Photo: SB-Medien
Our spy photographers have once again come across the 2017 Volkswagen 7-seater SUV and we have to admit the upcoming US market model only comes to show how far the automotive world has come from the stereotypes that used to define it back in the day.
For one thing, when a non-trained eye reads about this full-size SUV sharing its MQB platform with the Golf, this might seem strange. Then again, there are two logical explanations for the 7-seater skipping the MLB Evo architecture that will underpin the smaller (compared to the vehicle we have here) 2018 Touareg.
First of all, the German automaker's platforms are represented by a collection of predefined values, such as, say, the distance between the firewall and the front axle. But everything else associated with such an architecture is variable, which is why the "transplant" discussed here is possible.
Then there's the financial matter. Judging by the pricing of potential competitors such as the Ford Explorer or the Toyota Highlander, Volkswagen is expected to set a starting price of around$50,000 $30,000 for the full-size SUV, which is why the more expensive platform of the Touareg, which has already debuted on the Bentley Bentayga and 2017 Audi Q7 didn't fit the bill.
Nevertheless, those of you who are in the market for a premium full-size VW SUV will have to wait for the production version of the T-Prime Concept GTE released at this year's Beijing Auto Show.
Speaking of concepts, the "affordable" proposal we see in these spyshots draws its styling inspiration from the 2013 CrossBlue Concept.
While a Volkswagen Passat-borrowed V6 is almost a certainty, we expect the base engine to be a turbocharged four-cylinder. While a diesel version is unlikely for the US market, a plug-in hybrid should assume the role of a range-topper.
Further down the power line, we should find a standard eight-speed automatic. Base models should come in front-wheel-drive trim, while all-wheel-drive will be optional.
Volkswagen has already confirmed the 7-seater we have here will enter production at its Chattanooga, Tennessee. The vehicle will bow next year, as a 2018 model and is just a part of the carmaker's high-riding plan that, size-wise, starts with the subcompact, Polo-based model we showed you earlier today.
First of all, the German automaker's platforms are represented by a collection of predefined values, such as, say, the distance between the firewall and the front axle. But everything else associated with such an architecture is variable, which is why the "transplant" discussed here is possible.
Then there's the financial matter. Judging by the pricing of potential competitors such as the Ford Explorer or the Toyota Highlander, Volkswagen is expected to set a starting price of around
Nevertheless, those of you who are in the market for a premium full-size VW SUV will have to wait for the production version of the T-Prime Concept GTE released at this year's Beijing Auto Show.
Speaking of concepts, the "affordable" proposal we see in these spyshots draws its styling inspiration from the 2013 CrossBlue Concept.
While a Volkswagen Passat-borrowed V6 is almost a certainty, we expect the base engine to be a turbocharged four-cylinder. While a diesel version is unlikely for the US market, a plug-in hybrid should assume the role of a range-topper.
Further down the power line, we should find a standard eight-speed automatic. Base models should come in front-wheel-drive trim, while all-wheel-drive will be optional.
Volkswagen has already confirmed the 7-seater we have here will enter production at its Chattanooga, Tennessee. The vehicle will bow next year, as a 2018 model and is just a part of the carmaker's high-riding plan that, size-wise, starts with the subcompact, Polo-based model we showed you earlier today.
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