The Volkswagen Tayron might be the Passat in SUV form you’ve been waiting for.
Volkswagen is set to shake up the European SUV market with the introduction of the all-new Tayron. This versatile sport utility vehicle is positioned to bridge the gap between the luxurious Touareg and the popular Tiguan, offering a perfect blend of comfort, style, and advanced technology. With its innovative features and efficient powertrain options, the Volkswagen Tayron is poised to become a standout choice for SUV enthusiasts.
Where Does the Tayron Fit in Volkswagen’s SUV Lineup?
The Volkswagen Tayron slots neatly between the premium Touareg and the mid-sized Tiguan, creating a new sweet spot in the brand’s SUV range. At 4,792 mm in length, it’s significantly larger than the Tiguan (4,539 mm) but more compact than the flagship Touareg (4,902 mm). This positioning makes the Tayron an ideal choice for those seeking more space and luxury than the Tiguan offers, without stepping up to the full-size Touareg.
Design and Exterior Features
The Tayron’s exterior design showcases Volkswagen’s latest SUV styling language, with a bold front end featuring a striking LED light signature. The vehicle’s silhouette is characterized by a long roof line and a window graphic that extends into the D-pillar, creating a dynamic and modern appearance. Available in three trim levels – Life, Elegance, and R-Line – the Tayron offers various exterior styling options to suit different tastes.
One of the standout features is the optional IQ.LIGHT HD matrix headlights, a technology previously reserved for luxury-class vehicles. These advanced headlights use 19,200 multipixel LEDs to provide superior illumination and innovative lighting functions, enhancing both comfort and safety.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Step inside the Tayron, and you’ll find a spacious, premium interior that can accommodate five or seven passengers. The cabin is crafted with high-quality materials, including soft leatherette, genuine open-pore wood trims (in the Elegance trim), and ArtVelours Eco upholstery.
The Tayron’s tech-forward approach is evident in its connected cockpit landscape. A standard 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen takes center stage, with an optional 15-inch display available.
The digital instrument cluster, measuring 10.25 inches, comes standard across all trims. For added convenience, the Tayron features a voice-activated assistant with ChatGPT integration, allowing for natural language interactions with the vehicle’s systems.
Comfort features abound, including an optional panoramic sunroof, three-zone climate control, and available ergoActive Plus seats with massage and ventilation functions. The Tayron also boasts a spacious cargo area, with up to 885 liters of luggage space in the five-seat configuration.
Powertrains and Performance
The Volkswagen Tayron offers a range of efficient powertrain options to suit various driving needs:
- Plug-in Hybrid (eHybrid): Available in 150 kW (204 PS) and 200 kW (272 PS) versions, these models offer an impressive electric range of over 100 km, making them ideal for daily electric driving while providing the flexibility of long-distance travel.
- Mild Hybrid (eTSI): A 110 kW (150 PS) mild hybrid system that uses 48V technology to improve efficiency and performance.
- Petrol Engines (TSI): Two turbocharged petrol engine options are available, both paired with 4MOTION all-wheel drive.
- Diesel Engines (TDI): Two turbocharged diesel options, including a 142 kW (193 PS) version with standard 4MOTION all-wheel drive.
All Tayron models come equipped with an automatic direct-shift gearbox (DSG) for smooth and efficient power delivery.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
The Tayron comes packed with a suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including:
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Lane Keeping System (Lane Assist)
- Park Assist Plus with optional Pro version featuring memory and remote functions
- Travel Assist for assisted longitudinal and lateral guidance
- Trailer Assist for easier maneuvering when towing
These systems work together to enhance safety, comfort, and convenience for both driver and passengers.
Driving Dynamics and Comfort
For those seeking the ultimate in ride comfort and handling, the Tayron offers the optional DCC Pro adaptive chassis control. This system uses two-valve dampers and an advanced control algorithm to provide an exceptionally wide spread between comfort and dynamic driving characteristics. The result is a smooth, comfortable ride even on poor road surfaces, combined with agile handling when desired.
