KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Tiguan R-Line looks muscular and exotic.
- 0 to 120 km/h is achieved in just 10 seconds.
- Due to the low width of the tyres, the ride quality at slow speeds isn't good.
Volkswagen did the unthinkable in 2025, launching a performance-oriented SUV in India, with a price tag of Rs 49 lakh. Clearly, they have played a huge bet here, as they know Polo and several other cars have planted a fact in Indians' subconscious - that if you are a fan of driving, then you gotta drive a Volkswagen. This newly launched SUV is quite special, as this is the first ever R-Line product and a brand new product, brought here through the CBU route.
We at 91Wheels recently got hands on it and tested it throughout, and this is what we think of it. So, here are its pros and cons, which will help you understand this SUV better. So, let's start - and in the meantime, make sure to join the 91Wheels Whatsapp Channel to never miss out on automotive updates.
Also Read: Most Powerful Cars Under Rs 50 Lakh - From ICE To EVs
Pros
New Design
The Tiguan R-Line is basically a high-end performance version of the VW Tiguan, and this is the 3rd generation of it. In person, this R-Line does leave an impact on you. As even from a distance, it feels special - and what I meant by that is: the massive grille with gloss black trims, the 19-inch Coventry alloy wheels, and a lot of chrome inserts make it look exotic. On the internet, this appears like a regular compact SUV, but in person - one can see how wide and massive it is. So, if you love the German designs which have the tendency to age well and look simplistic yet aggressive, you'll love the overall look of this beast.
Top Class Performance
We love every engine VW has developed and sold in India. Each one has its own characteristics, and their performance has always remained unparalleled. Same case is with this 2.0L TSI EVO, which was also there in the last generation Tiguan, but now it gains more power and grunt, churning out 204 PS and 320 Nm of torque - and the gearbox is the same 7-speed DSG.
Also, it comes with DCC Pro Driving Mode selection, and while reviewing it, we checked its acceleration and it did 0 to 100 km/h in just 8 seconds, and to reach 120 km/h the time recorded was 10.1 seconds. Plus, even if you press the throttle to full, the torque never seems to go away, as it pulls and pulls. Plus, one great thing we noticed - if you drive it at a constant speed of 80 to 85 km/h, then fuel efficiency will be counted for more than 20 km/l.
To add more, it comes with 4Motion, which isn't an AWD system all the time, but it basically senses the wheel which is lacking traction and sends the power to it. The driver can't do anything about it, as it happens automatically, and it resembles a lot with Audi's Quattro.
Interior Quality
As we step inside, the overall quality of the cabin felt so superior to the VW cars made for India, and we expected it to be, as this is a CBU vehicle. The leather used inside, the giant infotainment screen, and the overall atmosphere created by the ambient lights - visible at the central console, on the door trims - and the great part is that around 30 types of colours are there to choose from.
Moreover, to control anything, the only way is the giant 15-inch infotainment screen, but the screen is very easy to use, quick, and reminds you that you're in 2025. Lastly, the interior has the feel of top-notch quality, which is hard to get in India even in luxury car brands.
Cons
Ride Quality At Slow Speeds
The wheels on the Tiguan R-Line are great for the high-speed performance, but at slow speeds, the low tread width does make the rides quite bumpy, and also the noise comes inside the cabin, which sets off the mood sometimes. So, the tyre profile is 255/45/R19 - and to be frank, they are great in every sense. It's just that Indian roads are so unpredictable that having such low width will make your rides a little tougher, especially at slow speeds, even if it's a Mercedes S-Class. That said, one would argue that it is a performance-oriented car so it works for it - yes, but the owners won't be driving it at triple-digit speeds all day. This makes it lesser of an everyday usable car.
Front Sports Seats
VW has installed proper sport seats inside the new Tiguan R-Line, which are great from the perspective of holding ones body tight and giving proper bolstering, so the person doesn't move in the directions if the car is doing so. However, people with a large build won't find them comfortable at all, and getting inside would cost them months of cardiovascular exercise. So, you can't enjoy the R-Line madness if you are of large size.
To add more, these seats provide massaging and lumbar support; however, they aren't electronically slided forward or backward. We believe this step was taken to make sure the weight of the car doesn't go up, but in a country like India, the features really matter.
Everything Happens Through Infotainment Screen
The 15-inch infotainment screen is like the manager of this Tiguan R-Line, as everything happens through it - to operate AC controls, to choose between different ambient light options, and more. The overall console feels spacious and clutter-free because there are no buttons, except a dial for changing the ride modes. Now, one more important thing which is a bit of a disappointment is the lack of important features like - electric tailgate, no real keyless entry, and no spare wheel.
Also Read: Missing This On Your Windshield In Delhi? Be Ready For A Fine
Verdict
The final verdict about the VW Tiguan R-Line is that, if you love driving and are fond of German cars, this truly will impress you with everything on offer. Like every other VW car, the faster you go, the more they come alive - and the same is the case here. However, the engine doesn't sound that roaring, like one would expect - which is quite surprising as to why it's so weak when it comes to sound. But still, the experience is outstanding, so if you're looking for a premium ICE SUV with top-notch performance, this is the one.
