New Volkswagen launches in 2025 will be concentrated at the premium end of the market.
03 Jan 2025 | 16889 Views | By Rivan RS, Autocar India
After what was a relatively quite 2024 for Volkswagen in India, the company is looking to have a product offensive year in 2025. Some of these new models will be brought in as CBUs or via CKD kits, which means the brand will be expanding its premium lineup in India. ...
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After what was a relatively quite 2024 for Volkswagen in India, the company is looking to have a product offensive year in 2025. Some of these new models will be brought in as CBUs or via CKD kits, which means the brand will be expanding its premium lineup in India. Volkswagen also has mid-lifecycle updates lined up for the Taigun and Virtus. Let’s take a closer look at what to expect from each.
Volkswagen Tiguan R
Launch: Q2 2025
The range-topping, go-faster version of the latest five-seat Tiguan has yet to be revealed in international markets, but an Indian launch has been confirmed. It is likely to be powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol mill churning out in excess of 250hp. Naturally, it’ll also feature more aggressive styling, outside and in. This will be brought in as a full import, which means it will be expensive, with prices estimated to be around Rs 60 lakh (ex-showroom).
Volkswagen Golf GTI
Launch: Mid-2025
After years under evaluation, Volkswagen will finally bring the Golf GTI to India. Expected to arrive by August 2025, the souped-up hot-hatch will be brought in under the government’s homologation-free import route (up to 2,500 units a year are allowed), and act as an aspirational, halo model for Volkswagen India. The Golf GTI will come to India with a 245hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, and sportier aesthetics than the standard model on sale abroad. VW claims a 0-100kph time of 6.4 seconds. When it arrives in India, the Volkswagen Golf GTI is expected to be priced around Rs 45 lakh-50 lakh.
Volkswagen Tayron
Launch: Q3 2025
The Tayron is a replacement for the Tiguan AllSpace and a rival to the Skoda Kodiaq and Jeep Meridian. It is expected to arrive here by the third quarter of 2025, although it is likely to arrive only with a 2.0-litre petrol engine even though international markets get diesel and PHEV options. The new three-row SUV is 231mm longer than the Tiguan on sale abroad to accommodate the third row of seats, and is roomier overall. Inside, the large SUV looks typically like a VW, sporting a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen. It is expected to be priced around Rs 40 lakh (ex-showroom), and will likely be locally assembled.
Volkswagen ID.4 facelift
Launch: Late 2025
The ID.4 is long due for India and a facelift for the electric SUV is in the works internationally. It is this facelifted model that’s expected to finally come to India late this year. The current model’s 77kWh battery is likely to be retained, though it is unknown whether the 204hp RWD version or the 265hp AWD version will be offered in the Indian market. Expect minor styling changes as well, along with more features than the current model on sale abroad. The EV is expected to be brought to India via the CBU route. Prices for the ID.4 are expected to be around Rs 60 lakh (ex-showroom) in India.
Volkswagen Taigun/Virtus facelift
Launch: Late 2025/Early 2026
Due to the realisation that the transition to EVs in India will be more gradual than anticipated and demand is hitting a plateau, VW will be bringing mid-lifecycle updates for the Virtus and Taigun to keep the volumes churning for its core models. Along with sheet metal changes to the front to bring it in-line with newer models, new alloys and loads more equipment like an ADAS suite are expected on the facelifts. They’ll be mechanically unchanged though, carrying over the existing 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre petrol engine options.