In typical Volkswagen style, the third generation of the Tiguan made its first appearance to the public with a QR-code-inspired camouflage ahead of the official launch this autumn. The automaker also revealed the interior of the SUV and gave away information about the powertrain lineup and the upgraded chassis.
We are already pretty familiar with the new generation thanks to numerous scoops stories, and accurate renderings. Still, the official teaser shots are our best look yet at the redesigned model. The bodywork is curvier compared to its predecessor, with sculpted fenders and toned-up shoulders.
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The new front end adopts styling cues from the ID range, with a full-width LED bar connecting the optional IQ Light HD Matrix headlights. The large central bumper intake is flanked by slim air ducts. This style will gradually find its way into more future models including the facelifted Golf and the new Passat. The tail features Nivus-style taillights and a full-width reflector integrated into the rear bumper.
The overhauled interior was fully revealed in the teasers, although the photos come from pre-production prototypes. The centerpiece is the free-standing 15-inch infotainment touchscreen sourced from the ID.7, which has illuminated sliders and shortcuts for easier navigation to the settings. Lesser trims will reportedly get a slightly smaller 12.9-inch unit. According to VW, the new system is more intuitive and was developed using customer feedback. The infotainment can also be operated through a new rotary control on the center console which has its own mini-screen.
The digital instrument cluster has a curved casing that extends to the doors housing the climate vents. Other highlights include the return of physical buttons on the steering wheel, replacing the heavily criticized touch-sensitive controls, and the automatic gearshift lever which has been relocated behind the steering wheel. The automaker talks about the use of “high-quality materials”, and “effective noise insulation” which can be further improved with an optional “acoustic package”.
Besides adding more technology into the mix, the new Tiguan is also more spacious than the model it replaces, offering 10 mm (0.4 inches) of extra headroom at the back and a 648 lt (22.9 cubic feet) boot which is 33 lt (1.2 cubic feet) larger than before. Finally, the optional ergoActive seats for the driver and front passenger feature heating, ventilation, four-way lumbar support adjustment, and a 10-chamber massage function.
Upgraded Underpinnings
The European-market 2024 VW Tiguan rides on the MQB Evo architecture, an upgraded version of the old underpinnings. The third generation measures 4,551 mm (179.2 inches) long, 1,939 mm (76.3 inches) wide, and 1,640 mm (64.6 inches) tall. This makes it 32 mm (1.3 inches) longer and 5 mm (0.2 inches) taller compared to the outgoing model while retaining the same width and 2,681 mm (105.5 inches) wheelbase.
The powertrain lineup will include the mild-hybrid 1.5 eTSI petrol, the 2.0 TSI petrol, the 2.0 TDI diesel, plus two eHybrid PHEV options, although the performance flagship Tiguan R was not included in the announcement. The two PHEVs will produce 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) and 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS) respectively, but the highlight is the larger 18.5 kWh battery which is compatible with DC charging and a zero-emission driving range to around 100 km (62 miles).
All powertrains will be exclusively mated to a DSG automatic gearbox, which correlates with the recent report about VW discontinuing the manual option from its lineup. The new Tiguan will also be available with the optional DCC Pro adaptive two-valve suspension, offering 15 different levels of adjustment from soft (Comfort) to firm (Sport).
The market launch of the last ICE-powered VW Tiguan is scheduled for the first quarter of 2024 in Europe. The North American Tiguan that will likely ride on an extended wheelbase will likely be released at a later date with specific details to be announced.
The market launch of the final ICE-powered VW Tiguan is planned for the first quarter of 2024 in Europe. The North American 2025 Tiguan, which is expected to ride on an extended wheelbase, will likely be released at a later date, with more specific details to be announced in due course.
