Volkswagen Tayron R-Line First Drive Review: Driving Pleasure Comes Built-In

When news broke that the Volkswagen Tayron R-Line was headed to India, it instantly triggered memories from 2020. Back then, the Tiguan Allspace stood out as one of those rare SUVs that drove like a well-sorted car while still offering space and practicality. It was genuinely enjoyable behind the wheel—but the market didn’t quite reward it.

Fast forward to 2026, and Volkswagen is ready to try again. The Tayron R-Line arrives with a familiar mechanical formula and unmistakable VW design DNA, but it looks more contemporary and better aligned with current buyer expectations. Crucially, this time around, Volkswagen is assembling the SUV locally, signalling that the Tayron isn’t here as a niche offering. The big question remains: can it convince buyers shopping in the Rs 40–50 lakh seven-seat SUV bracket? We spent time driving it to find out.

Volkswagen Tayron R-Line First Drive Review: Looks – Clean, Classy and Confident

There’s no denying that the Tayron R-Line is an attractive SUV. The design is instantly recognisable as a Volkswagen, but smoother surfacing and softer edges give it a more modern feel. Sleek LED lighting and illuminated VW logos at the front and rear enhance the premium vibe without making the design feel over-styled.

The standout, though, is the Ultra Violet Metallic paint finish seen on our test car. Combined with excellent paint quality, it lends the Tayron a visual richness that makes it look pricier than what Volkswagen is likely to ask for it in India.

Step inside

and the premium theme continues. The cabin is finished predominantly in black, creating a sporty and understated atmosphere. While this darker palette adds to the R-Line’s character, some buyers may miss the airiness that lighter interiors usually provide.

Volkswagen Tayron R-Line First Drive Review: Performance – Quick and Composed

Powering the Tayron R-Line is Volkswagen’s familiar 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine, producing 204 PS and 320 Nm. It is paired with a 7-speed DSG automatic. The inclusion of the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system adds another layer of capability. In everyday driving, the Tayron feels easy-going and responsive, with strong low-end torque and quick, smooth gear shifts—especially in Eco and Comfort modes.

Press harder on the accelerator and the engine responds instantly. Switching to Sport mode sharpens throttle inputs and encourages the motor to rev faster. With Launch Control engaged, the Tayron R-Line can sprint from 0–100 km/h in just 7.3 seconds which is a quick pace for a three-row SUV. More importantly, the performance never feels forced; it’s delivered in a smooth, confidence-inspiring manner.

Venturing off paved roads for shoot locations revealed decent composure over loose terrain. While we didn’t attempt any serious off-roading, the Tayron gave the impression that it could handle light trails comfortably—much like the Tiguan Allspace did years ago.

On twisty roads, the 4Motion system plays its part effectively, shuffling power seamlessly to maintain grip. The result is an SUV that feels planted and predictable even when driven enthusiastically.

Volkswagen Tayron R-Line First Drive Review: Features – Premium Tech, Done Right

Feature-wise, the Tayron R-Line impresses by combining sophistication with usability. Dominating the dashboard is a 15-inch touchscreen angled towards the driver. The interface is clean, responsive and well thought out, with large icons and smooth animations that don’t overwhelm the user.

Most functions—including climate controls, seat massage settings, driving modes and vehicle configurations—are housed within the touchscreen. Thankfully, Volkswagen has designed the menus intelligently, so frequently used features are easy to access without excessive digging.

Lighting is another highlight. Volkswagen’s IQ.LIGHT system offers customisable lighting signatures for both the headlights and taillights. The adaptive headlights integrate with the ADAS suite to manage high-beam usage automatically, even masking specific areas while keeping the rest of the road illuminated. In real-world night driving, the system works remarkably well and significantly reduces driver fatigue.

The equipment list is comprehensive: a panoramic sunroof, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, powered front seats with ventilation and eight massage functions, three-zone climate control, head-up display, gesture-controlled powered tailgate and a full ADAS package. While our drive time with ADAS was limited, its initial behaviour felt polished and unobtrusive.

Volkswagen Tayron R-Line First Drive Review: Verdict – Built for Those Who Love to Drive

In an era where many SUVs prioritise rear-seat comfort and passive driving experiences, the Tayron R-Line takes a refreshing approach. It delivers engagement behind the wheel without compromising on comfort, space or technology.

For buyers seeking a petrol-powered, seven-seat premium SUV, the Volkswagen Tayron R-Line presents a compelling alternative. And if Volkswagen manages to price it under Rs 45 lakh (ex-showroom), it’ll be one of the most appealing options in the segment.