Volkswagen Gave Its Biggest Two-Row SUV The Engine Tune It Always Needed

Volkswagen says it will overhaul the powertrain calibration for its flagship two-row SUV starting with the 2027 model year, targeting the performance lag that has held the vehicle back despite its strong packaging. The article explains that the current setup—based on a 117.3-inch wheelbase and MQB Evo multi-link suspension—can feel mismatched once on the road: a delay in electronic throttle mapping and transmission software leads to a dead-pedal zone and abrupt gear drops in the eight-speed automatic. For 2027, Volkswagen aims to reduce turbo lag by enabling instant low-RPM boost access and by moving to the fifth-generation EA888 evo5 architecture, alongside new transmission and throttle control logic.