Volkswagen India seems to have found its rhythm and is doing so with quiet confidence rather than loud announcements. Now, Volkswagen wants to build on this momentum by launching the Tayron R-Line, a model that not only expands its SUV portfolio but also steps in as the brand’s new flagship offering in India. Taking over from the Tiguan, the Tyrone carries a certain weight of expectation. It must embody VW’s core values (solid engineering, everyday usability, etc.) in one package.
At first glance, the Tayron R-Line doesn’t attract attention, and that seems intentional. R-Line elements on the front bumper and doors add a sporty character, while 19-inch Coventry alloy wheels give it a planted stance. Illuminated Volkswagen logos at the front and rear reinforce its leading position, especially at night. Volkswagen has always believed in long design life, and the Tyrone follows this philosophy. Nothing here appears to be trend-led or short-term. Instead, clean lines and restrained surfaces ensure that the SUV will look relevant for many years to come. Look at old Volkswagen cars on the road, and you’ll notice that they look contemporary even today.
Inside the Tayron R-Line, you’re greeted by an interior that feels both familiar and elevated. The dashboard is dominated by a large 15-inch touchscreen infotainment system, coupled with a clear 10.25-inch digital cockpit and an augmented reality head-up display that displays navigation and driving information directly in the driver’s line of sight. Despite the tech-heavy setup, the cabin never feels cumbersome. The controls are laid out logically and once you spend a few minutes behind the wheel, everything becomes intuitive.
Fit and finish are excellent throughout, and Volkswagen’s advantage of being part of a large global group is clear. Proven common components and switchgear create a feeling of solidity, while soft-touch materials and subtle R-Line details enhance the overall ambiance.
The Tayron’s front seats are a highlight. Both are 12-way electrically adjustable and come with memory, ventilation, massage and lumbar support. It’s very comfortable and supportive over long distances and feels worthy of a flagship SUV.
Being a three-row SUV, space is a major consideration. The first and second rows provide ample leg and headroom, supported by a large panoramic sunroof that floods the cabin with light and enhances the feeling of spaciousness. The third row, although usable, is suitable for children or short adults. It’s good for occasional use, but not ideal for long trips.
What Tayron really excels at is versatility. Fold the third row down, and you’ll be able to open up a whopping 1,905 liters of boot space. During our drive, we loaded the trunk with camera gear, suitcases, and suitcases, and still had room to spare. Even with the third row up, there’s enough room to accommodate two duffel bags or cabin-sized suitcases. Folding the seats is also easy. With just a simple pull of the lever from the trunk, the second row falls flat, making the Tyron practical for road trips and everyday use alike.
Stable choice
As a flagship product, the Tayron R-Line comes comprehensively equipped on the safety front. It features nine airbags and electronic stability control as standard, in addition to hill climb and descent control to deal with steep or uneven terrain. The Driver Profile Select system allows the vehicle’s behavior to be customized across six different driving modes, adapting throttle response, steering weight and powertrain settings to suit different conditions.
Technology plays a major role in Tyrone’s appeal. The three-zone Climatronic control system allows separate temperature settings for the driver, front passenger and rear passengers. The gesture-controlled tailgate adds convenience in daily use. The Harman Kardon sound system, which delivers a powerful 700-watt output, fills the cabin with immersive sound, which is made even better thanks to the Tayron’s excellent sound insulation.
Under the hood is the familiar and popular 2.0-litre TSI EA888 evo4 petrol engine. It produces 201 hp and 32.63 kgm, and is coupled to a 7-speed DSG gearbox and Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel drive system. On paper, the numbers are impressive. The Tyrone accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 224 km/h. On the road, these numbers translate into effortless performance. Power delivery is smooth and linear, and the DSG gearbox shifts quickly and smoothly.
Switch to Sport mode, and the Tayron reveals a more engaging side, holding gears longer and responding eagerly to throttle inputs. Dig deeper into the menus and you’ll find launch control, a feature typically reserved for high-performance cars.
Volkswagen cars have always been well equipped and the Tayron R-Line is no exception. It feels planted in corners, stable at speed and reassuring under hard braking. Even when braking at triple-digit speeds, the car remains composed and tracks straight, an outstanding quality in this class.
On rough road sections, the suspension absorbs imperfections without disturbing the cabin. Tyrone maintains his composure even when pushed, allowing you to handle the speed without feeling nervous or uncomfortable. We also ventured out on loose sandy stretches to test the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system. It handled the terrain with confidence, pulling the Tyrone out of tough situations with minimal drama.
Volkswagen is expected to position the Tayron R-Line as its flagship SUV in India, with a price likely to be around INR 52 lakh (ex-showroom). With the Hyundai Tucson no longer in production, the Tyrone finds itself in an interesting place, bridging the gap between premium mainstream SUVs and entry-level luxury offerings from brands like Volvo and BMW.
When you compare performance, technology and overall driving confidence, you’ll find that the Tyrone has its own advantages. This car may not carry a luxury badge, but it delivers a truly premium experience where it matters most. He does not try to influence with tricks or excess. Instead, it does what Volkswagens have always done best, which is simply get a lot of things right.
© World of Cars
Posted on February 7, 2026
