Volkswagen Amarok W580X revealed

The bigger, tougher V6-powered Volkswagen Amarok W580X has broken cover, bringing a range of locally-developed and factory-backed off-road upgrades for the flagship 4x4 dual-cab ute.

Scheduled to roll into VW dealerships nationally from April next year in limited numbers, the beefed-up 2022 Volkswagen Amarok W580X is the follow-up to the road-oriented W580 and W580S models launched earlier this year.

It’s primed to rival other locally-developed tough trucks like the Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior (from $67,490) and Toyota HiLux Rugged X (from $69,990), and will also muscle in on territory held by the Ford Ranger Raptor (from $77,690).

Volkswagen Australia has again teamed up with local tuning specialist Walkinshaw Automotive for the latest W580 model, endowing this X-rated version with serious off-road potential via all-terrain tyres, a front suspension lift and off-road dampers all round, plus a new front-end design with LED light bar and improved underbody armour.

See below for the full list of upgrades.

Pricing has not been announced, but the road-going 2021 Volkswagen Amarok W580S is priced from $79,990 plus ORCs. We’d expect that to drop at least $2000 to place the W580X on a similar level to the Ford Ranger Raptor.

Unlike the Ranger, the Amarok 580X doesn’t feature bespoke suspension geometry, extended wheel travel nor high-end nitrogen-filled shock absorbers.

However, it does have one thing the Ford Ranger Raptor (and most other rivals) doesn’t – a six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine.

While the Amarok is getting long in the tooth, launched way back in 2010, the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 powerplant found in the W580X is currently the most powerful engine in its class, pumping 190kW/580Nm through an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission to all four wheels.

On top of the A/T tyres and 18-inch forged alloy wheels, chassis upgrades like MTV twin-tube dampers front and rear and a front-end lift kit are designed to improve its off-road capability.

Wheel-arch extensions, a new front grille design with integrated LED light bar, various inserts and a custom front bash plate are added, along with extra underbody protection from Seikel.

Steel side steps are part of the package, as are custom decals, black mirror caps, a black rear bumper, plus bi-Xenon headlights and LED daytime running light lights.

VW says a snorkel will be optional.

Walkinshaw has also upgraded the interior with unique Art velour seat trim and rubber mats, while heated front seats, dual-zone climate control and steering wheel paddle shifters come standard. Satellite navigation and a tyre pressure monitoring system are also included.

“The first W-Series was a chance to offer something that no-one else in the market could do – a powerful, dynamic ute that was as comfortable on highways as it was on alpine passes,” said Volkswagen product manager Nick Reid.

“With the new W580X, our W-Series off-road Amarok, we can lean in to another aspect of the Amarok’s platform.

“We know the Amarok is among the best off-roaders around in standard form, but with Walkinshaw giving it a unique tune, we’ll be able to offer something unbeatable to Australian customers.”

Like the Volkswagen W580S, the new model will be backed by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and could be a last hurrah before the next-generation Volkswagen Amarok – based on the all-new 2022 Ford Ranger – comes in 2023.

Volkswagen Amarok W580X upgrades:
Exterior
• 18-inch forged alloy wheels
• A/T Tyres
• Front suspension lift and off-road tune (MTV twin tube damper)
• Rear suspension off-road tune (MTV twin tube damper)
• Wheel-arch extensions
• New front upper grille design
• Front bumper inserts (fog lamp surrounds) with LED fog lamps
• Custom Bash Plate
• Custom Rock sliders
• LED Light Bar with Integrated Switch
• Seikel underbody protection and breathers
• Bi-Xenon headlamps with LED daytime running light lights
• Black exterior mirror housing and rear bumper

Interior
• Rubber mats
• Art Velour seat trim with Walkinshaw Branding
• Heated front seats
• Dual-zone Climatronic air-conditioning
• Multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters
• Discover media Navigation audio with App-connect
• Tyre pressure monitoring system