More potent VW Amarok is meant to rival the Mercedes-Benz X Class

During the Frankfurt Motor Show last year, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles decided to tease European pickup truck enthusiasts with a more powerful version of the V6 Amarok that’s dressed in a striking Turmeric Yellow Metallic. This model is called the Aventura Exclusive Concept, and now has a direct road going rival in the shape of a new range topping version of the luxury workhorse.

Today, the strongest Amarok is packed with 221 horsepower (165 kilowatts) and 406 pound feet (550 Newton metres) of torque. All these come from the 3.0 liter TDI V6 engine. This version has a little more power at 255 horsepower (190 kilowatts) and 428 pound feet (580 Newton meters) of torque. This stands for as much as 34 horsepower improvement of 34 Hp and 22 pound feet (30 Nm) of torque.

That is not all though, because it will be equipped with an overboost function that will temporarily increase the current output of the vehicle by an extra 13 horsepower, totaling up to 268 hp (200 kw). Having said that, this engine is paired to a 4Motion all-wheel drive system through a standard eight speed automatic transmission. The maximum torque is rated at a low 1,400 rpm, whereas the full version is available from 3,250 rpm.

Customers will be able to get the crown jewel of the VW Amarok range in the Highline and Aventura models, together with some visual upgrades. For the roof and the pillars, titanium black accents were used, while the seats inside are wrapped in Nappa leather. Overall, the body sits on a set of high gloss 20 inch wheels with dark graphite finish, accented by a bold metallic Peacock Green than can only be had in the Aventura.

To finish off the lists of added features, there’s the set of bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, a sports bar, automatic wipers and head lights, and electric folding mirrors - all these come as standard.

German enthusiasts can already order their top-spec Amarok V6 with a price tag of €51,384 ($63,500) for the Highline and €58,072 ($71,800) for the Aventura. If they are willing to add 2,000 euros, they could get their hands on a new Touareg luxury SUV that is also fitted with a V6 diesel.

We think that the Amarok V6 was introduced to intimidate the Mercedes X Class in the X350d 4Matic guise. As you know, the Nissan Navara based luxury pickup truck has lower torque than its adversary, since the 3.0 liter V6 gives out 406 pound feet (550 Newton metres). Also, it likely isn’t a coincidence that both models have the same horsepower with an output of 255 hp (190 kilowatts).