Volkswagen India on January 22, 2026, commenced local assembly of its upcoming flagship SUV, the Tayron R-Line, at its Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar manufacturing facility in Maharashtra, marking a major step ahead of its official market launch scheduled for the first quarter of 2026. The move is aimed at improving pricing competitiveness and strengthening the brand’s presence in India’s premium three-row SUV segment.
Piyush Arora, Managing Director and CEO of Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, said the start of production reflects the company’s commitment to delivering premium, German-engineered products that align with Indian customer expectations. He added that the Tayron R-Line will play a strategic role in expanding Volkswagen’s premium SUV portfolio while reinforcing India’s growing importance as a manufacturing and export hub within the group’s global operations.
Nitin Kohli, Brand Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars India, said that local assembly enables the company to bring global models to Indian customers faster and at more accessible price points. He said the Tayron R-Line represents the brand’s ambition to cater to evolving consumer demand for premium, spacious, and technology-rich SUVs, especially among urban family buyers.
Positioned above the Tiguan R-Line, the Tayron R-Line will be Volkswagen’s most premium SUV offering in India and marks the brand’s return to the three-row SUV segment after the discontinuation of the Tiguan AllSpace. Built on the MQB EVO platform, the SUV offers a longer wheelbase for improved third-row space, along with a more commanding road presence and enhanced cabin comfort.
The Tayron R-Line is expected to feature a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing around 204 hp and 320 Nm of torque, paired with a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox and 4Motion all-wheel drive. Key features are likely to include a large touchscreen infotainment system, digital instrument cluster, panoramic sunroof, multi-zone climate control, advanced driver assistance systems, and premium interior finishes.
Volkswagen said the Tayron R-Line is aimed at buyers seeking a blend of luxury, performance, and practicality in the premium SUV space. Once launched, it will compete with models such as the Toyota Fortuner, MG Gloster, Jeep Meridian, and Skoda Kodiaq in the Indian market.
