VW’s New Tavendor Is Yet Another MQB-Based SUV For China

Volkswagen unveiled a brand new model in China, further expanding its wide range of SUVs in the region. The Tavendor, locally produced by the FAW-VW joint venture, is a medium-to-large SUV offering based on the MQB Evo architecture, with modern styling and plenty of tech inside the cabin.

The new model, which had been leaked a few months ago, combines design cues from VW’s ICE-powered and electric SUVs. The front is characterized by the horizontal body-colored stripes on the grille, looking similar to the LED element above the main headlights which expands towards the profile, through the Peugeot 3008-inspired bonnet shutline.

See Also: Facelifted Volkswagen Teramont X Unveiled In China

The profile has a clean design with a window line similar to the Audi Q6. The rear end is reminiscent of the ID. range of models, although the LED graphics of the full-width taillights are unique to the Tavendor. Note that the pictured model is the R-Line trim, featuring a sportier design for the bumpers and large-diameter alloy wheels.

Based on a stretched version of the tried-and-tested MQB Evo architecture, the FAW-VW Tavendor measures 4,936 mm (194.3 inches) long, 2,015 mm (79.3 inches) wide, and 1,756 mm (62 inches) tall, with a wheelbase of 2,980 mm (117.3 inches). Predictably, the wheelbase is identical to the mechanically related but slightly longer Teramont / Atlas and the Talagon flagship. Still, the Tavendor is 58 mm (2.3 inches) longer than the more premium MLB Evo-based VW Touareg.

Inside, the dashboard has a familiar look, with VW’s signature digital cockpit housing the 10.2-inch instrument cluster and the 12-inch infotainment touchscreen on the same panel. The minimalist design of the dashboard is combined with a high-mounted center tunnel featuring an open storage compartment underneath, while the panoramic sunroof and the light-colored fabric upholstery add to the charisma.

Like the majority of VW’s models in China, the Tavendor will be fitted with the non-electrified turbocharged 2.0-liter TSI four-cylinder engine, available in two power guises. The base model will produce 183 hp (137 kW / 186 PS), with the more powerful variant producing 217 hp (163 kW / 220 PS). The engine will be exclusively mated with the seven-speed DSG automatic transmission, sending power to either the front or all four wheels (4Motion).

Pricing of the VW Tavendor will be announced closer to the model’s market launch in China, which is expected in the fourth quarter of the year. According to Car News China, the new SUV is expected to start from around ¥290,000 ($42,000).