Tata’s iconic Sierra has made a full-fledged return in 2025, reviving a nameplate with a legacy stretching over three decades. First launched in 1991, updated in 1997, and discontinued in 2005, the original three-door Sierra became a cult favourite thanks to its distinctive Alpine glasshouse and rugged stance. Now, Tata Motors has reimagined the legend for a new era—and Ajay Jain, Head of Tata India Design Studio, explains the design philosophy behind this bold new SUV.
A Legend Reborn
Seeing the original Sierra and the 2025 model side by side at the unveil made one thing clear—the charm of the OG Sierra remains timeless. Its simple yet dramatic silhouette still feels relevant today. However, the older model had limitations, including difficult rear-seat access, a fixed glass roof, and a niche three-door layout that restricted mass appeal.
The new Sierra addresses these issues while preserving its essence through:
- A more practical five-door design
- Spare wheel relocation to the underbody
- A clamshell tailgate replacing the old side-hinged door
- A panoramic sunroof instead of the Alpine roof
- A premium, tech-rich cabin featuring a tri-screen setup and soft-touch materials
Design Philosophy: Modern, Emotional, and Future-Ready
According to Ajay Jain, the Sierra is designed as “an accolade”—a product that connects generations. The SUV blends nostalgia with sustainability, modern design, and future-ready technology.
Key design intentions include:
- Use of recycled materials, including 20% recycled glass
- Cabin space comparable to the Range Rover Velar
- Styling that appeals to Gen-X (nostalgia), Gen-Y (achievement), and Gen-Z (tech-first buyers)
The 2025 Sierra has also earned the Red Dot Design Award, validating Tata’s forward-thinking approach.
Why the New Sierra Looks Different
Clamshell Tailgate
Improves practicality and aligns with global design trends, necessitating the relocation of the spare wheel.
No Alpine Roof
Current global safety regulations and crash norms made the iconic design difficult to retain. The Sierra compensates with a panoramic sunroof that still evokes a sense of openness.
A Contemporary Cabin
The interior balances retro inspiration with modern expectations. Highlights include:
- Three-screen dashboard
- Soft-touch materials and premium textures
- Dual-tone upholstery
- Level 2 ADAS
- A reworked B-pillar that subtly references the original Sierra’s design
Inside Tata’s Design Process
Developing the new Sierra involved 100–150 designers across Tata’s studios worldwide.
1. Sketching
Interior and exterior teams work simultaneously, generating hundreds of iterations.
2. Clay Modelling
A full-scale clay model is sculpted by specialists who refine every contour.
3. Cabin Development
Focus areas include ergonomics, durability, visual flow, and premium feel.
4. AR and 3D Visualisation
Designs are digitally evaluated before approval for production.
Official Launch and Market Positioning
The 2025 Sierra was launched on 25 November 2025, immediately creating buzz among both nostalgic enthusiasts and new-age SUV buyers. Key highlights include:
- Level 2 ADAS
- Multiple airbags
- Three engine options: 1.5L NA petrol, turbo petrol, and diesel
- Panoramic sunroof
- Connected tech and a feature-loaded interior
- Introductory pricing from ₹11.49 lakh
Sitting between the Curvv and Harrier, the new Sierra enters the competitive C-segment SUV space with a strong design identity and a wide powertrain lineup.
Will the Sierra Become a Legend Again?
The Sierra’s return blends emotional nostalgia with cutting-edge design and modern practicality. Whether it reclaims legendary status will depend on how today’s buyers respond—but Tata has certainly crafted one of its most ambitious and emotionally resonant SUVs yet.
