The covers have come off the 2027 Volkswagen Amarok W600, which the German auto brand is calling the “ultimate driver’s ute”.
Upgraded by Walkinshaw Automotive, the W600 is based on the Amarok Style dual-cab, but receives a long list of changes to both its looks and chassis.
While there’s no more power from the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine – which makes 184kW of power and 600Nm of torque – the W600 receives a dual exhaust system with side-exit outlets in shadow chrome.
Looking for your next car? We’ll help you research and compare so you choose with confidence.
To improve handling, Walkinshaw has removed the front sway bar, and added a 22mm sway bar to the rear. A set of bespoke Koni shock absorbers has also been fitted, with tuning completed by Walkinshaw’s team.
The wider-offset 20×10-inch alloy wheels are unique to the W600, clad in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV tyres.
Along with styling changes to the front bumper and wheel-arches, the Amarok gets a colour-coded rear sailplane, power-retractable side-steps, puddle lighting on entry, and Walkinshaw badging.
Inside, there are Walkinshaw-branded brushed door sills, aluminium sports pedals, and embroidered head restraints and carpet mats.
Despite being based on the Amarok Style, the W600 gets heated 10-way Savona leather-trimmed seats from the Aventura – with “firmed seat bolsters and lumbar support” – plus a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 12.0-inch infotainment screen, wireless smartphone charging, 230V outlets, and an eight-speaker premium sound system from Harman Kardon.
Buyers will also be able to option an electric roller cover for the tub.
Unlike the previous-generation Amarok W580X, but like the old W580S, the new W600 is specifically targeting on-road performance.
According to research conducted by Volkswagen, modern ute drivers are significantly more likely to spend their time on sealed urban roads and highways, while few ever venture onto difficult bush tracks.
The results led Volkswagen and Walkinshaw to instead create a ute intended to provide greater levels of driving enjoyment on the road.
“We’ve positioned this vehicle quite purposefully to be more on-road orientated, without compromising the fundamental capability of the platform,” Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Australia product manager Michael Cenci told CarExpert.
“So everything in the customer data – not just for Amarok, but for the whole segment – everything in our own customer feedback, our dealer feedback, was pointing towards our customers demanding a product which drove well on the road, was engaging to drive, was comfortable, [and] was ergonomic,” he explained.
“And the way all of that came about allowed us to position this car in a more on-road focus, and still meet the brief and the demands of our customers.”
While Volkswagen hasn’t disclosed expected sales figures, the company says the Amarok W600 is not a limited-edition model, and has no cap on production.
Five exterior paint finishes are available: white, metallic silver, metallic grey, and metallic black. However, the final colour will be a ‘wildcard’ option, which will be changed annually – beginning with Deep Red Metallic.
Pricing is expected to be announced closer to the release of the 2027 Volkswagen Amarok W600, due in late 2026.