Once launched, the Tata Sierra will be the fourth car in the mid-size SUV segment to get an AWD system, but it will be far more capable than its rivals.
Tata Motors has launched the all-new Sierra in the Indian market. The starting price has been set at Rs. 11.49 lakhs, while the prices of the entire variant line-up will be revealed in December. Bookings commence on December 16, while the deliveries are set to start from January 15. While the new Tata Sierra is only available with a FWD configuration as of now, the company has not denied the possibility of the AWD version.
Also Read: Tata Sierra History
All-New Tata Sierra AWD: Why Is It Possible?
The Sierra is based on the new ARGOS platform, which is capable of supporting an AWD system. Unlike the ATLAS platform used by Curvv, which has some limitations and cannot take AWD without major modifications, the new ARGOS architecture is built with AWD consideration in mind. This new platform sits below the OMEGA-Arc, which underpins the Harrier and Safari. It also doesn’t support AWD. So, the ARGOS is the only platform in the brand’s ICE line-up that can take AWD.
All-New Tata Sierra AWD: Tata Didn’t Deny It!
In the launch presentation, Tata Motors mentioned AWD with the ‘Forthcoming’ tag. This means that AWD is under consideration, and as we know, it will depend on the market response. On the other hand, the Sierra EV will most likely get AWD at the time of launch.
All-New Tata Sierra AWD: Which Powertrain Will Be Used?
We believe that Tata Motors will offer the AWD system paired to the 1.5-litre KryoJet diesel engine, which is tuned to produce 118 bhp and 260 Nm (MT)/ 280 Nm (AT) of peak torque. This comes down to the high torque rating of the diesel motor, low-end grunt, as well as the ability to perform at high altitudes. In one of the presentations, Tata Motors specifically highlighted the diesel engine’s high-altitude performance. The transmission choice is expected to be the 6-speed torque-convertor AISIN-sourced unit, with a higher 280 Nm torque, and it can be tuned further with the different terrain modes. Moreover, it is quite reliable.
All-New Tata Sierra AWD: Launch Timeline, Expected Price & Rivals
If Tata Motors is really serious about the AWD, we could expect the launch by the end of 2026. The Sierra AWD will be limited to the top-spec Accomplished trim, commanding a premium of around Rs. 1 lakh over the regular 2WD counterpart. Currently, AWD is offered by Maruti Grand Vitara, Victoris and Toyota Hyryder in the mid-size SUV segment. However, the sales are extremely low for the AWD trims, primarily due to the 1.5-litre K15C motor, which has a lacklustre performance. The Sierra ICE with the AWD will solve this issue with a potent powertrain and can become a good option for people lookings for comfort and some off-road capability.