Volkswagen’s Largest SUV Ever is Not Intended for North America

While Audi has recently been spotted testing a mystery SUV prototype larger than the Q7, parent company Volkswagen is also preparing to launch its biggest SUV ever.

The problem? It’s exclusively designed for China.

As was the case with the ID.4 and ID.6 electric crossovers (the latter likely won’t come to North America, as well, although a VW representative admitted it is “conceivable”), the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technologies has leaked images of what will be called “Talagon.”

The thing you have to understand is that automakers in China are required to submit pictures of their new production models before they hit the market.

Photo: drom.ru

The Talagon is a full-size SUV based on the SMV concept that Volkswagen introduced in Shanghai back in 2019. It shares its MQB platform with the Atlas (sold as Teramont in China), but stands about 11 centimetres longer. It’s also wider and taller, though by a much smaller margin.

The silhouette is less boxy, front and rear, which gives this SUV a sportier profile.

Despite its formidable size and weight, the Talagon will reportedly make do with a 2.0-litre TSI engine producing 186 or 220 horsepower depending on the trim level (the Atlas ranges from 235-276 horsepower). Clearly, that’s not nearly enough to meet the needs of customers on this continent. Still, it’s interesting to see the Germans try to emulate the Americans.

And let’s not forget that South Korean automakers Hyundai and Kia may follow suit, too, based on comments made by some of their top executives. Same thing at Honda.

Watch: Volkswagen's small new SUV is called Taos and coming to Canada

Share on Facebook

More on the subject

First Drives2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport: Amerika
America is an increasingly attractive market for automakers. There may not be as many people as in Asia, but consumers have more money. And they spend more for SUVs because they want safety and capability. These vehicles have higher margins and generate more profit, so forgive companies for launching more …
ChicagoRefreshed 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Looks Cooler, Feels Techier
After showing a teaser just before the holiday season, Volkswagen unveiled the refreshed 2021 Atlas at the Chicago Auto Show. The most obvious changes can be seen in the exterior design. The German automaker’s seven-passenger midsize SUV follows in the footsteps of the five-passenger Atlas Cross Sport introduced last year …
ElectricID.5 Confirmed as Third Electric Vehicle From Volkswagen
After the ID.3 hatchback (which we don’t have here) and the ID.4 compact SUV (on sale this summer), Volkswagen ’s next electric vehicle will be the ID.5, a coupe variant of the ID.4 and a closer copy of the ID. CROZZ concept pictured above. The German automaker confirmed the news …
ElectricVolkswagen ID. BUZZ Won’t Come Here Until 2023
One of the electric vehicles that will create the most buzz in the next few years—literally—is the production version of the ID. BUZZ concept, a modern interpretation of the iconic Microbus (Type 2) from Volkswagen . Unfortunately, we’ll have to be even more patient than we expected. In an interview …