Volkswagen: has officially unveiled the India-spec Tayron R-Line, positioning it as the company’s most premium SUV offering in the country. The model sits above the Tiguan R-Line and signals Volkswagen’s re-entry into the upscale three-row SUV space, a segment it exited after discontinuing the Tiguan Allspace in 2021. With a focus on performance, technology, and space, the Tayron R-Line is intended to strengthen the brand’s presence in the higher end of the Indian SUV market.
Local Assembly and Expected Launch Timeline
Unlike the Tiguan R-Line, which arrives in India as a fully imported model, the Tayron R-Line will be assembled locally using CKD kits. This approach is expected to help Volkswagen manage costs while offering a more competitively priced product. The SUV is slated for an Indian market launch by March 2026, with industry estimates suggesting an ex-showroom price range between Rs 50 lakh and Rs 60 lakh.
Exterior Styling and Road Presence
The Tayron R-Line follows Volkswagen’s familiar R-Line design philosophy, marked by sportier detailing and a more assertive stance. It features redesigned front and rear bumpers, R-Line badges, and 19-inch alloy wheels. Updated LED headlamps and tail-lamps differentiate it from the Tiguan, while connected rear lighting and an illuminated Volkswagen emblem enhance its visual appeal, especially at night.
Platform, Size, and Practicality
Built on the MQB EVO platform, the Tayron R-Line is significantly larger than the Tiguan R-Line to comfortably accommodate three rows of seats. The SUV measures 4,792mm in length, 1,866mm in width, and 1,665mm in height, supported by a wheelbase of 2,789mm. Practicality is a key highlight, with the boot offering up to 850 litres of storage when the third row is folded down.
Cabin Layout and Technology Focus
Inside, the Tayron R-Line presents a modern and technology-rich environment aimed at premium buyers. The dashboard is dominated by a 15-inch touchscreen infotainment system angled toward the driver, complemented by a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster. Design elements such as silver dashboard accents, illuminated R branding, and configurable 30-colour ambient lighting contribute to a refined cabin atmosphere.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Volkswagen has equipped the Tayron R-Line with a comprehensive list of features. These include an 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, electrically adjustable front seats with memory, massage, and ventilation functions, a panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate, and three-zone automatic climate control. An augmented reality-based head-up display further enhances the driving experience by projecting key information directly into the driver’s line of sight.
Engine and Performance Details
Under the hood, the Tayron R-Line uses the same 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine found in the Tiguan R-Line. The engine produces 204bhp and 320Nm of torque and is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Power is delivered to all four wheels through an all-wheel-drive system, enabling the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100kmph in 7.3 seconds, with a top speed electronically capped at 224kmph.
Safety and Driver Assistance Systems
Safety remains a strong focus for Volkswagen’s flagship SUV. The Tayron R-Line comes equipped with nine airbags, electronic stability control, hill-start and hill-descent assist, and a 360-degree camera. It also offers Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems. The model has achieved a five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests conducted in 2025, underscoring its safety credentials.
Competition in the Segment
When it reaches Indian showrooms, the Tayron R-Line will enter a competitive premium three-row SUV segment. Its primary rivals are expected to include models such as the Skoda Kodiaq, Jeep Meridian, and MG Gloster, each offering a different blend of performance, features, and brand positioning.
