Following the trend established in China in recent years by such players as Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen plans to release a long-wheelbase edition of its Tiguan crossover later this year.
Tentatively planned for a public debut this fall at the 2010 Guangzhou Auto Show, the stretched Tiguan has not been officially confirmed by VW, but images have leaked in China and Europe and the details have been disseminated on several European Web sites.
According to Germany's Auto Bild, the Tiguan's wheelbase will be stretched by more than 3 inches, with most of the extra room presumably dedicated to the rear passenger compartment. Overall length will grow by nearly 4.5 inches.
A face-lift of the standard Tiguan was shown in China earlier this year, and the LWB variant will get the same design details, including grille, bumper and headlamps.
European press reports suggest the Tiguan LWB will be sold exclusively in China, with no immediate plans to market it in either Europe or North America.
Inside Line says: In China, VW likely can command a premium price for the longer Tiguan — not so likely in the States.
