Photo: Volkswagen
As you’re all aware, the Amarok is getting on a bit. Volkswagen has signed an agreement with Volkswagen to develop the second generation with Ford know-how as part of the next Ranger program, but contrary to what’s been heard in the rumor mill, electrification isn’t likely.
Scheduled to arrive in 2022, the Amarok Gen 2 “will not feature a pure-electric powertrain or even hybrid petrol or diesel engines.” Those are the words of Australian publication Car Sales, and during the launch of the ID.3 electric hatchback at the Frankfurt Auto Show, the chief operating officer made it clear that’s not the case going forward.
"At the moment, [for] this type of car [mid-size pickup], there is no plan to electrify," said Ralf Branstatter. It comes as curious how Volkswagen came to this decision, more so if you remember the F-150 will go hybrid and electric with the fourteenth generation of the full-size workhorse. Some of that technology could trickle down to the Ranger, and in light of the agreement with Volkswagen, the Amarok could borrow it as well.
The ICE-only strategy is also at odds with the push for electrification within the Volkswagen Group, which has committed a lot of euros to MEB-based models such as the ID.4 electric crossover. It is also worth remembering that Ford experimented with electrified pickups in the ‘90s alongside General Motors, offering the mid-sized Ranger EV and S-10 Electric.
For the time being, every Amarok produced for the European market comes with the 3.0 TDI instead of the 2.0-liter turbo diesel from the early days of the nameplate. The V6 features an overboost function and plenty of torque, besting the Mercedes-Benz X 350 d 4Matic.
Der Amarok with the Double Cab and Comfortline grade starts at 42,536 euros in Germany, and at the other end of the spectrum, the Aventura will set you back 57,657 before options and accessories. That’s serious money for a mid-sizer when you think about it, more so if you remember the Ranger Wiltrak costs €47,469. Leveling up to the Raptor translates to €66,770, but that’s money well spent given how fun the truck is to drive off-road.
"At the moment, [for] this type of car [mid-size pickup], there is no plan to electrify," said Ralf Branstatter. It comes as curious how Volkswagen came to this decision, more so if you remember the F-150 will go hybrid and electric with the fourteenth generation of the full-size workhorse. Some of that technology could trickle down to the Ranger, and in light of the agreement with Volkswagen, the Amarok could borrow it as well.
The ICE-only strategy is also at odds with the push for electrification within the Volkswagen Group, which has committed a lot of euros to MEB-based models such as the ID.4 electric crossover. It is also worth remembering that Ford experimented with electrified pickups in the ‘90s alongside General Motors, offering the mid-sized Ranger EV and S-10 Electric.
For the time being, every Amarok produced for the European market comes with the 3.0 TDI instead of the 2.0-liter turbo diesel from the early days of the nameplate. The V6 features an overboost function and plenty of torque, besting the Mercedes-Benz X 350 d 4Matic.
Der Amarok with the Double Cab and Comfortline grade starts at 42,536 euros in Germany, and at the other end of the spectrum, the Aventura will set you back 57,657 before options and accessories. That’s serious money for a mid-sizer when you think about it, more so if you remember the Ranger Wiltrak costs €47,469. Leveling up to the Raptor translates to €66,770, but that’s money well spent given how fun the truck is to drive off-road.
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