The two premium SUVs from the German carmaker are on sale in India with distinct strengths
In this post, I am comparing the new VW Tayron R-Line and the existing Tiguan R-Line on the basis of specs, features, price, design, dimensions, etc. The two are, essentially, the flagship models from the German auto giant in India. They represent the best that Volkswagen has to offer. In fact, these emerge as great alternatives to some prominent entry-level luxury SUVs on sale in our market. Therefore, the potential customers in this space get a relatively wide range of choices before making a purchase decision. For now, let us take a look at the details of this comparison.
VW Tayron R-Line vs Tiguan R-Line – Price Comparison
Let us commence with what these SUVs will set you back by. The new VW Tayron R-Line comes in a single, fully-loaded variant, with a price tag of Rs 46.99 lakh, ex-showroom. On the other hand, the VW Tiguan R-Line is also available in a single, fully-loaded avatar for Rs 45.73 lakh, ex-showroom. Hence, there is a gap of just Rs 1.26 lakh between the two. However, the former offers the 7-seat configuration, while the latter is a strict 5-seat SUV. Therefore, the extra Rs 1.26 lakh will offer you a lot more practicality and flexibility in terms of seating.
| Price (ex-sh.) | VW Tayron R-Line | VW Tiguan R-Line |
| Single Variant | Rs 46.99 lakh | Rs 45.73 lakh |
VW Tayron R-Line vs Tiguan R-Line – Specs Comparison
Interestingly, there isn’t any difference between the two SUVs in this regard. They both carry the same powertrain and transmission combinations, which makes it easy for buyers to choose between the two. This includes a powerful 2.0-litre TSI EVO turbo petrol mill, which generates a healthy 204 PS and 320 Nm of peak power and torque, respectively. This mill pairs with the famed 7-speed DSG transmission, which powers many VW cars. Furthermore, the power is sent to all four wheels via the 4MOTION technology. This results in a brisk 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 7.3 seconds with the Tayron R-Line, despite its colossal dimensions. Hence, there isn’t anything to choose from between the two in this regard.
| Specs | VW Tayron R-Line | VW Tiguan R-Line |
| Engine | 2.0L TSI EVO Turbo Petrol | 2.0L TSI EVO Turbo Petrol |
| Power | 204 PS | 204 PS |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Transmission | 7-DSG | 7-DSG |
VW Tayron R-Line vs Tiguan R-Line – Features, Tech and Safety Comparison
Being the top-of-the-line models, both Tayron R-Line and Tiguar R-Line boast tons of new-age tech, connectivity, convenience and safety amenities. That is something customers desire from their vehicles in today’s day and age. Firstly, let us glance at the kind of functionalities the new Tayron R-Line comes with:
- 15-inch Infotainment Display
- 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit
- Digital Voice Assistant
- Wired & Wireless App-Connect for Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- My Volkswagen Connect Plus
- Perforated leather “Varenna” inserts on front seats and outer rear seats
- Leather-wrapped, heated, multi-function sports steering wheel and shift paddles with perforation incl. R logo
- 3-row Seating Configuration
- Front seats with extendable thigh support
- Driver profile selection
- Boot Space – 345 litres (1,905 litres with second and third row folded)
- Interior ambient lighting with 30 colour options
- 11-speaker Harmon Kardon Audio System
- Windscreen head-up display with customizable positioning
- 3-zone air care automatic climate control
- ErgoActive electric front seats with 12-way adjustment including lumbar support
- Massage function with 8 programs on front seats
- Ventilated and heated front seats
- Variable luggage compartment floor
- Rear AC vents with temperature settings
- Electronic parking brake with auto-hold function
- Electric opening & closing of tailgate including foot operation sensors
- Two-step reclining 2nd row seats, second row seats with reclining and sliding functions
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Level 2 ADAS
- Park Assist Plus
- 9 Airbags
- ISOFIX child seat anchors
- Proactive passenger protection system
- Tyre pressure monitoring system
- Hill start assist & hill descent control
Similarly, the Tiguan R-Line is also packed with amenities to the brim. The main attractions include:
- 15-inch Infotainment Display
- 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit
- Tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof
- Leather-wrapped, heated, multi-function sports steering wheel with R Clasp
- Interior ambient lighting in dashboard and doors with 30 colour options
- R-Line Insignia
- Head-up Display
- 8-speaker Immersive Sound System
- Electronic Engine Sound
- Wireless Charging
- IDA Voice control and Voice enhancer
- Wired and Wireless App-Connect for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Driver profile selection
- Three-zone Air Care Climatronic system with rear air conditioning control panel
- Allergen filter and enhanced air filter
- Keyless Start with SAFELOCK
- Front seats with massage feature
- Front pneumatic – adjustable lumbar support
- Front seats with manual adjustment of seat travel, height and backrest angle
- Height and reach adjustable steering wheel
- Front centre armrest
- Front sports comfort seats, heated
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Longitudinally sliding thigh support
- Level 2 ADAS
- Park Assist Plus with Park Distance Control
- Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control
- ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
Design and Dimensions Comparison
The VW Tayron R-Line carries a clean yet sporty design language which leans more towards understated sophistication than outright aggression. The R19 Coventry alloys with their black diamond-turned finish, along with the full-width illuminated light mouldings and animated VW logos at both ends, lend it a distinctly premium and futuristic road presence. Subtle touches like illuminated door handle recesses, projection puddle lamps, chrome window garnish and the roof-edge spoiler with gloss-black fins elevate the visual appeal without going over the top. Inside, the stainless-steel pedals, aluminium R scuff plates, Varenna leatherette upholstery and Art Velours soft-touch dashboard with blue piping create a cabin that feels R-Line in character. Overall, it strikes the right balance between everyday elegance and sporty detailing, which should resonate well with Indian buyers looking for a premium family SUV with a hint of performance flair.
The Tiguan R-Line adopts a sharper and more athletic design approach, highlighted by the illuminated light strip connecting the headlamps and the animated 3D LED tail lamps at the rear. The gloss-black honeycomb bumper inserts, black wheel arch extensions and multiple ‘R’ badges give it a distinctly performance-oriented stance without compromising on Volkswagen’s trademark restraint. Details like the 19-inch Coventry diamond-cut alloys, chrome window garnish, silver anodised roof rails and body-coloured mirrors add a premium, well-balanced character. The illuminated door handles, VW logo projection lighting and laminated acoustic glass further enhance the sense of sophistication and everyday usability. Overall, it comes across as a mature, sporty SUV that blends visual dynamism with the solid, high-quality feel Indian Tiguan buyers expect.
| Dimensions (in mm) | VW Tayron R-Line | VW Tiguan R-Line |
| Length | 4,792 | 4,539 |
| Width | 1,866 | 1,859 |
| Height | 1,665 | 1,656 |
| Wheelbase | 2,789 | 2,680 |
Editor’s Note
Yatharth Chauhan, Managing Editor
In my view, Volkswagen has positioned the Tayron R-Line and Tiguan R-Line very cleverly for India by offering the same proven powertrain but catering to two distinct buyer needs. The Tayron’s 7-seat practicality and marginal price premium make it the more sensible choice for family-oriented customers, while the Tiguan continues to appeal to enthusiasts who prefer a more compact, driver-focused SUV. With feature-loaded cabins and strong brand perception, both sit as credible alternatives to entry-level luxury SUVs. Ultimately, the decision boils down to whether buyers prioritise third-row versatility or a more traditional five-seat premium driving experience.
Also Read: 2026 Volkswagen Tayron R-Line Test Drive Review: Subtle Yet Striking
