VW Swaps Taos’ DSG for Conventional Auto Transmission

VW Drops DSG Transmission on Taos Due to Driver Concerns

• VW said it dropped the dual-clutch transmission on the Taos because drivers “think their car is breaking.”
• The Taos 4Motion previously used a DSG, but now has a classic 8-speed auto, like FWD models.
• Earlier this month, a BMW X1 owner launched a lawsuit over its jerky, hesitant dual-clutch transmission.

“You’ll love zipping around in your Taos thanks to the dynamic capability of the available 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission that readies each gear for fast, smooth, and efficient shifting.”

According to VW, the marketing claim for the 2024 Taos 4Motion didn’t resonate with buyers. Instead, they found the DSG transmission to be anything but smooth, leading them to believe their cars were malfunctioning. As a result, VW has decided to replace the DSG transmission with a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission for the all-wheel drive Taos in its 2025 facelift. This change aligns the Taos 4Motion with the front-wheel drive models that already featured the eight-speed auto.

The move signifies a shift away from the DSG transmission that VW introduced over two decades ago. Currently, the only VW models sold in the US that still use the DSG technology are the 2025 Golf GTI and R.

A VW spokesperson explained that American customers, unless they are performance-oriented, prefer a more familiar driving experience. The hesitation and lack of responsiveness in DSG transmissions often lead drivers to believe their cars are malfunctioning. By offering the conventional eight-speed automatic transmission, VW aims to provide owners with a smoother and more mainstream SUV-like driving experience.

The decision to remove the DSG transmission from the Taos comes at a time when a couple in Virginia is filing a class action lawsuit against BMW due to their dissatisfaction with the dual-clutch transmission in their X1. The lawsuit claims that the jerky and hesitant performance of the X1’s transmission poses a safety risk.

Dual-clutch transmissions gained popularity for their fast and smooth gear changes, as well as their efficiency. However, they are not as seamless in stop-and-go traffic as conventional automatic transmissions, which have also improved in efficiency over the years. VW’s move to a conventional automatic transmission reflects a preference for a more traditional driving experience among American customers.

Are you a fan of twin-clutch transmissions or do you prefer a ‘real’ automatic?