The latest flagship Volkswagen Amarok W600 carries a price tag of $91,990 before on-road costs. This makes it $300 more than the Ford Ranger Raptor and the highest-priced mid-size dual-cab ute offered in Australia, aside from the Ranger Super Duty model.

Set to reach dealerships in September, the first Walkinshaw-tuned edition of the current Amarok generation draws from the Ford Ranger launched in 2022 and builds on the earlier Amarok W580 from 2020. The previous Walkinshaw Amarok series featured four variants that concluded with the W580SE limited edition.

The W600 extends the 2026 Amarok range to six grades overall. Entry begins with the Amarok Style TSI equipped with a 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine starting at $73,740 before on-road costs, while the former top Aventura V6 begins at $82,990 before on-road costs.

The W600 pricing announcement follows closely after the introduction of the Amarok Dark Label V6, which starts at $76,990 before on-road costs and is based on the base Style grade.

Although positioned near the Ranger Raptor in cost, the W600 was developed by Melbourne-based Walkinshaw Automotive Group to emphasize on-road driving dynamics and refinement rather than the off-road focus of the V6-powered Ford.

The W600 retains the 184kW/600Nm 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine, 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive setup from other V6 Amarok versions while incorporating chassis enhancements for sharper handling.

Walkinshaw tuned the vehicle for strong road manners with a premium European feel, avoiding the compromises in towing and payload seen in some rivals, according to Amarok product manager Michael Cenci.

Key upgrades feature 20x10-inch flow-formed dark-matte alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport SUV tyres, specially tuned Koni shock absorbers with Frequency Selective Damping technology and a thicker 22mm rear anti-roll bar in Lapiz Blue.

Walkinshaw also adjusted the steering calibration for better responsiveness and stability in corners. Exterior updates include distinctive front styling, a W600-specific grille, a light bar linking the LED Matrix headlights, deployable side steps, dual side-exit exhausts and Walkinshaw emblems.

The interior draws from the Style variant with Savona leather trim, heated and ventilated front seats, embroidered headrests, W600 sports pedals, sill plates and floor mats plus a Harman Kardon audio system.

The W600 offers a 3500kg braked towing capacity and 954kg payload. Standard safety features include a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, trailer assist and additional Volkswagen towing aids.

Metallic paint adds $1100 while an electric tonneau cover is available for an extra $3450.