Volkswagen is launching a new SUV model on the European market: the Tayron. The five- or seven-seater sport utility vehicle is positioned between the exclusive Touareg (premium class) and the efficient Tiguan (mid-sized class). Pre-sales are due to start in the autumn.
The Tayron was developed and designed in Wolfsburg, and that’s also where it will be built. The SUV’s technical basis is the latest evolutionary stage of the modular transverse (MQB evo) platform. In addition, technology systems that were first developed for the Touareg have been adapted. Examples of the technology transferred to the Tayron include the interactive IQ.LIGHT HD matrix headlights and the seats with a pneumatic 10-chamber pressure point massage function.
One thing is certain: the new Tayron is an SUV whose comfort features are best-in-class, whose appealing quality with details such as real wood trim give it a luxury-class feel, whose superior luggage compartment volume with five passengers on board reaches up to 885 litres, whose outstanding aerodynamics (drag coefficient = 0.28) decisively optimise efficiency and whose plug-in hybrid drive with over 100 km of electric range (forecast) is one of the most economical systems of its kind in the world.
The Tayron is also a stylish automotive towing vehicle that – with a maximum trailer weight of up to 2.5 tonnes – is perfect for transporting horses, classic cars, motor boats or a large caravan for holidays.
Tayron Life – everything on board
The Tayron will launch with three equipment lines: Life01, Elegance0102 and R-Line01. The range starts with the Tayron Life, which already comes with an extensive equipment package. Among other things, it has the following features on board: a three-zone automatic air conditioner, 10-colour background lighting, nine airbags, driving experience control (controls the driving profiles – including all-wheel drive profiles for 4MOTION models –, audio volume and activation of Atmospheres as pre-programmed lighting and audio moods), sun blinds in the rear doors, an infotainment system with an activatable navigation function and App-Connect Wireless (for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), digital instruments, LED headlights including automatic main beam control (Light Assist), illuminated Volkswagen logo at the front and rear as well as 17-inch alloy wheels.
The spectrum of standard assist systems is also extensive. These include adaptive cruise control (ACC), the oncoming vehicle braking when turning function, lane change system (Side Assist), lane keeping system (Lane Assist), an automatic emergency braking system including pedestrian and cyclist monitoring (Front Assist), Park Assist Plus, rear view camera system and dynamic road sign display. Also standard is the new exit warning system.
This is an extension of the lane change system and, within the system limits, can prevent one of the doors from being opened if a vehicle approaches from behind. The system issues both acoustic and visual warnings.
Tayron Elegance and R-Line – two top versions
Above the Life package, there are two top-of-the-line versions, Elegance and R-Line, which are equivalent in terms of specification but with an individual focus. The stylish Tayron Elegance starts with additional features such as genuine, open-pore wood in the interior, noise-insulating laminated safety glass in the side windows, an electric boot lid, Park Assist Pro with memory and remote functions, seats in ArtVelours Eco (microfibre), the keyless access locking and starting system and 18-inch alloy wheels.
The dynamic Tayron R-Line is characterised by details such as sports comfort seats in ArtVelours Eco with integrated head restraints, extensive use of ArtVelours Eco in the dash panel and doors, aluminium-look decorative trim, individual bumpers in an R-Line design and 19-inch alloy wheels.
The Elegance and R-Line are also equipped with LED Plus headlights (including dynamic cornering light), programmable 3D LED tail clusters and 30-colour background lighting including illuminated interior applications in the dash panel and door trim.
Matching packages – electrically activated childproof lock
Volkswagen has designed three new specification packages for the SUV: with the Light package, both the exterior and interior of the Tayron Life are equipped with lighting systems from the higher-level model versions – including LED Plus headlights. The Family package is available for all versions and includes an electrically activated childproof lock for the rear doors, a 230 V socket in the luggage compartment and a luggage management system.
The Black Style package offered exclusively for the Tayron R-Line includes decorative body trim and attachments (including roof rails) in high-gloss black, high-gloss black 19-inch alloy wheels, a front bumper in an individualised R-Line design and interior decorative trim in dark chrome look. Depending on the specification package, the Tayron can also be customised with a Leather package, a Design package, a Comfort package, an HD Light package as well as two Infotainment packages, two Winter packages and two Assist packages. These packages include a wide range of equipment.
Example of the Comfort package (integrated into the Elegance equipment as standard): the package includes the electrically opening and closing boot lid, the Easy Open and Easy Close boot lid function (opening and closing with a foot movement), the keyless access locking and starting system and Park Assist Pro.
Technology highlights – HD headlights and DCC Pro
Other optional equipment for the Tayron includes innovative systems such as the new adaptive chassis control DCC Pro with adjustable two-valve dampers and Volkswagen’s sophisticated IQ.LIGHT HD matrix headlights with interactive lighting functions. Additionally available: the new IDA voice assistant with ChatGPT integration (AI, artificial intelligence), a large tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof, a Harman Kardon sound system with a music output of 700 W and a high-quality leather package with electrically adjustable ergoActive Plus seats including massage and ventilation functions. Equipment options include innovative assist systems such as Travel Assist, which provides assisted longitudinal and lateral guidance over the entire speed range.
Seven efficient drive systems – eHybrid, eTSI, TSI and TDI
Volkswagen will offer the new Tayron with two plug-in hybrid drives (eHybrid), a mild hybrid drive (eTSI)03, two turbocharged petrol engines (TSI) and two turbocharged diesel engines (TDI). The power spectrum ranges from 110 kW (150 PS)03 to 200 kW (272 PS)04. The two purely turbocharged petrol engines and the most powerful turbocharged diesel engine are paired with 4MOTION all-wheel drive; all other versions have front-wheel drive. All Tayron versions are equipped with an automatic direct-shift gearbox (DSG).
eHybrid – an electric car and petrol-powered SUV in one
The two plug-in hybrid models represent a particularly innovative drive solution because they can deliver long electric ranges for everyday driving, temporarily transforming the Tayron into an electric vehicle. At the same time, both Tayron eHybrids impress over long distances with long overall ranges of around 850 km and low consumption values.
In the entry-level version, the combination of four-cylinder turbocharged engine plus electric drive motor produces a system power of 150 kW (204 PS)05; in contrast, the top-of-the-line specification delivers 200 kW (272 PS)04. Thanks to the 19.7 kWh (net) battery, Volkswagen predicts an electric range of over 100 km for the Tayron eHybrid models. The battery can be charged with up to 11 kW at an AC wallbox or AC charging station and with up to 50 kW06 at DC quick-charging stations.
eTSI – using kinetic energy
The high-tech entry level in the world of petrol-powered Tayron models is a 110 kW (150 PS)07 mild hybrid (eTSI) with 48 V belt-driven starter-alternator and Active Cylinder Management (ACTplus). During braking, kinetic energy is recuperated via an alternator and stored in a separate 48 V battery. The Tayron uses this energy to switch off the high-tech turbocharged petrol engine in deceleration phases and on downhill slopes, thus helping to save fuel. The 48 V batteries supply all systems with energy, also when the combustion engine is deactivated. In addition, the 48 V system optimises the vehicle’s performance while driving off thanks to an electric boost function; in this case, the alternator takes on the role of electric drive motor.
TSI and TDI – efficient 2.0-litre engines
The turbocharged petrol engines (TSI evo4) and turbocharged diesel engines (TDI evo2) – Volkswagen’s latest generation of 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engines – play an important role in the Tayron’s drive system range. The larger TDI with 142 kW (193 PS)08 is also very economical and is paired with 4MOTION all-wheel drive as standard. The two TSI engines are also always combined with all-wheel drive. All Tayron 4MOTION models with a towing bracket are approved for trailer weights of up to 2,500 kg (braked, 12 per cent gradient).
01. All equipment information applies to the model range offered in Germany There may be differences for other countries
02. The Elegance specification package will be available only at a later date
03. Tayron 1.5 eTSI, 110 kW (150 PS) | 7-speed direct shift gearbox DSG | Petrol | Combined consumption: 6.9-6.2 l/100km l Combined CO₂ emissions: 156-142 g/km | CO₂ class: E
04. Tayron eHybrid, 130 kW (177 PS) / 85 kW (115 PS) | 6-speed direct shift gearbox DSG | Combined energy consumption: 18.7-17.7 kWh/100 km | Emissions: 10-12 g/km | CO₂ class: B | Combined consumption with discharged battery: 6.2-5.8 l/100km | CO₂ class: D
05. Tayron eHybrid, 110 kW (150 PS) / 85 kW (115 PS) | 6-speed direct shift gearbox DSG | Combined energy consumption: 18.4-17.0 kWh/100 km | Emissions: 9-12 g/km | CO₂ class: B | Combined consumption with discharged battery: 6.3-5.6 l/100km | CO₂ class: D
06. The value for the customer-relevant charging process is 40 kW, determined in accordance with DIN 70080. However, charging capacities of up to 50 kW can be achieved under ideal conditions (e.g. very low charge level or high battery temperatures)
07. Tayron 1.5 eTSI, 110 kW (150 PS) | 7-speeddirect shift gearbox DSG | Petrol | Combined consumption: 6.9-6.2 l/100km l Combined CO₂ emissions: 156-142 g/km | CO₂ class: E
08. Tayron 2.0 TDI 4MOTION, 142 kW (193 PS) | 7-speed direct shift gearbox DSG | Diesel | Combined consumption: 6.8-6.1 l/100km | Combined CO₂ emissions: 180–162 g/km | CO₂ class: F
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