Volkswagen has unveiled the global version of the Tayron, giving us a sneak peek at what will soon be the North America-spec 2025 Tiguan, despite some differences. This new model technically fits into Europe’s midsize SUV segment, filling the gap left by the now-discontinued Tiguan Allspace. It’s been stretched and redesigned, boasting a bigger boot and an optional seven-seat layout.
The new Tayron measures 4,770 mm in
length, a full 231 mm longer than the EU-spec Tiguan and just 108 mm shy of the
larger Touareg. The wheelbase has been stretched by 110 mm to a spacious 2,791
mm, and to top it off, the rear overhang has been extended, further
exaggerating its proportions. As we first saw with China’s Tayron L, the
European Tayron’s sheet metal looks nothing like the Tiguan’s. Full-width
taillights with animated LED graphics. A sculpted character line
emphasizing the rear fenders? Naturally. Meanwhile, the R Line trim comes with
sportier bumper intakes, ditching the standard model’s “smiling” grille as
nothing says “serious” like a frown.
Inside, the Tayron’s digital cockpit is
basically a rehash of the Tiguan’s, offering a 12.9-inch or 15-inch
infotainment touchscreen paired with a 10.25-inch instrument cluster. But to
keep things interesting, VW has thrown in an
illuminated trim piece on the dashboard, which can even be finished in real
open-pore wood. No, the Tayron doesn’t get the extra third passenger display
found in China’s Passat Pro and Magotan sedans. But hey, you’ll still get a
hefty amount of standard features, like three-zone climate control and adaptive
cruise control. For those wanting more, optional extras include the Travel
Assist ADAS, adaptive chassis control (DCC Pro), a panoramic sunroof, massaging
and ventilated seats, and a Harman-Kardon sound system. Luxuries, because the
real world is too rough. Practicality is where the Tayron outshines the Tiguan,
offering a three-row, seven-seat layout for those who insist on ferrying more
passengers. In the seven-seater variant, the boot offers 345 liters of space,
but for the five-seater version, it expands to an impressive 885 liters. So,
when you’re not packing in a small soccer team, you’ll have room for all that
Tesco bulk shopping.
As with the vast majority of ICE-powered
models from the VW Group, the Tayron rides on the MQB Evo architecture.
Powertrains are shared with the Tiguan, including gasoline, diesel,
mild-hybrid, and two plug-in hybrid options. Outputs range from the 148 hp of
the entry-level 1.5 eTSI and 2.0 TDI units, up to the 268 hp of the most potent
plug-in hybrid setup. All trims come with a dual-clutch transmission, because it’s
VW, after all. While most versions push power to the front wheels, those who
want a little extra can opt for the 4Motion AWD system—standard with the
stronger 2.0-liter TDI diesel producing 190 hp. Until VW finally reveals the
specs of the U.S.-spec Tiguan, we can only speculate. But knowing VW’s current
SUV lineup in the region, the 2.0 TSI engine sounds like a great fit for the
Tiguan, especially when combined with the 4Motion AWD system. Furthermore, VW
could bring both PHEV versions stateside, with 201 hp and 268 hp offering over
100 km of EV-only range.
In Germany, pricing for the Tayron starts
at a cool € 45,475 (US$ 49,800), which makes it € 7,225 (US$ 7,914) more
expensive than the base Tiguan. Competitors in Europe’s SUV market include the
Skoda Kodiaq, and the Peugeot 5008, though whether or not it’s worth the
premium is for the buyers to decide—or not.