2022 Volkswagen Amarok W580X takes it to Ford Ranger Raptor, Nissan Navara Pro-4X Warrior and Toyota HiLux Rugged X with off-road focus and V6 power

Volkswagen Australia has revealed the next step in its Amarok ute collaboration with local tuning house Walkinshaw, with the new W580X dual-cab pick-up set to show off its off-road focus when deliveries begin in April next year.

Compared to the preceding W580 and W580S that “were all about on-road performance and dynamics, the W580X is focused on go-anywhere off-road capability”, according to Volkswagen Australia.

The W580X therefore has the Ford Ranger Raptor, Nissan Navara Pro-4X Warrior and Toyota HiLux Rugged X firmly in its sights, with it going beyond the W580 and W580S with lifted suspension with an off-road tune, including MTV twin-tube dampers.

Better yet, the W580X also features custom bash plates and rock sliders, as well as Seikel underbody protection and breathers plus an optional snorkel to take the soon-to-be-replaced first-generation Amarok to the next level.

Other standard equipment includes an LED light bar (with an integrated switch, bespoke LED foglight surrounds, a unique grille insert, bi-Xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, wheelarch extensions, 18-inch forged alloy wheels, all-terrain tyres, black side-mirror caps and ‘W580’ decals.

Inside, a touchscreen multimedia system, satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, a multifunction steering wheel (with paddle-shifters), dual-zone climate control, Art Velour upholstery, ‘Walkinshaw’-embroidered front seat headrests and rubber mats feature.

Just like the W580 and W580S, the W580X is powered by a 190kW/580Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine, although peak power increases to 200kW on overboost.

Either way, an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission is mated to a permanent version of Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system.

Pricing and full specification details for the W580X will be confirmed by Volkswagen Australia closer to its launch, when a limited – and yet-to-be-determined – number of examples will be up for grabs. For reference, the W580 and W580S were priced from $71,990 and $79,990 respectively.