Volkswagen was known to be working on an extended wheelbase version of the Tiguan SUV for certain markets. Now a near undisguised test mule of the car has been spotted in China, the country where it is expected to make its debut later this year, before being launched in other global markets.

Pictures of the undisguised car reveal styling that's near identical to its standard European sibling with the only difference being a longer wheelbase. The cabin is also expected to be quite similar to the standard Tiguan with the XL additionally getting the option of a third row of seats.

The standard Tiguan is set to arrive in India next year. Globally,  VW Group plans to launch a total of nine new SUVs from VW and Skoda, from entry-level models such as the T-Cross to large luxury SUVs such as the Touareg and Kodiak. The Tiguan XL could join the line-up at a later stage.

The mainstay engine for the India-spec Tiguan is expected to be the company’s 2.0-litre diesel unit with output expected to be either 150hp or 190hp, and a petrol motor is also likely to be on offer. The company’s seven-speed DSG gearbox will be standard, and all-wheel drive is also expected to be available as an option. These specifications are likely to carry forward on the seven-seater model as well.

VW is likely to price the new Tiguan at around Rs 30 lakh (ex-showroom) with local assembly likely to be undertaken at the company’s Aurangabad plant. The SUV will rival the likes of the upcoming new Nissan X-Trail hybrid, Hyundai Santa Fe and the Honda CR-V. The seven-seat version, however, will not have a direct rival.