Harrier EV’s performance, where the AWD variants contribute to over a third of the model’s total sales – higher than the company initially anticipated.

The brand also recognises the emotional pull an AWD system brings, aligning with Tata’s heritage of rugged, go-anywhere SUVs. With the Sierra relaunch, Tata aims to revive that legacy while ensuring the product meets modern expectations.

Powertrains Still Under Evaluation

The standard Sierra is currently offered with three engine options – a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol, a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel. Tata has not yet revealed which of these engines will be paired with the AWD system. More details are expected closer to launch as development progresses.

With AWD capability, the Sierra is positioned to appeal to lifestyle-SUV buyers who value both design and versatility, potentially giving Tata Motors a strong contender in the premium SUV space when the AWD ICE model arrives in 2027.