This week, Audi was caught testing a mystery prototype believed to be the Q9. Slotting above the Audi Q8, the Q9 will be Audi’s largest SUV ever. Since it’s still early in production, the prototype appeared to be based on a Volkswagen Atlas dressed up in Audi parts. Now, it appears the Audi Q9 will also spawn a super-sized Volkswagen SUV sharing the same platform. Leaked images shared by the Chinese Ministry of Industry show that Volkswagen is preparing to launch a new full-size SUV in China.
It’s called the Talagon, and the styling appears to be heavily inspired by the enormous Volkswagen SMV concept that debuted in Shanghai back in 2019.
Measuring 202.8 inches long, 78.8 inches wide, and 706 inches tall, the Talagon is VW’s largest SUV by a huge margin. For comparison, America’s VW Atlas, the German automaker’s largest current SUV, is 198.3 inches long, 78.3 inches wide, and 70 inches high with a lengthy 117.3-inch wheelbase.
The Talagon’s wheelbase hasn’t been confirmed, but the concept had a wheelbase of around 120 inches. If you hadn’t already gathered, this beast is gigantic. Like the concept, the Talagon features a curved hood, sharp styling, and prominent wheel arches, giving the full-size SUV a sporty appearance.
LED daytime running lights run across the full width of the grille and surround the LED headlights. Full-width taillights adorn the rear. Under the skin, the Talagon rides on an extended version of VW Group’s MQB platform, which also underpins the Volkswagen Atlas.
Under the hood, the Talagon is powered by a 2.0-liter turbo engine that produces either 186 hp or 220 hp. Power can be sent either to the front or all four wheels. Production of the Talagon will take place in China as part of the SAIC-Volkswagen joint venture. The super-sized SUV will go on sale exclusively in China. Yes, even SUVs can be too big for America sometimes.
