Not every vehicle can be, or should be, sporty. But plenty of them still like to pretend. Volkswagen, attempting to add some flavor to the Tiguan, dove into the dress-up bin and pulled out a new outfit for its midrange SUV. The R-Line, a moniker seen on several other Volkswagen models, is a package that leaves the mechanicals untouched but brings a more aggressive look outside and adds a few badges inside.
Volkswagen calls the R-Line “performance inspired,” and if you squint really hard, the inspiration sort of takes shape. Available on top-of-the-range SEL and SEL Premium models, the optional package brings what is essentially a body kit. It has a new front bumper with lower and wider air intakes and a new rear bumper with a gloss-black diffuser. The look is completed by body-color wheel arches and side skirts. The SEL R-Line sports 19-inch wheels, while the SEL Premium gets 20-inchers. Finishing touches include an R-Line grille badge, plus a second badge on the front fenders.
Inside, there’s more branding! VW adds an R-Line logo to the infotainment start screen and an R-Line badge to the steering wheel and stamps an R-Line logo onto the stainless-steel doorsills for good measure. The Tiguan R-Line also adds a black headliner, stainless-trimmed pedals, and front and rear Park Distance Control on the SEL (it’s already included on the SEL Premium).

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