Volkswagen T-Rug SUV under consideration as a rugged electric off-roader

- Volkswagen’s secret project at the moment might be a Defender-like rugged SUV.

- Could be a pure EV based on the new MEB platform.

- Expected to be offered in two- and four-door variants.

It is a known fact now that Volkswagen is preparing an onslaught of SUVs across every segment. So clearly, the German giant wants to have a utilitarian SUV joining its road-going siblings like the T-Roc and T-Cross in the coming future. According to new reports, this all-new rugged SUV is allegedly called the 'T-Rug' and is also rumoured to be a pure electric.

Rumoured to be based on the Modular Electric Architecture (MEB) developed specially for EVs, the new T-Rug will take inspiration from the iconic Land Rover Defender in terms of bodystyle and off-road package. Although details are unclear at the moment, the new VW T-Rug will have a two-door version with 4.5 metre length and a four-door body with and extended wheelbase sitting at around 4.85 metres. When it conceptualises, the T-Rug will have a utilitarian cabin and the exterior will be fit for wilderness and mucky terrains. The powertrain will be shared with other forthcoming VW EVs, but it’s likely to get conventional gasoline engine as a part of the package as well.

When it arrives after the turn of decade, perhaps sometime in 2022, the T-Rug will be one of the many EVs planned by Volkswagen. It will fill up the vaccum between the Tiguan and the flagship Touareg. We don’t expect the T-Rug to set up shop in India after its international debut, but given the affinity of Indian car buyers towards SUVs, Volkswagen should consider bringing a niche product such as the T-Rug to our shores as well.

Source: autobild.de