Tata’s legendary Sierra has made its official comeback in 2025, reviving a nameplate with a heritage that stretches back 34 years. First launched in 1991, refreshed in 1997, and discontinued in 2005, the original three-door Sierra left behind an iconic legacy—particularly its Alpine glasshouse design. Now, Tata Motors is bringing the icon back in a radically modern avatar, and we take a deep dive into why the new Sierra looks the way it does, based on insights shared by Ajay Jain, Head of Tata India Design Studio.
The Icon and Its Revival
Seeing both the original Sierra and the 2025 model together at the unveil event proved one thing—the OG Sierra hasn’t lost its charm. Even after three decades, its silhouette feels surprisingly relevant. Back in the day, the Alpine Roof, simple cabin, and robust stance helped it gain a cult following.
The original Sierra came with 2.0L Peugeot-sourced diesel engines (63bhp NA, 83bhp turbo). But despite its appeal, issues like difficult rear-seat access, the fixed glass roof, and its niche three-door layout limited its mainstream acceptance.
The 2025 Sierra aims to fix these limitations without losing the essence of the original. Key changes include:
- A practical five-door layout
- Spare wheel moved to the underbody
- A clamshell tailgate replacing the old side-opening design
- A flat glass roof instead of the Alpine structure
- A premium, tech-packed cabin with a tri-screen layout, soft-touch materials, and dual-zone climate control
Design Intent: Radical, Modern, Emotional
Ajay Jain describes the Sierra as “an accolade”—a product meant to be passed down generations. The 2025 model blends nostalgia with modernity, sustainability, and future readiness:
- Cabin materials use recycled content, including 20% recycled glass.
- Interior roominess is said to match that of the Range Rover Velar.
- The new Sierra is designed to appeal to Gen-X (nostalgia), Gen-Y (achievement), and Gen-Z (style and tech).
Why the New Sierra Looks the Way It Does
Clamshell Tailgate
A modern solution that offers practicality and future-readiness—but requires the spare wheel to be moved.
No Alpine Roof
To meet today’s global safety and crash norms while still maintaining openness through a panoramic sunroof.
Modern Cabin
To balance nostalgia with tech-first expectations. Features include:
- Three-screen dashboard layout
- Soft-touch finishes
- Dual-tone upholstery
- Level 2 ADAS
- Reworked B-pillar to mimic the original’s visual identity
The new Sierra has even earned the prestigious Red Dot Design Award, validating Tata’s direction.
How the Sierra Was Designed: Inside Tata’s Studio
Designing the new Sierra took 100–150 designers across Tata’s three global studios.
1. Sketching Phase
Interior and exterior sketches are created simultaneously by separate artists. This stage involves heavy trial and error.
2. Clay Modelling
A life-size clay model follows, sculpted by specialists who refine every detail with precision.
3. Cabin Development
Focus is on space, comfort, flow, and longevity. Tata aims for a cabin that feels premium but also timeless.
4. AR and 3D Visualisation
Before production, AR tools and digital models are used to ensure proportions, lines, and ergonomics are perfected.
The Sierra is Now Officially Launched
Launched on 25 November 2025, the all-new Sierra has quickly ignited excitement across generations. While design opinions are mixed, the SUV offers a modern and competitive package:
- Level 2 ADAS
- Multiple airbags
- Three powertrains: 1.5L NA petrol, turbo petrol, and diesel
- Panoramic sunroof
- Feature-rich interior
- Aggressive pricing starting at ₹11.49 lakh
The new Sierra now competes with the most popular C-segment SUVs—and has the potential to become a segment disruptor. The big question remains: Will the Sierra reclaim its legendary status in modern India?