Camouflaged Tata Sierra spotted testing in Leh: All-wheel drive coming soon?

The camouflaged Tata Sierra has been spotted testing in Leh, raising speculation that Tata Motors could be conducting high-altitude trials of its upcoming AWD-equipped SUV ahead of its 2027 launch.Tata Motors is putting the Sierra through its paces in Leh, with a heavily camouflaged test mule of the SUV spotted at the scenic high-altitude location. The location of the test mule also suggests that Tata Motors could be carrying out high-altitude testing of the AWD SUV.Leh and its surrounding regions provide challenging conditions for testing a vehicle’s performance, cooling, drivetrain and overall durability, particularly for an SUV expected to gain all-terrain capability.More importantly, Tata has already confirmed that an AWD version of the Sierra is under development for both its internal-combustion engine (ICE) and electric versions. The ICE AWD model is slated to arrive in early 2027, which would mark Tata Motors’ return to the AWD SUV space after the Hexa was discontinued in 2020. With the camouflaged Sierra now being tested in Leh, it is possible that this particular prototype could be related to the upcoming AWD version, although Tata has not confirmed this.Tata Sierra AWD: What we know so farThe Sierra is based on Tata Motors’ new-generation ARGOS architecture, which stands for All-terrain Ready, Omni-energy, Geometry-Scalable. The modular monocoque platform has been engineered to accommodate multiple powertrains, including petrol, diesel, CNG, hybrid and electric powertrains. While the standard Sierra uses a front-wheel-drive layout, the ARGOS architecture has provisions for integrating AWD hardware. Tata says the platform is compatible with mechanical AWD systems for both ICE and electric versions, giving the Sierra the flexibility to offer all-wheel-drive capability.The exact engine that will power the ICE AWD Sierra, however, remains unknown. The SUV is currently available with three powertrain options, all displacing 1.5 litres. The headline engine is Tata’s new 1.5-litre TGDi Hyperion turbo-petrol unit, which produces 160bhp and 255 Nm of torque and is paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox. There is also a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated Revotron petrol engine, developing 106bhp and 145Nm of torque. It is offered with a six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.Diesel buyers get Tata’s 1.5-litre Kyrojet engine, producing 118bhp and 260Nm of torque with the manual gearbox, while the automatic version develops 280Nm of torque. The diesel is available with six-speed manual and automatic transmissions.Tata’s return to AWDThe Sierra AWD will be an important addition to Tata Motors’ SUV portfolio, particularly because the company has not offered a true mechanical AWD system in its combustion-engine range since the Hexa went out of production in 2020.The Sierra is therefore set to lead Tata’s return to the segment, with the ICE AWD version expected in early 2027. An AWD version of the electric Sierra is alredy on sale.For now, the camouflaged SUV being tested in Leh does not confirm that Tata is testing the production-spec AWD Sierra. However, the high-altitude location, coupled with the company’s confirmed plans for an AWD Sierra, makes the possibility particularly interesting.Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine - EndsPublished On: Sep 7, 2026 13:00 IST