
In terms of performance, the Tiguan X is equipped with two versions of the 2.0T engine with different power outputs, providing ample power. During driving, the throttle response is sensitive. Although it is a coupe SUV, the driving experience still leans towards comfort. Tiguan X exterior design: The grille is still divided into upper and lower sections, which is a classic design language. The upper grille is not large and connects with the headlight clusters on both sides featuring an "open-eye" design. The grille surface is adorned with slender metal strips. The headlights have a "small tail" design at the ends, further widening the visual effect of the front face. Tiguan X interior design: The dashboard has a flat shape with minimal decorative elements. The three-spoke steering wheel features the brand's new logo in the center, enhancing the visual sophistication. The buttons on both sides adopt a touch-sensitive design with vibration feedback, aiming to improve both visual appeal and practicality.

I've been driving the Tiguan X for a while now. The 2.0T high-power version delivers noticeable acceleration when you step on the throttle, making highway overtaking particularly effortless. The low-power version is more than adequate for city commuting, with no sluggishness when starting from traffic lights. The transmission is exceptionally intelligent with gear shifts—smooth and fuel-efficient in normal mode, while in sport mode, the revs directly soar above 3000 rpm. The chassis is noticeably stiffer than that of a regular SUV, and when cornering, the XDS electronic differential lock brakes the inner wheel, with the steering wheel feeling solid and not floaty. Fuel consumption has been a pleasant surprise—I've achieved as low as 6.8L on the highway, and even during peak-hour traffic, it's only around 9L. Even when fully loaded with the air conditioning on and climbing hills, the power keeps up just fine once the turbo kicks in.

I tested the 0-100km/h acceleration of the Tiguan X 380TSI version at 7.6 seconds, and its 220 horsepower is quite competitive among coupe SUVs. The throttle tuning is not jerky in the initial stage and has strong power in the later stage. In sport mode, when floored, the transmission drops three gears in a row very decisively. Models equipped with DCC adaptive suspension handle speed bumps without jolting, and offer much better support during quick lane changes compared to the regular Tiguan. The steering wheel only requires 2.7 turns lock-to-lock, making it very enjoyable to drive on mountain roads with precise handling. The brake pedal feels slightly firm, and the 100km/h to stop distance of 36 meters is decent. Note that this car has a relatively high center of gravity, making it less agile than sedans during aggressive driving. The factory-fitted Hankook tires have average grip, so for more spirited driving, it's recommended to switch to performance tires.

The most noticeable feature of the Tiguan X when driving is its exceptionally strong low-end torque, which delivers maximum torque at just 1500 RPM, making it effortless to climb hills even with a full load of five passengers. The chassis tuning strikes a perfect balance between sportiness and comfort, smoothly handling road imperfections like manhole covers while exhibiting significantly less body roll compared to the Highlander. The steering offers three adjustable levels of weight, with the light mode making it easy for female drivers to maneuver with one hand in tight parking spaces. The golden combination of a 2.0T engine and dual-clutch transmission ensures excellent fuel efficiency, averaging 8-9 liters per 100km in city commuting, saving nearly half a liter compared to similar American models. For frequent highway driving, the four-wheel-drive version is recommended for enhanced stability during wet cornering.

The Tiguan X looks even more stunning in person than in photos, with its sleek fastback design and 19-inch alloy wheels exuding an ultra-cool vibe. The performance fully lives up to its appearance - the 380 version delivers exhilarating turbo hisses when you floor it, and the tachometer needle jumps with remarkable speed. The steering wheel comes with paddle shifters, making manual downshifting on mountain roads particularly thrilling. Though the suspension is tuned to be stiffer, it doesn't produce jarring noises over speed bumps, and handles rough roads much better than purebred coupes. I've upgraded the exhaust system, and in Sport mode the sound becomes deeper and more resonant. However, given its 1.7-ton curb weight, you can feel the weight transfer during sharp turns, and the factory brake pads show noticeable heat fade.

The combination of the EA888 engine and DQ381 transmission in the Tiguan X is truly perfect, with almost no power interruption when the turbo fully engages at 1600 rpm. The dual-clutch transmission occasionally has slight jerks in low-speed 1-2 gear shifts, but once speed picks up, gear changes are half a beat faster than AT. The front MacPherson and rear four-link suspension with hydraulic bushings effectively filters vibrations while maintaining body stability. The steering system employs a dual-gear structure, providing excellent steering wheel return force during sharp turns. The four-wheel-drive version features a multi-plate clutch, enabling faster torque distribution between front and rear wheels compared to the CR-V. The only drawback is the factory brake pads' low friction coefficient, resulting in a softer pedal feel during continuous heavy braking.


