2026 VW Taos

2026 Volkswagen Taos Overview

The 2026 Volkswagen Taos arrives as a bold, compact SUV designed for drivers who want efficiency, agility, and confidence on Michigan roads. Its blend of sleek styling, ample space, and cutting-edge technology makes it ideal for urban commuting or exploring the scenic Great Lakes region. The Taos offers seating for five and leads its class in practicality with smart features like the standard Digital Cockpit and IQ.DRIVE® driver assistance suite.

Exterior Design

Volkswagen crafted the 2026 Taos to be equal parts stylish and practical, standing out in a crowded SUV market. Clean lines, bold wheel designs, and modern front fascia accents give it an athletic yet elegant identity.

Key features include:

  • Signature Volkswagen grille with integrated light bar
  • LED projector headlights and LED tiallights
  • Compact yet spacious 5-seat SUV design
  • Power tilting /sliding panoramic sunroof
  • Confident posture – ideal for snowy Mid-Michigan commutes
  • Up to 65.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded

Performance

Under the hood, the 2026 Taos keeps things lively. Every model is powered by the same responsive engine delivering smooth acceleration for freeway merges and precise handling on rural Michigan backroads.

Performance highlights:

  • 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 174 horsepower
  • Efficient eight-speed automatic transmission
  • Available 4MOTION® all-wheel-drive system for confident traction in snow or rain

Fuel Efficiency

Volkswagen designed the 2026 Taos with real-world economy in mind. EPA-estimated mileage ensures longer drives between fill-ups, making it both a budget-friendly and eco-smart choice.

  • 28 mpg city / 36 mpg highway (FWD, EPA-estimated)

This combination achieves excellent range—a practical touch for families taking weekend trips around the Great Lakes or daily drives across Midland County.

Interior and Comfort

Step inside, and the 2026 VW Taos welcomes you with an upscale cabin built for modern comfort. Volkswagen’s meticulous attention to detail ensures every journey feels refined and connected.

  • Standard Volkswagen Digital Cockpit – crisp digital gauge cluster
  • High-quality materials and ergonomic seating for five passengers
  • 8” touchscreen display for advanced infotainment system
  • Flexible seating and impressive cargo versatility – 65.9 cu ft with rear seats down

The Taos manages to feel spacious without losing its nimble, compact SUV personality—excellent for families or solo commuters seeking modern practicality.

Driver Assist / Safety Features

Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE® suite enhances awareness and control. Safety isn’t an afterthought—it’s engineered into every 2026 Taos. Features available or standard include:

  • Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist)
  • Active Blind Spot Monitor
  • Rear Traffic Alert
  • Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go
  • Lane Keeping System (Lane Assist)
  • Emergency Assist for added driver peace of mind

Take the Wheel of a 2026 VW Taos in Bay City, Michigan

The 2026 Volkswagen Taos shines as a compact SUV that blends charm, performance, and technology. Its rich array of standard features, excellent fuel efficiency and smart safety tech make it ideal for Mid-Michigan lifestyles—from downtown drives to winter weekend adventures.

Visit Thelen Volkswagen in Bay City, MI, and let us tell you more about the 2026 VW Taos today.  Discover why drivers across the Great Lakes Bay Region are making the Taos their go-to SUV for value, comfort, and confidence.

Verification Disclaimer
All information in this overview was sourced directly from the official manufacturer’s website and is accurate to the best of our knowledge.

2026 VW Tiguan

The Award-Winning 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan

It was recently announced that the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan has been named Best Compact SUV by Good Housekeeping in its 2026 Best Family Car Awards! The newest Tiguan provides spaciousness, comfort, and safety-enhancing technology in a compact SUV footprint. Its redesigned interior offers more passenger room than the previous model and flexible cargo space—great for hauling strollers, sports gear, groceries, and luggage. Families also benefit from multiple USB-C fast chargers, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as available three-zone climate control, massaging front seats, and heated outboard rear seats.

Learn More About the Newest Tiguan

The 2026 VW Tiguan raises the bar for compact SUVs with a perfect mix of refined European design, advanced technology, and powerful performance. Designed to handle Michigan’s changing seasons — from snowy winters to lakefront drives — the Tiguan combines style with confidence. Available at Thelen Volkswagen in Bay City, the 2026 Tiguan introduces a refreshed look, upgraded tech, and an even more comfortable cabin for daily driving in the Great Lakes Bay Region. The standard IQ.DRIVE® suite includes driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control, lane assist, blind spot monitoring, and more.

Learn More About the 2026 VW Tiguan at Thelen VW!

Visit Thelen Volkswagen in Bay City, MI, and discover the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan. Whether you’re commuting through Midland, exploring Saginaw, or enjoying weekend drives around the Great Lakes Bay Region, the Tiguan is designed to make every mile effortless and exciting. Contact our staff today to schedule a test drive!

2026 VW Golf R

2026 VW Golf R and 2026 VW Golf GTI Overview

Volkswagen’s lineup continues to showcase the enduring appeal of two of the most celebrated performance hatchbacks in the compact segment: the 2026 VW Golf R and the 2026 VW Golf GTI. Each model brings a distinct flavor of sport driving into everyday use, making them compelling options for buyers in Mid-Michigan who seek both excitement and practicality from a single vehicle.

Both models for 2026 uphold Volkswagen’s reputation for thoughtful engineering and driver engagement. In the Great Lakes Bay Region, where variable weather and winding roads are the norm, the Golf R’s all-wheel drive (AWD) and the GTI’s dynamic front-wheel drive performance hold appeal for a variety of drivers.

Exterior Design

2026 VW Golf R- The Golf R projects aggressive, performance-ready styling while retaining the hatchback practicality buyers expect. Its wider stance and muscular body cues speak to its R-tuned performance focus.

  • Distinctive R-specific design elements and badging
  • 19” forged alloy wheels
  • LED headlights, daytime running lights and taillights
  • Adaptive Front Lighting System with Dynamic Cornering Lights
  • Power tilting / sliding panoramic sunroof
  • Blue painted brake calipers

2026 VW Golf GTI- The GTI holds true to its hot-hatch heritage with athletic lines and sporty accents that differentiate it from the regular Golf lineup. It balances style with functionality for daily driving.

  • Sport-oriented exterior cues that nod to GTI history
  • Puddle lights on side mirros
  • Standard 18” athletic alloy wheels complement its dynamic profile
  • Crisp LED headlights, taillights, daytime running lights and fog lights enhance visibility and presence
  • Red painted brake calipers

In both models, the hatchback form delivers practicality without sacrificing design integrity. Buyers in snowy or wet conditions will appreciate the Golf R’s wide stance, which complements its AWD traction.

Performance

2026 VW Golf R- The Golf R is the performance flagship of the VW hatch lineup, engineered for power and precision.

  • R-tuned 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 328 horsepower
  • R-Performance 4MOTION® AWD for confident traction in Michigan’s varied weather
  • Standard seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (DSG) transmission

This combination delivers brisk acceleration and confidence-inspiring grip on variable surfaces. Whether tackling snow-covered roads near Saginaw or open highways, the Golf R feels composed and connected.

2026 VW Golf GTI- The GTI embodies the original hot-hatch philosophy, keeping performance fun and accessible.

  • 2.0-liter TSI® four-cylinder engine producing 241 hp
  • Sport-tuned front-wheel drive
  • Efficient seven-speed automatic DSG transmission

While less powerful than the R, the GTI’s lighter footprint and responsive chassis make it quick and engaging in daily driving or spirited runs. It is well-suited for drivers who want liveliness and efficiency.

Interior and Comfort

2026 VW Golf R- Inside, the Golf R blends performance cues with everyday comfort:

  • Sport seats with supportive bolstering for spirited driving and leather upholstery
  • Heated front seats and second row outboard seats, ventilated front seats
  • 12.9” touchscreen infotainment display with Harman Kardon sound system and navigation
  • Head-up Display
  • Ventilated 15W wireless charger for compatible devices
  • Climatronic® three zone automatic climate control

Comfort remains a priority, making long drives around Central Michigan’s scenic routes enjoyable.

2026 VW Golf GTI- The GTI interior captures hot-hatch flair while keeping ergonomics driver-focused:

  • Heated front seats and cloth upholstery with Scalepaper Plaid inserts
  • 12.9” touchscreen infotainment display with navigation
  • Ventilated 15W wireless charger for compatible devices
  • Climatronic® single- zone automatic climate control

In both cabins, design and technology create engaging yet practical environments for daily commuting and weekend escapes.

Safety Features

Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE® suite underpins safety and driver assistance in both models:

  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Blind spot monitoring
  • Travel assist, lane assist and emergency assist

Learn More About the 2026 VW Golf R and Golf GTI at Thelen Volkswagen

Experience the thrill and practicality of the 2026 VW Golf R and 2026 VW Golf GTI at Thelen Volkswagen in Bay City, MI. Whether you crave the high-output, AWD confidence of the Golf R or the spirited, iconic drive of the Golf GTI, the expert team at Thelen VW will help you find the perfect match for your lifestyle in Mid-Michigan’s diverse driving conditions.  Visit Thelen VW today and take the wheel of your next Volkswagen performance hatch.

Verification Disclaimer
All information in this overview was sourced directly from the official manufacturer’s website and is accurate to the best of our knowledge.

New Year Thelen

Happy New Year from Thelen Volkswagen

Happy New Year from Thelen Volkswagen in Bay City, Michigan! Our dealership will be closing at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31st, and we will be closed on Thursday, January 1st, for the holiday. We will reopen for normal business hours on Friday, January 2nd. Contact us about driving into 2026 with a brand new VW.

2026 VW Jetta

2026 VW Jetta Overview

The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta is a compact sedan that blends everyday comfort with intelligent design and efficiency. It offers classic VW engineering with modern touches like a turbocharged engine and standard driver-assist technology, making it a strong choice for buyers in Mid-Michigan seeking a reliable and well-equipped sedan for daily commuting, highway travel across snow-covered roads, and outings in the Great Lakes Bay Region.

Exterior Design

The Jetta’s exterior shows a clean, contemporary design that balances practicality with style.

  • Sleek sedan silhouette with refined body lines.
  • Option of 16”, 17” or 18” wheels, depending on trim level
  • Heated power side mirrors and rain-sensing windshield wipers
  • LED headlights, taillights and daytime running lights for impressive visibility

Performance

The turbocharged powertrain balances responsive acceleration with everyday practicality.

  • Standard 1.5L TSI® 4 cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower
  • Efficient eight-speed automatic transmission
  • A focus on balanced ride quality and everyday drivability.

Interior and Comfort

Volkswagen emphasizes the Jetta’s interior as a space focused on comfort and practical technology, making each Mid-Michigan drive a pleasure.

  • Cloth, Cloudtex or leather seating-trim
  • Climatronic® Touch dual-zone automatic climate control
  • 8” VW Digital Cockpit; upgraded to 10.25” configurable display on SEL trim
  • 8” infotainment touchscreen display
  • Upper trims offer heated and ventilated seat options

Safety Features

The 2026 VW Jetta offers standard IQ.DRIVE® driver-assist technology, which encompasses a suite of active safety systems designed to help mitigate collision risk and assist driver control.

  • Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert
  • Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking
  • Travel Assist, Lane Assist and Emergency Assist

Learn More About the 2026 VW Jetta at Thelen Volkswagen in Bay City

Contact Thelen Volkswagen in Bay City, MI to explore more about the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta. Learn how this efficient, stylish sedan will easy handle your drives through Saginaw, Midland and throughout Michigan.

Verification Disclaimer
All information in this overview was sourced directly from the official manufacturer’s website and is accurate to the best of our knowledge.

2026 VW Atlas

Safe and Spacious Volkswagen Options

It was recently announced that the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas and 2026 Atlas Cross Sport were each named a TOP SAFETY PICK+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)! To qualify for the TOP SAFETY PICK+ award in 2025, a vehicle must earn a good rating in the Institute’s updated moderate overlap front test and updated side test, as well as a good rating in the small overlap front test. If you are a driver looking for a spacious SUV with impressive safety features, look no further than the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas or Atlas Cross Sport!

2026 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport Safety Features

Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE® advanced driver assistance technology is standard on all 2026 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport models and features hands-on semi-automated capability. The system utilizes front and rear radar, a front camera, and several ultrasound sensors to collect data from the surrounding area, enabling Travel Assist (semi-automated driving assistance); Front Assist (Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian & Cyclist Monitoring); Active Side Assist (Blind Spot Monitor); Rear Traffic Alert; Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Stop and Go; Lane Assist (Lane Keeping System); and Emergency Assist (semi-automated vehicle assistance in a medical emergency).

Learn More About the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport at Thelen VW

Whether you’re interested in the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas or the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, choose Thelen VW in Bay City, Michigan. Our staff can assist you in determining which of these models works the best for you and your family!

2026 VW ID.4

2026 VW ID.4 Overview

The 2026 VW ID.4 efficiently blends full-electric driving with SUV capability. It offers a roomy interior, modern tech, and strong electric range — ideal for Mid-Michigan roads, whether you’re commuting around Bay City, Midland, cruising the Great Lakes Bay Region or taking a weekend adventure to the UP.

Exterior Design

The ID.4 combines sleek modern styling with SUV practicality.

  • Smooth, aerodynamic lines designed for efficiency and a refined appearance
  • LED taillights and available premium LED headlights
  • 19” , 20” or 21” alloy wheels
  • Optional ‘Black Package’ includes 20” black alloy wheels, black badging and black mirror caps

Performance

All 2026 ID.4 trims draw power from a fully electric drivetrain:

  • Efficient and powerful, providing up to 291 miles of estimated EPA range
  • Available AWD for exceptional all-weather Michigan driving

Interior and Comfort

Inside, the ID.4 is designed for comfort, space, and convenience.

  • Seating: 5 passengers
  • Cargo capacity: About 64.2 cu ft with rear seats folded
  • Infotainment: A standard 12.9-inch touchscreen with voice control for climate control, entertainment and navigation functionality. 
  • Wireless charging for compatible devices
  • Dual zone automatic climate control system (upgraded to three-zone on upper trims)
  • Heated front seats
  • VW ID.Cockpit digital instrument display and ID.Light intuitive dashboard lightbar
  • Available features include ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, panoramic fixed glass roof with electric sunshade and Harman Kardon® premium audio system

Driver Assistance / Safety Features

Safety and driver assistance are plentiful, making your Central Michigan drive safer and more relaxed. Features include:

  • Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking
  • Lane Change System
  • Travel Assist, Lane Assist, Emergency Assist
  • Park Assist Plus
  • Light Assist
  • Dynamic Road Sign Display

Learn More About the 2026 Volkswagen ID.4 at Thelen VW

Let the VW experts at Thelen Volkswagen in Bay City, MI, tell you more about 2026 VW ID.4. Discover how efficient EV performance blends with interior comfort features and innovative driver assistance features to elevate each of your driving adventures.

Verification Disclaimer
All information in this overview was sourced directly from the official manufacturer’s website and is accurate to the best of our knowledge.

2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz

Top Safety Rating for the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz

It was recently announced that the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz has earned a 5-Star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)! The Highway Safety Act created NHTSA to reduce crash-related deaths, injuries, and costs, and introduced the 5-Star Safety Ratings to guide consumers in choosing safer vehicles. The rating results are relayed to consumers using an easily recognizable star rating system from one to five, with five being the best a vehicle can achieve. The 2025 ID. Buzz combines advanced active and passive safety systems, as well as driver assistance features, to help protect occupants and enhance driver confidence.

Learn More About the New 2025 ID. Buzz

The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz reimagines the classic VW Microbus as a modern, all-electric vehicle. Combining nostalgic design with contemporary technology, this EV provides a spacious interior, advanced features, and eco-friendly performance. It offers a 7-person interior seating configuration plus plenty of extra interior space. Enjoy features like the Harman Kardon® premium sound system with 13 speakers, tri-zone automatic climate control system, and a panoramic sunroof, depending on trim level.

Learn More About the 2025 VW ID. Buzz in Bay City, Michigan

Ready to experience the future of driving? Visit Thelen Volkswagen in Bay City, MI, to explore the ID. Buzz and find the perfect trim level for your lifestyle in the Great Lakes Bay Region.​  Our customer-focused dealership is convenient to Saginaw, Midland, and Mt. Pleasant.

Thelen Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving from Thelen Volkswagen and the rest of the Thelen Auto Group team in Bay City, Michigan. We will be closed on Thanksgiving Day but will reopen on Friday, November 28th, for normal business hours. Have a safe and happy holiday!

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

2026 Volkswagen Tiguan Trim Levels

The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan presents a refined compact SUV experience built for Mid-Michigan drivers who face varied conditions—from snowy winters to weekend lake-runs in the Greater Bay region. With a sharp exterior design, advanced infotainment and driver-assistance systems, and strong practicality, it appeals to families and commuters alike.

Trims and Pricing

S (Base Trim)- from $30,805 MSRP

  • 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 201 hp and paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission
  • Standard front-wheel drive with available 4MOTION® all-wheel drive (AWD), which gives added confidence when driving Mid-Michigan’s snowy roads and winter slush
  • Interior comfort features include heated cloth front seats and Climatronic® Touch dual-zone automatic climate control
  • Technology includes a standard 12.9-inch touchscreen display, wireless smartphone integration, and wireless charging for compatible devices.
  • IQ Drive which includes driver assistance features such as Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Assist, Rear Traffic Alert, Front Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Travel Assist & Emergency Assist
  • Cargo capacity is generous for the class, and the SUV’s size makes it easy to maneuver around Bay City errands while still delivering room for weekend gear.

SE- from $33,605 MSRP

The SE builds on the base S and adds:

  • 19” alloy wheels and a remote power rear liftgate
  • Remote engine start
  • 10-color adjustable ambient lighting and eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat with V-Tex leatherette upholstery

SE R-Line Black- from $37,245 MSRP

The SE R-Line Black trim adds a sportier exterior aesthetic with blacked-out accents and:

  • Head-up display
  • 20” alloy wheels
  • Power tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof

SEL R-Line Turbo- from $43,085 MSRP

The highest trim in the lineup, the SEL R-Line Turbo, features an upgraded 2.0-liter turbo engine producing 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque and includes all-wheel drive as standard.

  • Hands-free power rear liftgate and VW logo puddle lights on the side mirrors
  • Heated second row outboard seats and ventilated/ massaging front seats with leather upholstery
  • Climatronic® Touch three-zone automatic climate control with rear controls
  • 15” touchscreen infotainment display with navigation and Harmon Kardon® premium audio system
  • Dynamic Road Sign Display, Park Assist Plus and Overhead View Camera

Learn More About the 2026 VW Tiguan at Thelen Volkswagen

If you’re looking for a compact SUV that blends daily practicality, upscale comfort and the capability to handle Michigan’s winters and summer road trips alike, the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan is for you. Visit Thelen VW in Bay City, Michigan, to experience how the Tiguan fits into your lifestyle in Central Michigan.

Verification Disclaimer
All information in this overview was sourced directly from the official manufacturer’s website and is accurate to the best of our knowledge.