Volkswagen's SUV onslaught is showing no signs of slowing down. Sales for the electric ID.4, arguably VW's most important new model in years, have started in America. Volkswagen is also preparing to unleash the Taos, a new compact SUV that slots below the Tiguan. On the other side of the spectrum, we have the new Volkswagen Talagon, which has debuted at the Shanghai Auto Show alongside the electric ID.6 seven-seat SUV.

Previewed by the SMV Concept in 2019, the Talagon is VW's largest SUV ever. Despite America's love of SUVs, VW thinks the Talagon is too massive for the US market and only plans to sell it in China.

Measuring 202 inches long, 78.8 inches wide, and 70.6 inches high, with a 117.3-inch long wheelbase, the Talagon towers over the Taos and Tiguan (and continues VW's obsession with giving SUVs names starting with the letter 'T'). For comparison, VW's largest SUV in America is the Atlas, which is 198.3 inches long, 78.3 inches wide, and 70 inches high, with a 117.3-inch wheelbase. According to VW, the Talagon is designed to create a whole new segment in China, resulting in a "perfect fusion of an SUV and MPV."

Developed as part of VW's joint venture with China's FAW, the Talagon is underpinned by VW's MQB Evo, which is surprising considering the platform is normally reserved for compact cars like the new Volkswagen Golf.

Visually, many of the concept's design features carry over to the production model, including the prominent grille with horizontal slats, LED headlights with integrated daytime running lights, a full-width light bar connecting the taillights, curved hood, and bulging wheel arches. The production SUV also features illuminated door handles, and rails, along with an illuminated rear logo.

Inside, there's room for up to six or seven occupants, a dual-screen setup similar to the Golf's, and a floating center console that contributes to the feeling of spaciousness. Several powertrain options will be available, including a 2.5-liter V6 engine in the range-topping model paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and a 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system.
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