What are the differences between the Tiguan and Tiguan L?
3 Answers
Volkswagen launched the Tiguan L in December 2016. The previous Tiguan is referred to as the old Tiguan. The main differences between the two are as follows: 1. Appearance: The old Tiguan is more conservative, while the Tiguan L is more avant-garde. 2. Space: The Tiguan L offers more space than the old Tiguan. 3. Price: The Tiguan L is approximately 15,000 to 30,000 RMB more expensive than the old Tiguan. 4. Features: The old Tiguan does not come with a central control display screen. The Tiguan L is equipped with a 6.5-inch central control screen, USB ports, and an SD card slot. The Tiguan L also includes additional features like a keyless start system and engine start-stop technology, which are not available in the old Tiguan. 5. Powertrain: The Tiguan L uses a hybrid injection system, which allows for more complete fuel combustion and improves fuel economy. The old Tiguan is equipped with a turbocharged engine.
I've driven the Tiguan and Tiguan L many times. The Tiguan feels smaller in size, being a compact SUV that's easy to drive, making parking and turning in the city convenient. It's quite sufficient for daily commutes or weekend joyrides, though it lacks extra space for large items. The Tiguan L, however, has a longer wheelbase and a larger chassis, offering much more spacious rear seats and trunk. It can accommodate more luggage or fit a baby seat without feeling cramped, making it especially comfortable for long trips. That said, it drives more like a big boat and feels slightly clumsy on narrow roads, making it more suitable for family outings with people and cargo. Price-wise, the Tiguan L is generally more expensive, but the extra space is practical—worth it if you frequently carry passengers or goods. Maintenance costs are similar. In short, it depends on your daily needs: go for the Tiguan if you're mostly driving solo, but choose the Tiguan L without hesitation if you're hauling family and gear.
As a car enthusiast, I believe the biggest difference between the Tiguan L and the standard Tiguan lies in their size and design. The global version of the Tiguan has a shorter wheelbase, offering agile handling and responsive steering, making it ideal for young drivers who enjoy spirited cornering, with a sporty exterior to match. The Tiguan L, specifically elongated for the Chinese market, provides significantly more rear legroom, a flatter floor, and the option for a third-row seat to transform it into a seven-seater, effortlessly accommodating friends for gatherings. However, its power tuning leans conservative, with slightly sluggish acceleration, though it offers better stability on rough roads. In terms of materials, the L version boasts a more refined interior with a touch of luxury, albeit at a slight cost to fuel efficiency. When choosing between the two, consider your usage scenario: the Tiguan L excels for frequent highway trips or suburban adventures, while the standard Tiguan is more nimble for urban commuting.
