Volkswagen presents the Volkswagen Talagon in China: an SUV with a VR6 engine

The Shanghai Motor Show 2021 is making sure to be not only the first automotive event held during these pandemic times, but also to bring together some of the most important novelties in the sector. Volkswagen has taken considerable centre stage at the Chinese event thanks to the presentation of the ID.6, a 100% electric SUV that will only be produced there. However, the German brand had one more surprise planned that has caught us off guard and that, unfortunately, will not reach Europe. We are referring to an iconic VR6 engine.

This type of engineering was of great importance to the brand, since for many years it powered numerous vehicles with a very peculiar configuration. Its layout was highly exclusive, which is why today they are considered true treasures, and Volkswagen has wanted to bring it back in China.

The VR6 engine returns to life through the Volkswagen Talagon, an SUV that stands as the largest vehicle built on the modular MQB platform. It measures over 5.1 metres long, 2 metres wide and 1.8 metres high, and it can seat up to 7 occupants in a design that follows the latest brand styling cues.

Despite the novelty the Talagon itself represents, its highlight lies in the mechanical section. In the first instance, the 330 and 380 TSI versions are offered, producing 180 and 217 CV respectively thanks to a four-cylinder turbo engine. However, the star attraction is the Volkswagen Talagon 530 V6.

Behind this revealing name hides a 2.5-litre turbocharged VR6 engine that, unfortunately, will not reach our continent. It is capable of producing 295 CV and 500 Nm of torque, figures managed through a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox. Initially, this same engine was expected under the bonnet of the Arteon R, but the possibility was ultimately ruled out due to its emissions and the high weight of the saloon.

Be that as it may, Volkswagen continues to offer hope in the automotive sector with a mechanical unit that, although not sold globally, deserves our admiration. Unfortunately, everything points to the VR6 engine powering this curious China-exclusive SUV not spreading much further.