Volkswagen India Commences Local Assembly of Tayron R-Line SUV
Volkswagen India has officially announced the initiation of local assembly for its highly anticipated Tayron R-Line SUV. This significant development is taking place at the company's manufacturing facility located in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, aligning with Volkswagen's strategic plans to introduce the vehicle to the Indian market in the first quarter of 2026.
Positioning and Market Strategy
The new Tayron R-Line is set to become Volkswagen's flagship offering in India, positioned above the existing Tiguan R-Line. This move marks the brand's re-entry into the premium three-row SUV segment, a space it vacated following the discontinuation of the Tiguan Allspace. The Tayron will be exclusively offered in a seven-seat configuration, catering to the growing demand for spacious family vehicles in the Indian automotive landscape.
Powertrain and Performance Specifications
Under the hood, the Tayron R-Line is expected to feature a robust 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo petrol engine. This powerplant is projected to deliver an impressive output of 204 horsepower and 320 Newton-meters of torque. The engine will be mated to a sophisticated 7-speed DSG automatic transmission, with power being distributed to all four wheels through an all-wheel-drive system, ensuring capable performance across various driving conditions.
Design and Architecture
Design-wise, the Tayron R-Line presents a sharper and more sporty aesthetic compared to its stablemates. Key exterior elements include angular bumpers, substantial 19-inch alloy wheels, and distinctive R-Line badging that underscores its performance-oriented character. The SUV is built on the versatile MQB EVO platform, which it shares with the Tiguan R-Line. However, the Tayron benefits from an extended wheelbase measuring 2,789 millimeters, approximately 109 millimeters longer than its sibling, specifically engineered to accommodate the third row of seating.
Interior Features and Comfort
Inside the cabin, the Tayron R-Line boasts a modern and technology-rich environment. A prominent 15-inch touchscreen display, angled toward the driver, serves as the command center for most vehicle functions. While retaining the luxurious massage feature for the leather-appointed front seats from the Tiguan R-Line, the Tayron introduces a practical adaptation for Indian conditions: it replaces seat heating with front-seat ventilation. Additional premium amenities include a fully digital instrument cluster, a panoramic sunroof, customizable ambient lighting with thirty color options, and advanced Matrix LED lighting technology. The SUV also offers generous cargo capacity, providing up to 850 liters of boot space when the third row is folded down.
Pricing and Competitive Landscape
Volkswagen will bring the Tayron R-Line to India through the Completely Knocked Down (CKD) route, a strategy anticipated to enable more competitive pricing. The estimated ex-showroom price is projected to range between ₹45 lakh and ₹50 lakh. Upon its launch, scheduled around March 2025, the Tayron R-Line will enter a competitive segment, vying with established models such as the Toyota Fortuner, MG Gloster, the upcoming MG Majestor, Jeep Meridian, and the Skoda Kodiaq.
This development underscores Volkswagen's commitment to strengthening its presence in India's premium SUV market, offering consumers a technologically advanced and spacious three-row option with localized manufacturing advantages.
