2021 VW Tiguan Drops Nearly All Camouflage And Shows Off Its Sportier Styling

Volkswagen is putting the finishing touches on the 2021 Tiguan as a prototype has been spied virtually undisguised.

Looking far more aggressive than the current model, this facelifted prorotype has apparently been equipped with the R-Line package. As a result, it has a sporty front bumper with a large air intake that spans nearly the entire width of the vehicle. It also features C-shaped accents and a splitter with chrome trim.

The bumper isn’t the only change as we can see a revised grille with slimmer bars and a wider lower opening that curves up at the outside edges. The headlights are also new and they now flow into the grille.

Also Read: Facelifted 2021 VW Tiguan Spied Free Of Any Camouflage

While the sides carryover, there are a handful of updates out back. The biggest change is a set of LED taillights that now feature boomerang- and cross-shaped accents. Below, there’s a modified rear bumper with a simulated four-tailpipe exhaust system.

Spy photographers haven’t gotten close enough to snap interior pictures, but we can expect minor changes including revised upholstery and, possibility, an updated infotainment system.

Engine options are a tad mysterious, but a handful could be borrowed from the Golf Mk8. Besides the mainstream engine lineup, there will also be a plug-in hybrid variant and a high-performance R model.

The eco-friendly version was spied last week and it’s expected to have a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine, an electric motor and a 13 kWh lithium-ion battery. This setup should give the crossover a combined output of approximately 242 hp (180 kW / 245 PS). More importantly, the model could have an electric-only range of around 30 miles (48 km).

The Tiguan R, on the other hand, is expected to have a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with up to 328 hp (245 kW / 333 PS). It should be paired to a dual-clutch transmission and a standard all-wheel drive system.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan is set to be unveiled later this year, but there’s no word on specific timing at this point.