What Is It, Then?
It's called the Volkswagen Tiguan R Line, and no, this isn't some sticker-job special. Scheduled to launch in India on April 14, this is the top-of-the-line version of the next-gen Tiguan—and it's being flown in fully built, which means this isn't the kind of Volkswagen you'll find parked outside your average housing society.
It sits above the current Tiguan, which is still on sale in India and will be Volkswagen's most expensive SUV. The expected price? Around Rs 50 lakh, ex-showroom. Gulp.
The Sporty Bits
Let's talk style because that's what the R Line badge is about. You get full-width horizontal LED light strips at the front and rear, sportier bumpers, side skirts, and a rear spoiler that's more than just cosmetic. The 19-inch alloys fill the arches nicely, and it all looks rather grown-up—more European chic than boy racer. The SUV is 30mm longer than the old Tiguan, although the wheelbase remains the same.
It's a Tiguan turned up to eleven, visually speaking. And that's before you step inside.
Inside the R Line: A Subtle Tech Overload
The interior is where VW has flexed its digital muscles. You get sports seats, a 10.3-inch digital driver's display, and a 12.9-inch central touchscreen powered by the brand-new MIB4 infotainment system, which can get OTA updates.
Ambient lighting? Naturally. There are three zones and 30 colours to choose from, so you can set it to "Cool Teal" or "Aggressive Purple" depending on the day's mood. It's a tech-forward cabin but still restrained in that very Volkswagen way—tidy, tasteful, and slightly underwhelmed by itself.
The Important Bit: Powertrain and Platform
This new Tiguan R Line is based on VW's MQB Evo platform and is expected to be powered by a 265bhp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine. That's a healthy jump from the current Tiguan's 190bhp unit. Torque figures haven't been officially confirmed, but expect it to land in the 370Nm to 400Nm range.
The engine will be mated to a 7-speed DSG (dual-clutch automatic). It will feature all-wheel drive as standard, making it a pretty capable SUV on paper—even if it never sees anything rougher than a cracked parking lot in Lower Parel.
Internationally, the new Tiguan lineup includes mild hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and a diesel variant, but don't get your hopes up—those versions are unlikely to reach Indian shores.
What About the Old Tiguan?
VW sells the outgoing Tiguan in India for Rs 38.17 lakh (ex-showroom). This new R-Line version will exist above that car, possibly by a significant margin, both in price and positioning. It's the Halo product, which is meant to show what VW can do when it doesn't have to keep an eye on the budget.
Final Thoughts: Should You Be Excited?
If you've always liked the Tiguan but wished it had a bit more muscle, screen, light, and badge snobbery, this is your car. It's a European luxury SUV with an understated style and a proper engine. And while Rs 50 lakh may sound like a lot for a Volkswagen, you're getting an SUV that feels like it belongs in a class above—just without shouting about it.
