The Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line: Affordable Performance SUV

The R-Line badge brings a series of visual enhancements that give the Tiguan a purposeful stance. 
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Volkswagen’s all-new Tiguan R-Line has officially made its debut in India as a fully imported CBU. With its latest generation updates, the SUV aims to be more than just a looker – offering a balanced blend of performance, practicality, and everyday usability without leaning too hard on gimmicks.

The R-Line badge brings a series of visual enhancements that give the Tiguan a purposeful stance. From the aggressive front fascia with LED Plus headlamps and a sleek glass-covered grille strip, to the diamond-turned 19-inch “Coventry” alloys and horizontal LED tail lamps at the rear, this SUV wears its sporty credentials without overdoing it. Subtle ‘R’ elements across the exterior and interior reinforce its positioning as the range-topping trim in the Tiguan lineup.

The Tiguan R-Line is well-equipped on the technology front, offering a blend of functionality and modern features. 
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Step inside, and the cabin feels unmistakably Volkswagen – clean, intuitive, and built to last. The illuminated dashboard and door handle recesses add a premium touch, while the panoramic sunroof and 30-colour ambient lighting contribute to the overall ambience. The R-Line inserts on the front comfort seats add a sporty edge, but the lack of electronic adjustment is a surprising omission at this price point. That said, the seats offer are supremely comfortable, supported by massage and lumbar support functions. Rear seat space continues to be a Tiguan strong suit – with ample legroom, solid under-thigh support, and overall second-row comfort that rivals larger SUVs.

The illuminated dashboard and door handle recesses add a premium touch.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

The Tiguan R-Line is well-equipped on the technology front, offering a blend of functionality and modern features. There is  a 38.1 cm infotainment touchscreen with a redesigned UI, a customizable 26.04 cm digital cockpit, a head-up display, and a new multifunction driving mode dial with an integrated TFT screen. There’s also wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, inductive charging for two phones, and the new IDA voice assistant. The eight-speaker sound system delivers decent audio performance  but stops short of being a standout.

Under the hood sits a 2.0-litre TSI EVO petrol engine pushing out 204 PS and 320 Nm, paired with a 7-speed DSG and 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system. It’s a combination that works well, delivering smooth power across the rev band with quick, seamless gearshifts. Drive modes adjust throttle response and suspension damping effectively, making a noticeable difference to the way the Tiguan behaves depending on terrain and pace. Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC Pro) and the Vehicle Dynamics Manager ensure that ride quality remains pliant over broken surfaces, yet composed when hustled.

Surprisingly maneuverable for its size, making city driving less of a chore.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

What stands out is how easy and light the Tiguan feels in urban settings. Despite its size, surprisingly maneuverable for its size, making city driving less of a chore. Out on the highway, however, it transforms – hunkering down and offering high-speed stability that inspires confidence. The steering feels accurate, body roll is well contained, and there’s genuine fun to be had from behind the wheel. For a family SUV, it punches well above its weight when it comes to driving engagement.

Volkswagen has packed the Tiguan R-Line with 21 Level 2 ADAS features, 9 airbags, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, TPMS, and front and rear disc brakes. It’s also secured a 5-star Euro NCAP rating – reassuring credentials for anyone prioritising safety.

The Tiguan R-Line makes a compelling case for itself as a premium, fun-to-drive SUV with just the right mix of performance, space, and technology. While the absence of features like powered seats may stand out, it more than compensates with impressive driving dynamics and everyday comfort. Given its status as a CBU import, the price feels justified — this is a global SUV with minimal compromise.

The Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line is priced at ₹48.99 lakh (ex-showroom)

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