Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has confirmed Australian pricing for its new Amarok V6 W600, with the locally engineered flagship dual-cab ute set to arrive in showrooms from $91,990 before on-road costs.

Developed in partnership with Walkinshaw Automotive Group, the W600 becomes the most expensive model in the Amarok range and is priced slightly above its closest rival, the Ford Ranger Raptor, which starts from $90,690 before on-road costs. Unlike the off-road-focused Raptor, however, the W600 has been engineered primarily to improve on-road handling and driver engagement while retaining the Amarok’s full towing and payload capabilities.

Rather than chasing outright off-road performance, Walkinshaw’s engineering team focused on how most Australian ute buyers actually use their vehicles, with the majority of driving taking place on sealed roads while commuting, touring or towing.

Key mechanical upgrades include bespoke KONI dampers featuring Frequency Selective Damping technology, Walkinshaw-specific suspension tuning, a new 22mm rear anti-roll bar, 20-inch flow-formed alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV tyres, and revised steering calibration aimed at improving body control and cornering stability.

1

Power continues to come from Volkswagen’s 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 producing 184kW and 600Nm, matched to a 10-speed automatic transmission and permanent 4MOTION all-wheel drive system. Despite the suspension and styling changes, the W600 retains a 3500kg braked towing capacity and a payload of 954kg.

Standard equipment includes IQ.LIGHT LED Matrix headlights, Savona leather upholstery, heated and electrically adjustable front seats, a Harman Kardon premium audio system, 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control with Travel Assist, Trailer Assist and a suite of advanced driver assistance technologies.

Walkinshaw has also given the ute a distinctive appearance with a redesigned front fascia, integrated light bar, wider styling elements, dual side-exit exhaust outlets, electrically deploying side steps and bespoke badging. Inside, embroidered headrests, sports pedals, illuminated puddle lights and unique floor mats differentiate the flagship from the rest of the Amarok line-up.

Buyers can option metallic paint for $1100 and a factory electric roller cover for $3450.

The Amarok W600 is expected to reach Australian dealerships in August as Volkswagen’s new halo model, offering buyers a road-focused alternative in the growing high-performance ute segment.