Volkswagen will build a Tiguan sub-brand of crossovers, including a coupe and seven-seater

By Miles Branman February 5, 2016

Volkswagen Tiguan GTE Active Tourer Concept — Volkswagen Tiguan GTE Active Tourer Concept Image used with permission by copyright holder

As Volkswagen limps back to health from its self-inflicted Dieselgate injury, the automaker has revealed some information about its upcoming model lineup plans.

It should be no surprise that a multi-billion dollar hit immediately forces a company to look for ways to revive its financial standing, and crossovers are pretty much printed money these days. To capitalize on the trend, Volkswagen plans to expand its Tiguan compact crossover family soon after the next generation arrives in dealerships this Spring.

AutoExpress conducted an interview with Volkswagen compact cars executive Jochen Bohle, who said that “we have plans for a whole Tiguan family over the next two to three years.” Bohle went on to confirm that the Tiguan name will be attached to each new derivative, meaning “it is almost like a brand in itself.”

A top of mind comparison to VW’s apparent plans for its Tiguan is Hyundai’s Genesis. Once just a model name, the Genesis brand has broken off to represent an entire luxury sub-brand. For Volkswagen, Tiguan likely means new, stylish, entry-level models that are tailored to the expressed interests of crossover buyers.

The first new version to market will be a larger, seven-seat version of the Tiguan, with 4.33 inches of added wheelbase, a longer rear overhang, and a wider track. In addition, a cross-coupe is in the works to rival Land Rover’s Range Rover Evoque, Mazda’s Koeru-based CX-4 (name not confirmed), BMW’s X4, and other upcoming offerings.

“It is a very exciting car, the coupe,” Bohle said, adding that, “it’s looking fantastic.” The coupe will ride on the standard Tiguan’s wheelbase, but with a more steeply-raked roofline and redesigned rear. Volkswagen plans to offer the coupe in all regions and will produce it in Wolfsburg.

Another model that might come down the pipeline is an off-road version, based on the GTE Active Tourer concept with a butched-up exterior and increased ride height.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Miles Branman doesn't need sustenance; he needs cars. While the gearhead gene wasn't strong in his own family, Miles…

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?

The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.