200kW Volkswagen Amarok Ultimate 580 arrives

Volkswagen Group Australia has released its most powerful Amarok ever, and it’s also the most expensive at $71,990 plus on-road costs.

However, the new Volkswagen Amarok Ultimate 580 ‘Big Bad Wolf’ offers up to 200kW and 580Nm and launches it to 100km/h in a claimed 7.3 seconds.

That means it offers more power, more torque and better acceleration at a lower price than the upcoming Mercedes-Benz X-Class V6, which will become Australia’s most expensive mid-size ute when it arrives here later than expected early next year.

For the record, the Mercedes-Benz X 350d is priced at $73,270 in Progressive spec and $79,415 plus ORCs in top-shelf Power form, usurping the $74,990 Ford Ranger Raptor and even the one-size-bigger MY18 RAM 1500 ($79,500 drive-away).

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Matched as standard with a 7G-TRONIC PLUS seven-speed automatic transmission, the Mercedes-Benz X 350d’s 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel delivers 190kW of power and 550Nm of torque (over 1400-3200rpm), enabling it to hit 100km/h in 7.5 seconds.

In comparison, 3.0-litre TDI550 V6 turbo-diesel versions of the Volkswagen Amarok produce 550Nm of torque over 1400-2750rpm, 165kW of power at 3000rpm and up to 180kW at 3250rpm on overboost – enough for 0-100km/h acceleration in 7.9sec. The EU5 emissions-compliant diesel V6 averages fuel consumption of 9.0L/100km.

V6 versions already account for more than two-thirds of all Amarok sales in Australia, but a new V6-powered Core variant that arrives in October priced around $50,000 will increase that number.

Now, however, Volkswagen has released an upgraded TDI580 version of the Amarok Ultimate, bringing a class-leading 580Nm over 1250-3250rpm, 190kW at 3250rpm and up to 200kW at 3500rpm on overboost – making it the most powerful ute in its class and capable of hitting 100kmh in 7.3sec.

Despite the extra performance, the Amarok TDI580’s EU6-compliant engine is not only cleaner but more efficient, at 234g/km of CO2 emissions and 8.9L/100km.

Official Australian fuel consumption for the X 350d is yet to be announced but in Europe it’s listed at 9.0L/100km – the same as the standard Volkswagen Amarok V6.

As before, overboost is available for up to 10 seconds only at more than 70 per cent throttle in third and fourth gear at road speeds between 50 and 120km/h.

Fitted as standard with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission and permanent 4MOTION four-wheel drive, the Volkswagen Amarok Ultimate TDI580 is available now.

The new Amarok range-topper is differentiated by a new front bumper design, 20-inch ‘Talca’ alloy wheels, long chrome sports bar, illuminated side steps, UV-resistant load area cover, bi-Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and an exclusive Peacock Green paint option. Metallic paint is the only option at $610 extra.

Inside, standard extras extend to Nappa leather trim, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters, premium colour instrument cluster, black headlining and pillar trim, heated front seats with 14-way power adjustment and alloy pedals.

“The Amarok is an Aussie success story whichever way you look at it,” said Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Australia director Carlos Santos.

“It is our third biggest seller across the entire Volkswagen range, making Australia the biggest export market in the world for it.

“The V6 Amarok makes up around 70 per cent of all Amaroks sold in Australia, and with our new 580Nm Ultimate launching, we expect that percentage to grow to more than 80 per cent.”

Meantime, Volkswagen has confirmed the new entry-level Amarok V6 Core (550Nm/165kW and 180kW on overboost) will come standard with an eight-speed auto, 4MOTION 4×4, ‘Austin’ cloth interior trim, hose-out rubber flooring and a black rear bumper, mirrors and door-handles.

“In many ways, the V6 Amarok is the new muscle car, and what we’re currently seeing is that many of our customers are buying the Amarok for its on-road abilities and refinement,” said Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Australia marketing manager Nicholas Reid.

“While the Core V6 will do that too and more, the Core’s specification is targeted to our heartland off-road driver. “If you’ll forgive the pun, we’re going back to our core values with this Amarok,” he continued.

“The Core 4×4 will sit under the current Amarok V6 Sportline [$55,990 plus ORCs] model in the range, expanding the current Amarok V6 range and ensuring that there is a V6 Amarok for all purposes.”

Standard equipment for the Volkswagen Amarok V6 Core will include upgraded 17-inch ‘Posadas’ alloy wheels, multifunction steering wheel, Climatic single-zone air-conditioning, front fog lights, rear parking sensors, daytime running lights, Composition media with App Connect, reversing camera and four-wheel disc brakes.

No Amarok models are available with autonomous emergency braking, which is standard across the Mercedes-Benz X-Class range.

Pricing for the V6 Core will be announced closer to first deliveries from late October.