- Volkswagen debuted a new gas-only 2025 Tiguan this week at the LA Auto Show
- VW has no hybrid models for sale as of 2024
- The automaker is committed to bringing a hybrid version of the new Tiguan and next generation Atlas three-row
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Volkswagen made a big splash this week at the 2024 LA Auto Show by debuting the 2025 Tiguan, which has a high-end, feature-filled cabin, and a more powerful engine. It may seem strange to reveal a new car in 2024 without an electrified powertrain, but the automaker is keen to reassure us that hybrids are in the brand’s future.
“The increasing demand for hybrids put them high on the agenda,” said brand CEO Thomas Schäfer to media at a roundtable. “Dealers are requesting hybrids, and we hear them loud and clear.”
The automaker then exposed its plans to deliver a hybrid variant of the newly revealed Tiguan, but wouldn’t commit to defining whether it would be a standard hybrid or plug-in hybrid model. “We’re trying to see which one will be a better fit,” said Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing Andrew Savvas, suggesting the powertrain could be included in the vehicle’s mid-cycle refresh a few years away.
Savvas also expressed similar thoughts for the next generation Atlas, suggesting a hybrid version of the three-row is also on the horizon, though it’s uncertain whether it will be a PHEV or HEV.
Both VW executives were clear that there is a lot at play when it comes to deciding what kind of hybrid will be offered with these two crossovers. One factor they brought up was how the incoming U.S. president Donald Trump will approach electric vehicle adoption.
While there are currently zero hybrid models sold by Volkswagen, the German automaker does offer two fully electric vehicles: the VW ID.4 and the ID.Buzz minivan; the latter isn’t expected to be a high-volume vehicle, thanks to its relatively high price tag. However, the automaker believes it will serve as a halo vehicle to help remind people what the brand stands for and what shoppers can expect from VW.