Launched at the 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show and produced since 2016, the second-generation Volkswagen Tiguan isn't exactly brand-new in Europe. However, the crossover has yet to cross the pond to the United States, where it will go on sale in the summer of 2017. The reason for the delay is that North America will also get a long-wheelbase version of the SUV. Also known as the Tiguan Allspace, it just made its public debut at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show.

Based on the same MQB platform as the standard Tiguan, the longer version comes with a more spacious interior, a flexible seating arrangement and a few extra options. In Volkswagen's words, the Allspace was engineered "specifically to meet the needs of American customers," which is a fancy way of saying that Volkswagen simply wanted a roomier competitor for the likes of Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5.

So what sets the LWB model apart from the standard Tiguan?

As you might have already guessed, it's longer. At 185.2 inches long, the Allspace is no fewer than 10.7 inches longer than the regular version. The new dimensions also make it longer than the Toyota RAV4, which comes in at 179.9 inches. The wheelbase is also 4.4 inches longer than the SWB model and 5.2 inches longer than the RAV4. Quite impressive!

All those extra inches, which were added not only to the wheelbase, but to the rear overhang too, enables Volkswagen to add sliding second-row seats, with the option of a third row, eight passenger configuration. Those who don't need third-row seats, will benefit enhanced legroom in the rear. The LWB model also comes with up to 57 percent more cargo capacity, but the company had nothing to say about how much cargo room is left with a third row. For reference, the standard model can take up to 21.8 cubic-feet with the rear seats up and up to 58.5 cubic-feet of cargo with the second row folded flat.

Design-wise, the Allspace is identical to the familiar Tiguan, save for the longer wheelbase, rear doors, and the slightly longer rear overhang. The D-pillars are also longer, while the quarter windows have been redesigned.

The crossover will come standard with front-wheel drive and Volkswagen's 2.0-liter TSI gasoline engine rated at 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. 4Motion all-wheel drive will be available. Later on, the Tiguan will probably get more engines for the U.S. market. Pricing information is not yet available, but expect the Allspace to cost a bit more than the standard Tiguan sold outside the U.S.

Continue reading for the full story.

Why It Matters

While the first-generation Tiguan was a pretty versatile crossover that came with a solid list of standard features and plenty of cargo room, it wasn't as spacious as the Toyota RAV4 or Mazda CX-5, both of which were slightly longer and, to some extent, had better interior packaging. Volkswagen reacted to that and made the second-gen crossover a tad longer, but the extra 2.3 inches barely brought the Tiguan in line with its competitors.

With the long-wheelbase model, VW enthusiasts finally have a longer, roomier option to consider, as the Allspace is more than five inches longer than both the RAV4 and CX-5. Only time (and sales figures) will tell whether the longer Tiguan will be popular enough to remain in production for a long time, but Volkswagen can always turn to the Chinese market if U.S. customers don't find it appealing.

Engine

2.0-liter turbocharged

Horsepower

184 HP

Torque

221 LB-FT

Transmission

eight-speed automatic


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