Tayron CUV to Become Volkswagen’s Next Global Model

WOLFSBURG, Germany – Volkswagen plans to take its Tayron midsize CUV global as a successor model to the Tiguan Allspace.

Presently produced and sold exclusively in China, where it is offered in both standard (Tayron) and coupe (Tayron X) body styles, the next generation is being engineered for sale in all of VW’s key markets, including North America and Europe, officials with the German automaker confirm.

“The decision has been made to extend our existing SUV lineup with the second-generation Tayron, which is already under development and will become a global model by the middle of the decade,” says Karl-Heinz Hell, head of engineering for Volkswagen’s mid-to-fullsize models.

Until now, VW has occupied the market segment in which the Tayron will compete with an extended-wheelbase version of the second-generation Tiguan sold under the Tiguan Allspace name. 

With more than 7 million sales to date, the Tiguan has been VW’s best-selling model since its launch in 2007, outselling traditional models such as the Golf and Passat in the process.

Volkswagen tayron-x-interior

Scheduled for North American sales in 2025, the new Tayron will support two body styles, the more sporting of which is earmarked for sale in the North American and Chinese markets with a 5-seat layout.

A more practical variant with a more vertically set tailgate will be sold in Europe, China and other markets with both 5- and 7-seat compatibility, says Hell.

At 180.7 ins. (4,590 mm) long, 73.2 ins. (1,859 mm) wide and 65.3 ins. (1,659 mm) tall, the first-generation Tayron mirrors the outgoing Tiguan Allspace in terms of dimensions. However, the second-generation model should be slightly longer in both 5- and 7-seat body styles.

“The increase in dimensions for the next Tiguan will also be reflected on the next Tayron,” Hell tells Wards, adding, “We want to keep a similar differentiation in size between the two.”

In the U.S., the new VW model will be positioned beneath the recently facelifted Atlas large CUV.

The basis for the new Tayron is a further-developed version of VW’s MQB platform that goes under the name MQB EVO. Also planned to underpin the third-generation Tiguan and ninth-generation Passat, the versatile structure has been upgraded to provide it with greater rigidity and changes to the rear axle. 

Also appearing on the new model is a more advanced electric architecture, which Hell says will allow VW to offer the Tayron with contemporary digital and driver assistance systems.

Further details remain under wraps. However, the new CUV is likely to be sold in the U.S. with a turbocharged 2.0L gasoline engine and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox as standard.

VW confirms its latest global model will also offer the choice of two gasoline-electric plug-in hybrid powertrains offering a respective 201 hp (150 kW) and 268 hp (200 kW), together with an electric range of up to 75 miles (121 km) on the WLTP test cycle, though it remains to be seen whether they will be offered in North American versions of the Tayron.

The new plug-in hybrid powertrains are based on VW’s turbocharged 1.5L gasoline 4-cyl. It is supported by a gearbox-mounted electric motor and a larger lithium-ion battery than the 10.4-kWh unit used by the existing Tiguan eHybrid, which boasts a WLTP range of 30 miles (48 km). DC charging capability is also touted for the Tayron PHEV models.

Depending on the engine, buyers will be able to choose between front- or 4Motion all-wheel-drive Tayron models.

North American models will be produced in Puebla, Mexico, with European models to be built at VW’s plant in Wolfsburg, Germany. Chinese models will hail from the joint venture operated by VW and Chinese state-owned First Automobile Works in Changchun.

While the new VW CUV will retain the Tayron name in most markets, Hell says it is planned to be sold under the Tiguan name in North America.