The Tiguan L is an SUV launched by SAIC Volkswagen in 2017, using the MQB platform, which increases the body size and wheelbase compared to the old Tiguan, making the vehicle specifications reach the category of mid-size SUVs. The domestic Tiguan L is only available in a five-seater version, while the European version is named the Tiguan Allspace and is a seven-seater SUV. After the Tiguan L was launched, the previous generation Tiguan continued to be sold, and the name was changed to Tiguan Silk Road, which is not recommended for purchase.
 
The 2017 Tiguan L is divided into two engines, 1.8T (330) and 2.0T (380), with a maximum horsepower of 180Ps and 220Ps, both of which are third-generation EA888 engines, while in the 2018 model, the 1.8T engine is canceled, and the whole system is equipped with EA888 Gen3 B 2.0T engine, which is divided into high-power version and low-power version, with the high-power version being 220Ps and the low-power version having a maximum horsepower of 186Ps. In fact, there is also a 1.4T version, but there is only one model, and there are too few choices.
 
EA888 Gen3 B B stands for Budack, taken from the surname of Volkswagen engine engineer Ralph Budack, although the cycle mode of this engine is called B Cycle, but it is actually another form of Atkinson cycle, it will close the intake valve in advance at low load, reduce the compression ratio, reduce the compression resistance, when the power demand becomes larger, the intake valve will be delayed to close, to reach the normal level, in order to improve the power output.
 
In terms of transmission, the Tiguan L is equipped with a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission, and the overall tuning is biased towards smoothness, sacrificing shift speed and throttle response speed. This is the Volkswagen Group's improvement of the dual-clutch transmission in recent years, and the smoothness is achieved by adjusting the shift logic and reducing the shift speed when the mechanical structure cannot be changed. This strategy is good overall, but it still doesn't avoid occasional stuttering at low speeds and power interruptions when changing gears.
 
In terms of shock filtration and sound insulation, Tiguan L can only be regarded as a medium level in the same class, the environmental sound insulation is relatively poor, the noise will be transmitted into the cabin when there is a large car passing by, and when it is more than 100km/h, the wind noise near the A-pillar is also more obvious, and when passing through the paved uneven road, the tires will transmit fine vibrations to the steering wheel and pedals, and the tire noise is also quite obvious. The flexibility of the suspension system is good when passing over medium-height speed bumps, but it is more like the result of thickened rubber bushings, and there will be unnecessary vibrations when going up and down speed bumps, and the suspension action is not crisp enough.
 
The interior of the Tiguan L does not have many highlights, the models of the MQB platform are all the same, even if it is on the top configuration, it is the same as the Golf, it is a fact that there is a cost saving, and it is also a fact that there is no change, but fortunately, it is fully functional and easy to operate, and potential buyers of the Tiguan L should also have an understanding of the interior of Volkswagen.
 
The Tiguan L can theoretically be used as a three-row seater, but the overseas Tiguan Allspace has proven that the second and third rows are uncomfortable when fully loaded with 7 people, so it is a smart choice to make 5 seats. With this body length, a 5-seater SUV is bigger, the second row has a very spacious seating space, the shape of the seats is suitable, the padding is soft, the seat cushion is long enough, the backrest angle can be adjusted, there is nothing wrong with it, and it would be better if it could be moved back and forth.
 
The MQB platform has produced many models of worrying quality, and the old Tiguan is a "masterpiece". After five years of engine operation, the failure rate will increase sharply, and problems such as oil leakage, stalling during driving, power failure, and spontaneous combustion will also appear. This generation of EA888 engine no longer has the common problem of burning oil, but the wet dual-clutch transmission on the Tiguan L still has more fault complaints and poor reliability.
 
In terms of safety, the Tiguan received a full good result in the 2018 IIHS basic crash test, but unfortunately the headlights only received a Marginal, so they only received a TSP, not a TSP. In 2019, the headlights are still Marginal, but they can no longer be evaluated by TSP. The Tiguan L also took part in the C-NCAP crash test in 2017, receiving a 5-star rating under the 2015 rules with an overall score of 54.6.
Volkswagen Tiguan L evaluation report