Volkswagen Touareg Review 2024
Volkswagen Touareg At A Glance
Excellent ride quality on air suspension. Comfortable, upmarket interior. You can now get a more affordable plug-in hybrid.
Not really a budget alternative to the Audi Q7. Not available with seven seats. 2023 updates are relatively minor.
On average it achieves 89% of the official MPG figure
The biggest SUV in VW's now expansive line-up, the Volkswagen Touareg is a comfortable and slightly left-field alternative to the Audi Q7, Volvo XC90 and BMW X5. Recent updates are minor yet add to its appeal, while a strong engine line-up adds to its competitiveness. It's just a shame it's so expensive...
You'd struggle to spot the difference between the latest 2023 Volkswagen Touareg and a pre-facelift model. Cosmetic highlights are limited to a slightly brasher front end and an illuminated light bar on the back, incorporating a light-up VW badge - a first for the brand.
Inside, the big news is that the excellent (massive) 15.0-inch infotainment screen is now standard across the range. There's an additional 12.0-inch display alongside it, acting as an impressive digital instrument cluster.
There have been a few welcome upgrades to the cabin, too, in terms of interior finish. It's not that earlier Touareg models are lacking, but it's never been quite as posh as other premium SUVs inside. It's spacious and supremely comfortable, too, although you can't get a seven-seat Volkswagen Touareg. You'll need to look elsewhere if you've got a big family.
Volkswagen Touareg buyers today get a choice of engines: including petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid power. Don't bother with the petrol - it's very thirsty. The plug-in hybrids are more appealing, especially as you can now get the entry-level Volkswagen Touareg Elegance as a PHEV. This will, in theory, cover 30 miles or so under electric power alone - while there's a 3.0-litre petrol engine on hand for those longer journeys.
Don't dismiss the diesel, though, especially if you're planning to cover a lot of motorway miles or tow a caravan. It's still not massively efficient, but it's surprisingly refined and its torquey nature suits this big SUV well.
To drive, the Volkswagen Touareg is impressively comfortable - especially if you get one with the air suspension. A Porsche Cayenne or Range Rover Sport feels more agile, but the Touareg's soothing nature makes it an excellent companion on long journeys. You can get it with optional all-wheel steering, too, which helps with tight manoeuvring.
With prices starting from more than £67,000, we reckon most large SUV buyers will overlook the Touareg for glitzier alternatives. We wouldn't necessarily blame them but, if you're not fussed about the badge on the bonnet, the Volkswagen Touareg is now a more desirable choice than ever before.
Reviews for Volkswagen Touareg's top 3 rivals
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Volkswagen Touareg handling and engines
- Engines range from 3.0 TDI 231 to 3.0 TSI PHEV R
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 18–44 mpg
Volkswagen Touareg 2024: Handling and ride quality
We reckon the Volkswagen Touareg is at its best when fitted with the air suspension. This is now standard on Black Edition and R models, leaving only the Elegance with traditional steel-sprung running gear.
While it's not as cosseting as a Range Rover, the Volkswagen Touareg does a fairly decent job of smoothing over lumpy road surfaces. This is even true of the Volkswagen Touareg R - with its huge 22-inch alloy wheels - no doubt because of that air suspension.
There's no hiding that the Touareg's a big car, and it feels its size when you're trying to pass traffic on a narrow rural road or negotiate a congested town centre. Visibility is perfectly good, though, and there are - of course - plenty of electrical systems on hand to make your life a little bit easier.
The Volkswagen Touareg has an ace up its sleeve in that it's a genuinely capable off-roader. No, no one will buy a new Touareg to go mud-plugging, but its four-wheel-drive system should provide plenty of reassurance in slippery conditions.
Volkswagen Touareg 2024: Engines
You can get the Volkswagen Touareg with a range of engines a 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol with 340PS, two 3.0-litre diesels (231PS or 286PS), and two plug-in hybrids (with 381PS or 462PS in the range-topping Volkswagen Touareg R eHybrid).
While it's definitely unfashionable to say so, we quite like the Touareg with the grunty 3.0-litre diesel. We've sampled the punchier 286PS unit and it makes such light work out of shifting the bulky SUV. There's plenty of torque available, while refinement is impressive for a car powered by the devil's juice.
If you're planning to cover a lot of short journeys or drive in city centres, we'd recommend looking at one of the other engines, though. The plug-in hybrid range was expanded in 2023, with the addition of a new entry-level 381PS powertrain offered exclusively in the Touareg Elegance. This consists of a 3.0-litre petrol engine plus an electric motor.
While all Touaregs are surprisingly quick considering their heft, the plug-in hybrids are actually the quickest. The less powerful PHEV will accelerate to 62mph in a relatively rapid 5.9 seconds, while the Touareg R eHybrid takes just 5.1 seconds.
With the ability to run on electric power for short distances, the PHEVs are the most refined of the bunch. The engine kicks in pretty seamlessly when you require some extra performance (or run out of battery), and they're generally very pleasant to live with, if not as sporty as - say- the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid.
Volkswagen Touareg 2024: Safety
Like many cars in its class, the Touareg has scored the maximum five stars in Euro NCAP crash tests. However, delve into the results, and you’ll find that some rivals have scored higher in the individual areas.
Standard safety kit includes a bonnet that pops up automatically to provide better protection for pedestrians, six airbags, active cruise control keeps you a safe distance from the car in front when you’re cruising along, and the system also incorporates automatic emergency braking, which applies the anchors if an impending impact is detected.
Traffic sign recognition, a lane-keeping aid and parking sensors at both ends are also included in the standard roster.
Volkswagen Touareg 2024: Towing
This is one of the Touareg’s strong suits, because it has a maximum towing capacity of a whopping 3500kg. It’s also offered with the option of a tow bar that folds out electrically from underneath the car. What’s more, a space-saver spare wheel is provided as standard, which will be good news for those uncomfortable with the idea of relying on a pot of sealant.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 TDI 231 | 43 mpg | 7.5–7.7 s | 173–215 g/km |
| 3.0 TDI 286 | 43 mpg | 6.1–6.4 s | 173–215 g/km |
| 3.0 TSI 340 | 31 mpg | 5.9–6.1 s | 203–251 g/km |
| 3.0 TSI PHEV | - | 5.9 s | 51 g/km |
| 3.0 TSI PHEV R | - | 5.1 s | 53–67 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Volkswagen Touareg
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
89%
Real MPG
18–44 mpg
MPGs submitted
44
Volkswagen Touareg interior
- Boot space is 810–1910 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4878–5008 mm |
| Width | 2193 mm |
| Height | 1702–1717 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2900–2905 mm |
Volkswagen Touareg 2024: Practicality
The Touareg only has five seats instead of the seven offered by many rivals, so it’s obviously not going to compete for numbers or versatility.
For five people, the Touareg does a very impressive job. The front seats have loads of space, as you’d expect, but those in the back are spoiled for room, too, with acres of head-and legroom.
The rear seats can also be slid forwards and backwards to alter the bias between rear legroom and boot space, and they can also be reclined in three stages.
The cabin is also wide enough to carry three across the rear bench in relative comfort, although there’s a transmission tunnel that the middleman will have to straddle. If you have bulky child seats, two will fit easily and you might get a small booster in between, but trying to fit three full-size ones is probably pushing it.
The boot is massive, so will deal with pushchairs and flatpacks without missing a beat. The rear seats fold down to create even more cargo space, and in this format, the space available is truly enormous. There’s no step in the load floor, either, and though the backrests of the rear seats do lie at a slight angle
Volkswagen Touareg 2024: Quality and finish
Competing with the likes of the BMW X5, Range Rover Sport and Audi Q7, and with a price tag to match, you’d expect the Touareg’s cabin to have some serious wow-factor in terms of quality. It has some, no doubt, but sadly, it simply can’t live with the sheer excellence of its rivals on that score.
Yes, all the bits that you look at and touch most often are lustrously finished and appealing to the eyes and fingertips. Look elsewhere, though, and you’ll find several places where the materials look and feel rather low-rent by comparison, whereas in most of the rivals mentioned, they’re of a uniformly high standard throughout the cabin.
That means the Volkswagen Touareg feels neither as classy, nor as solid, as its best rivals.
Volkswagen Touareg 2024: Infotainment
If you're looking for a Volkswagen Touareg with a high-tech interior, we'd recommend seeking one out with the impressive (and impressively named) Innovision system.
That's easy if you're looking at a brand new Touareg as it's now standard across the range - combining an impressive 12-inch digital display behind the steering wheel with an enormous 15-inch touchscreen display on the dash. It's appropriately fancy for a car with the Touareg's price tag - with sharp graphics and fast responses.
Buy a pre-facelift Touareg and, if it's a lower-spec model, it'll have a less glitzy but still very functional 9.2-inch display. Standard features on this include DAB radio, voice control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto - so it's not exactly lacking.
Volkswagen Touareg value for money
Volkswagen Touareg 2024: Prices
Like most things in life, the Volkswagen Touareg is a lot more expensive than it used to be. Prices start from around £67,500 for a Black Edition model with the 3.0 TDI engine, while the range tops out at more than £80,000 for the Volkswagen Touareg R. It's no longer a budget alternative to the Audi Q7.
This generation of Touareg has been on sale for a while, though, so if you're not fussed about the latest updates, it is possible to save money on the secondhand market. A three-year-old Touareg with the 3.0-litre diesel engine and sensible mileage can be picked up for around £35,000, which seems like pretty reasonable value for money.
Volkswagen Touareg 2024: Running Costs
On paper, the most efficient Volkswagen Touareg models are the plug-in hybrids. The 381PS Touareg eHybrid officially returns 128.4mpg, while the 462PS version - used in the Touareg R - manages 122.8mpg.
To get anywhere close to this, though, you'll have to charge the Touareg PHEVs regularly - and rarely exceed their official 31-mile electric range. Once the battery's flat, the PHEVs will barely be any more efficient than a petrol Touareg.
Talking of which, the petrol Volkswagen Touareg has an official WLTP fuel consumption figure of 25.7mpg - so it's probably the one to avoid if you don't want to spend all your time at the pumps. Both diesel models manage a slightly more respectable 34.4mpg.
You'll pay quite a lot in tax, too. The annual VED (car tax) bill will be £570 for years two to six, including the hefty premium car surcharge (for those with a list price of more than £40,000). This will drop to £180 after this initial period, while plug-in hybrids qualify for a £10 discount.
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As of 2023, the Volkswagen Touareg range consists of three models: Elegance, Black Edition and R.
The Volkswagen Touareg Elegance features 20-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, four-zone climate control, the Comfort package (with keyless access and electric tailgate), a 15.0-inch navigation system, an opening panoramic sunroof, IQ.Light HD matrix headlights, heated front seats and a rear-view camera system.
The Volkswagen Touareg Black Edition adds 21-inch black alloy wheels, black exterior highlights, air suspension, Memory pack plus with power seats, Park Assist Pro with Area view, ergoComfort front seats and rear tinted glass.
The Volkswagen Touareg R comes with 22-inch alloy wheels, Puglia leather trim, active climate front seats, interior leather quilting, interior ambient lighting and sill panel mouldings with illuminated R logo.
Before 2023, the Volkswagen Touareg range started with the SEL model. This featured 19-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, roof rails, and heat insulated front and rear screens. The interior is trimmed in leather with heated front seats, the 9.0-inch infotainment screen, and eight speakers.
The R-Line Tech model goes further with 20-inch alloys, R-Line styling, and rear privacy glass. It also comes with Volkswagen’s ergoComfort front seats, as well as the 12.0-inch Digital Cockpit in place of the standard analogue main dials.
With the R-Line Tech Plus, there are 21-inch alloy wheels, a tilting and sliding panoramic glass sunroof, and powered tailgate, it also has interior ambient lighting and the air suspension that gives a more controlled ride.
Pick the headline act of the Black Edition and you’ll find it gains Intelligent Park Assist and Park Assist Pro with Area view, black exterior trim around the windows, and IQ Light technology for the headlights with high beam assist.
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4878–5008 mm |
| Width | 2193 mm |
| Height | 1702–1717 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2900–2905 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 2005–2465 kg |
| Boot Space | 810–1910 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
| Servicing | 10000–20000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £42,254–£69,795 |
| Insurance Groups | - |
| Road Tax Bands | A–L |
| Official MPG | 31.4–42.8 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 5 |
Currently on sale
On sale until November 2022
| SUV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| R V6 TSi 462 4Motion 14.3 kWh 136hp/100kw Auto Start/Stop 5dr | £73,215 | - | 5.1 s |
On sale until July 2022
| SUV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 3.0 TDI V6 SCR 231 SE 4Motion 5dr | - | - | - |
| 3.0 TDI V6 SCR 286 SE 4Motion 5dr | - | - | - |
| 3.0 TSI V6 340 SEL Tech 4Motion 5dr | - | - | - |
| 3.0TDI V6 SCR 231 SEL Tech 4Motion 5dr | - | - | - |
| 3.0TDI V6 SCR 286 SEL Tech 4Motion 5dr | - | - | - |
Model History
- June 2018: Volkswagen Touareg goes on sale in the UK
- August 2018: Lower power 3.0 TDI added to range
- March 2019: 340PS petrol V6 added to Touareg range
- October 2019: Updates for 2020 Volkswagen Touareg
- December 2019: New trim levels for Volkswagen Touareg
- February 2020: Volkswagen Touareg R priced from £71,995
- July 2023: Updated Volkswagen Touareg priced from £67,640
June 2018
Volkswagen Touareg goes on sale in the UK
Debuting with V6 turbocharged engines the Touareg comes with an eight-speed automatic Tiptronic gearbox and 4MOTION all-wheel drive.
In the UK, the car will initially be offered with a 286PS 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel unit or, from the autumn, a 231PS version of the same engine. A 340PS 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged petrol engine joins in 2019.
In addition there is a plug-in hybrid drive with a system power of 367PS.
With a torque peak of up to 600 Nm, the 286 PS 3.0 V6 TDI also showcases the new Touareg’s extensive towing capacity. Capable of hauling braked trailer weights of up to 3.5 tonnes, the new car also boasts the latest iteration of Volkswagen’s handy Trailer Assist technology to facilitate simple slow-speed manoeuvring.
The 3.0 V6 TDI with 286 PS (2,967 cc) generates its punchy torque peak of 600 Nm from only 2250 rpm, and offers 42.8 mpg on the combined cycle. 0-62 mph takes 6.1 seconds.
The new third generation Touareg is equipped with permanent all-wheel drive (4MOTION) mated to an eight-gear automatic Tiptronic gearbox with ‘shift by wire’ functionality.
A centre differential lock with asymmetric dynamic torque distribution acts as a transfer box for the flow of forces between the front and rear axle. A maximum of 70 per cent of the drive force reaches the front axle and up to 80 per cent can be sent to the rear axle.
Offered here in three comprehensively specified trims: SEL, R-Line and new R-Line Tech, the five-seat Touareg sits on the Volkswagen Group’s modular longitudinal matrix (MLB).
Wider and longer than before, the luxurious new SUV’s dimensions are 4,878 mm long (+77 mm); 2,193 mm wide (including wing mirrors, +44 mm) and 1,702 mm high (-7 mm). Together these create significantly more dynamic proportions and, allied to all-new styling, endow the Touareg with an imposing yet lithe style.
The five-door, five-seat Touareg offers a 1,051 mm load length and maximum load capacity of 810 litres (seats up) or 1,800 litres (seats down). Kerb weight is 2,070 kg for the launch car.
One of the many technical innovations in the new Touareg is the option of the Innovision Cockpit. The 12-inch digital instrument cluster – Active Info Display – merges with the 15-inch TFT touchscreen of the new Discover Premium infotainment system to form a new digital operating, information, communication and entertainment unit.
The car’s flexibility is demonstrated by the flexible rear seat system. The position of the rear seats can be shifted by 160 mm fore/aft to create more space in the rear if required. Meanwhile the angle adjustment of the rear seat backrests is also variable in three stages, and by up to 21 degrees.
|
Model |
Engine |
Gearbox |
Drive |
RRP OTR |
|
Touareg |
3.0 V6 TDI SCR 286 PS |
8-spd auto tiptronic |
4MOTION |
£51,595.00 |
|
Touareg |
3.0 V6 TDI SCR 286 PS |
8-spd auto tiptronic |
4MOTION |
£55,095.00 |
|
Touareg |
3.0 V6 TDI SCR 286 PS |
8-spd auto tiptronic |
4MOTION |
£58,195.00
|
August 2018
Lower power 3.0 TDI added to range
The 3.0-litre TDI unit has an output of 231PS and comes in Touareg SEL, Touareg R-Line and Touareg R-Line Tech trims.
The 231PS engine delivers maximum power from 3250rpm to 4750rpm. Peak torque is 500Nm from 1750rpm and the new engine maintains the same CO2 figure (173g/km) and the same towing capacity (3500kg) as the 286PS unit.
All Touaregs are equipped with an eight-speed tiptronic automatic gearbox and all feature 4MOTION four-wheel drive and a limited slip differential.
|
Model |
Engine |
Gearbox |
CO₂ g/km |
Price |
|
Touareg SEL |
3.0 V6 TDI 231 PS |
8-sp auto |
173 |
£ 48,995 |
|
Touareg SEL |
3.0 V6 TDI 286 PS |
8-sp auto |
173 |
£ 51,595 |
|
Touareg R-Line |
3.0 V6 TDI 231 PS |
8-sp auto |
173 |
£ 52,495 |
|
Touareg R-Line |
3.0 V6 TDI 286 PS |
8-sp auto |
173 |
£ 55,095 |
|
Touareg R-Line Tech |
3.0 V6 TDI 231 PS |
8-sp auto |
173 |
£ 55,595 |
|
Touareg R-Line Tech |
3.0 V6 TDI 286 PS |
8-sp auto |
173 |
£ 58,195 |
March 2019
340PS petrol V6 added to Touareg range
Range-topping 3.0-litre V6 produces 340PS and 450Nm, taking Touareg to 62mph in 5.9 seconds. Prices start £49,095 with deliveries expected from April.
October 2019
Updates for 2020 Volkswagen Touareg
The Touareg gains Volkswagen’s new Park Assist Professional system, which combines Area View with Park Assist for the easiest assisted parking experience anywhere in the Volkswagen range. A new optional Air suspension with automatic self-levelling suspension, height adjustment and electronic shock absorption control will also be offered on all trim levels of the Touareg.
December 2019
New trim levels for Volkswagen Touareg
Volkswagen has expanded the line-up for its Touareg SUV, adding entry-level, mid-range and high-end specifications with a focus on technology to double the number of available variants on offer.
The Touareg is now additionally available in SEL Tech and Black Edition trims – both new to the third-generation model – with a focus on technology, and the Black Edition also focusing on design. An entry-level SE trim is also now open for order, taking the starting price for the luxury SUV down to £45,445.
Entry-level SE trim sits beneath SEL trim in the Touareg range. The new start point for Touareg ownership gets 19-inch Osorno alloys, a Discover Pro 9.2-inch touch-screen infotainment system with Gesture Control and integrated voice control, front and rear parking sensors and adaptive cruise control amongst its standard equipment. For the SE, most of the SEL’s standard-fit equipment has been kept, with luxury fittings like leather upholstery being reserved for the higher-end models to enhance the value of the entry-level car. The 231PS and 286PS 3.0-litre V6 TDI engines are available on this trim.
Mid-range SEL Tech trim builds upon the popular SEL, boosting the technology on offer by adding Volkswagen’s acclaimed Innovision Cockpit system, with 15” integrated control panel and 12.3-inch digital cockpit, an electric tailgate with electric opening and power latching. Identifiable by 19-inch Tirano alloy wheels, the SEL Tech also benefits from heat insulating, 80% tinted glass from the B-pillar backwards. This trim starts at £50,995 and is available with both diesel engines, as well as the powerful 340PS, 3.0-litre V6 TFSI unit. The R-Line, R-Line Tech and Black Edition also share this engine range.
Topping out the Touareg range is the Black Edition, priced at £58,745 in 231PS 3.0-litre V6 TDI guise. This car builds upon the R-Line Tech trim, adding a black finish to the 21-inch Suzuka alloy wheels, as well as an assortment of black trim pieces to the car’s exterior, including the radiator grille, roof rails, mirror housings, side window trims, and air intake fins.
The Black Edition features a panoramic sunroof and IQ Light matrix beam headlights as standard. As individual options, these would cost £1,260 and £1,420 respectively. The Touareg’s air suspension with automatic self-levelling function is also standard on the Black Edition, while an Easy Open function for the tailgate, and Park Assist package with Area View, further add to its technology arsenal for the Black Edition.
February 2020
Volkswagen Touareg R priced from £71,995
Capable of both impressive performance as well as ultra-low emissions, the Touareg R features a petrol plug-in hybrid system producing 462PS and 700Nm of torque. The model, which starts at £71,995 RRP OTR, is available to order now for UK customers.
The high-performance SUV is the most powerful production Volkswagen to date. Its 0 to 62 mph sprint time of 5.1 seconds accelerates the Touareg R into the territory of the brand’s other R models, and is within half a second of the Golf R’s 4.7-second figure. Like the aforementioned Volkswagen performance champion, the Touareg R’s top speed is limited to 155mph. A maximum of 70% of the car’s torque can be transferred to the front wheels, and up to 80% to the rear axle, via a centre differential lock with asymmetric torque distribution (Torsen) acting as a transfer box.
At the heart of the Touareg R is a sophisticated 3.0-litre V6 TSI eHybrid plug-in powertrain. Not only is it powerful, but it is also smooth and refined and, moreover, is frugal enough to make the R the most running-cost-friendly model in the Touareg range, with fuel economy and CO 2 emissions of 94.2 mpg and 67 g/km (WLTP combined cycle) respectively. A 28-mile electric-only range accessible in the Touareg R’s E-MODE adds to the model’s low-CO 2 credentials, with the 14.3 kWh (net) battery reducing running costs for this versatile performance SUV.
The new R bolsters the standard Touareg's equipment list, and adds a number of extra luxuries as standard, with black ‘Puglia’ leather-upholstered, diamond-quilted ergoComfort seats finished with contrasting blue stitching and piping, and active climate (heating and ventilation) function for front occupants. The R also benefits from a unique heated leather sports steering wheel with R logo and DSG shift paddles, 30-colour interior ambient lighting, and a keyless locking and starting system. The interior is further stylised with illuminated, R-branded scuff plates, diamond-quilted leather panels in the door cards, and blue highlights on the carpet mats.
The standard equipment list builds upon that of the Touareg Black Edition, which means the Touareg R also features an air suspension system with automatic self-levelling function, height adjustment and electronic shock absorption control. A Park Assist package with 360-degree Area View camera adds to the convenience offered, while the intelligent IQ. Light LED matrix headlights – first introduced on the Touareg in 2018 but now offered on multiple models including the Golf – use information from the car’s front camera, navigation data and GPS information, steering angle and speed of travel to optimise lighting for numerous driving situations. The system also incorporates LED daytime running lights, LED rear lights with dynamic turn signal, and Dynamic Light Assist high-beam control. Like the Black Edition, the Touareg R also counts a panoramic sunroof among its vast list of standard-fit equipment.
This luxurious specification also features items from across the generously-equipped Touareg range, with dynamic road sign display, Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Assist as standard . Meanwhile, tinted glass, six interior USB ports (four front, two rear) and 4-zone electronic air conditioning are all included on R-Line models and above. The Touareg’s acclaimed Innovision Cockpit, which incorporates a 15-inch central infotainment screen and 12.3-inch Digital Cockpit display, is factory-fit from R-Line Tech models upwards.
In addition to all the aforementioned kit, the Touareg R, as part of the R stable of models, boasts exclusive styling with specifically designed front and rear bumpers, a gloss black rear diffuser, and 22-inch ‘Estoril’ diamond-turned wheels shod in 285/35 R22 tyres. R badging within the front grille, on the wings, and in the centre of the tailgate further designate the Touareg R as the performance-oriented flagship in the luxury SUV range, while darkened tail lights and a black grille, mirror caps and window trim add further visual impact. A mode 3, 32 A / 7.2 kW charging cable is also included to top up the battery from public charge points. Charging an empty battery in this way will take two and a half hours, while using a household three-pin socket will take eight and a half hours.
Options for those who wish to further bolster the equipment list of the Touareg R include the Driver Assistance Pack Plus, which in addition to Emergency Assist, Front Cross Traffic Assist, Predictive Pedestrian Protection, Side Scan and proactive occupant protection systems, brings Travel Assist – a camera and sensor-controlled system with the capacity to steer, brake and accelerate, providing Level 2 driving automation at speeds of up to 155 mph (where permitted). A Head-up Display can bring further innovation and convenience to the Touareg R’s technology-loaded interior, and a Night Vision system can also help drivers to see hazards in the dark that they might not have spotted with the naked eye. Those wishing to take advantage of the Tourareg R’s 3.5 tonne towing capacity can opt for a power-folding tow bar installed with the Trailer Assist system.
July 2023
Updated Volkswagen Touareg priced from £67,640
The new Volkswagen Touareg is now available to order in the UK. With bright lights that don’t dazzle, upgraded running gear and superior comfort, the latest upgraded Touareg strikes the perfect balance whether you are on-road, off-road or towing.
One of the most eye-catching features is the newly-developed IQ.Light HD LED matrix headlights, which use 38,432 LEDs to turn night into day. Three light modules in each headlight create an unmistakable design and project a lane of light ahead of the driver to provide maximum visibility without dazzling oncoming traffic. There’s also lighting for cornering and poor weather, and with the optional Night Vision assist system – which detects people and animals using a thermal imaging camera and shows them on the cockpit and optional head-up display – the Touareg is set to offer one of the best lighting and night vision systems in the world.
Lighting also plays a part in the vehicle’s striking good looks. The redesigned front end features, for the first time on the Touareg, an illuminated horizontal strip in the radiator grille; a similar line across the rear also offers a first for any Volkswagen model in the UK, in the form of an illuminated red brand logo. New 20-, 21- and 22-inch alloy wheels will also turn heads when people see the new Touareg from the side.
Different design touches are included for specific equipment levels. For example, the flagship Touareg R eHybrid, developed by Volkswagen R, features standard 22-inch Estoril diamond-turned wheel rims with blue brake calipers and decorated with a silver R logo. The R logo is also projected on to the road by the exterior mirrors.
The new Touareg is available in five powertrains, each with a 3.0-litre V6 power unit: one turbocharged petrol engine (340 PS), two turbodiesel engines (231 PS and 286 PS) and two plug-in hybrid drives (V6 petrol engine plus electric drive motor). The plug-in hybrid drive of the Touareg eHybrid delivers 381 PS, and the Touareg R eHybrid delivers a hefty 462 PS. All engines are paired as standard with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and 4MOTION permanent all-wheel drive.
Recommended retail prices range from £67,640 to £80,370 (on the road, including VAT).
Comfort and technology
The Touareg is already famous for providing high levels of comfort, and this is only getting better with the latest version.
The running gear has been revamped to allow an even greater spread between performance and comfort on all types of terrain, from smooth motorways and undulating lanes to bumpy and hilly tracks.
A roof load sensor works with the vehicle electronics and running gear for increased agility when carrying a roof box, and the all-wheel-drive Touareg has high-tech options such as active roll compensation and all-wheel steering. A plethora of innovative technology systems include Travel Assist (assisted driving up to a maximum speed), Area View (360-degree bird’s eye view shown in the infotainment display console to assist with manoeuvring), Park Assist Plus with remote parking capability (allowing the driver to control parking remotely, via an app, from outside the vehicle), Trailer Assist (assisted manoeuvring with a trailer) and the previously mentioned Night Vision.
Upgraded interior
Volkswagen has upgraded the Touareg’s interior for added comfort on long journeys, including soft armrests and even padding on the centre console to cushion people’s knees from bumps. New door panels made of a foamed material come with attractive double decorative seams.
The Innovision Cockpit features the latest hardware and software, including lane-level navigation and high-resolution HD map data, voice control system and wireless app integration for smartphones. It combines a digital 12-inch instrument cluster and the Discover Premium infotainment system with a central 15-inch touchscreen. The two displays form a continuous digital landscape on one viewing and operating axis.
Electronic devices such as tablets can be charged with 45 instead of 15 Watts, while an optional 730-Watt Dynaudio Consequence sound system promises as many thrills for people’s hearing as the rest of the vehicle does for their other senses.
Hannah Doherty, Touareg Product Manager at Volkswagen UK, said: “The new Touareg really does offer everything, whether you’re looking for a rugged off-roader, a smooth long-distance cruiser or a towing workhorse – and all with the superior comfort and high-tech features you’d expect from Volkswagen’s flagship model.
“The new HD matrix headlights are an especially exciting development, both for the Touareg and for Volkswagen’s future SUV models, as the technology spreads across the range.”
Prices and variants
|
Model variant |
Price (RRP OTR inc VAT) |
|
Touareg Elegance 3.0 TSI eHybrid 381 PS |
£68,810 |
|
Touareg Black Edition 3.0 TSI 340 PS |
£72,070 |
|
Touareg Black Edition 3.0 TDI 231 PS |
£67,640 |
|
Touareg Black Edition 3.0 TDI 286 PS |
£70,320 |
|
Touareg R 3.0 TSI eHybrid 462 PS |
£80,370 |
