Volkswagen Tiguan, Tayron PHEVs arriving 2026

VOLKSWAGEN has confirmed that plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants of the third-generation Tiguan, launched earlier in 2025, and all-new Tayron, will be introduced to the Australian market with the local arrival pencilled in for the first half of 2026.

Approval of the PHEVs follows an extended period of deliberation during which Volkswagen’s local arm argued the case for plug-in technology as a third option, nestled between the conventional turbo-petrol versions of the Tiguan/Tayron, and battery electric (BEV) models like the ID.4 Pro ($59,990 + ORCs).

VGA has secured both PHEV drivetrains available to European Tiguan/Tayron buyers. Each is based on a 1.5-litre TSI turbo petrol four-cylinder engine paired to a six-speed DSG automatic and single 85kW/330Nm electric motor, with the strength of the petrol engine differing (110kW/250Nm or 130kW/250Nm).

Resulting combined outputs are 150kW and 200kW respectively, with both drivetrains powering the front wheels only. Both systems employ a 25.7kWh (19.7kWh usable) lithium-ion battery with WLTP electric ranges of between 111km and 129km depending on specification.

Overseas, Volkswagen quotes a combined range of more than 900km from both the 45-litre fuel tank and battery, which implies TDI diesel-like fuel consumption of around 5.8L/100km once the pack is exhausted.

VGA head of product Arjun Nidigallu confirmed that PHEV powertrains will be offered in Elegance and R-Line specifications of the Tiguan and Tayron. Existing petrol variants are priced from $44,990 to $70,490 plus on-road costs for the Tiguan, with the Tayron commanding a narrow premium.

“In the premium SUV segment, where we have the ID.4, ID.5, Tiguan and Tayron, we will cover powertrains and price points—and that $60,000 mark is where we want to have the sweet spot,” Mr Nidigallu said.

Given the impact of NVES, a significant price premium over petrol models is not expected.

Until recently, Volkswagen Group Australia (VGA) executives resisted providing a concrete response to questions regarding the prospect of PHEV powertrains for Australia, with the decision to green-light the strong hybrid technology a reversal of VGA’s previous position to preference BEVs.

Australian buyer appetite for electrified drivetrains has strengthened in recent years—though accompanying a slowing in growth rates of BEV take-up has been a resurgence of interest in hybrid, and particularly PHEV, options that combine the flexibility of an internal combustion engine with generous electric range.

The arrival of Australia’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) regime has distorted the market to strengthen the business case for PHEVs—but this week’s decision is limited to the midsize SUVs, with the Golf PHEV understood to have remained off the cards for now.

With official CO2 outputs expected to fall comfortably under 50g/km, the Tiguan and Tayron PHEVs will materially improve VGA’s fleet average emissions, against both NVES limits (141g/km in 2025, 117g/km in 2026) but particularly against the 173-194g/km produced by the turbo-petrol versions of the Tiguan.

Volkswagen brand director Piergiorgio Minto told media at the announcement of the PHEV decision that local testing had occurred, resulting in the sign-off.