Five years after its debut in 2018, the third-generation Volkswagen Touareg has undergone a mid-cycle facelift, introducing a range of new features aimed at keeping it competitive in the market against rivals like the BMW X5 and Mercedes GLE. The updates are relatively minor, however.
In terms of visuals, the SUV’s design has been updated with a revised front fascia encompassing a different grille, a new apron and fancier optional matrix headlights that VW refers to as “IQ.LIGHT HD LED”.
These new headlamps encompass more than 38,000 interactive LEDs that project a carpet of light directly onto the driving lane. VW says they illuminate the road more precisely than any of its previous headlight technologies and include a glare-free main beam. The Touareg is the first model to launch with these lights but VW will soon add them to some of its smaller SUVs.
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Volkswagen has also updated the rear fascia of the Touareg with a full-width LED light bar and an illuminated VW badge that glows red. Also fitted as standard is a new roof load sensor that will trigger the ESC to engage earlier should it be needed to increase driving stability. This load sensor works in conjunction with an updated suspension system that can be fitted with active roll compensation and all-wheel steering. According to Volkswagen, both the standard suspension and the optional air suspension have undergone modifications to enhance both comfort and agility.
Moving to the cabin reveals a plethora of fresh features. For example, VW’s updated Innovision Cockpit that combines the digital instrument panel and Discover Pro Max infotainment system is now standard across the range. Enhancements have been made to the voice control system and key surfaces are now more premium than ever before. There are also 45-watt USB-C charging ports. Other new features include Travel Assist, Park Assist Plus with remote control, Trailer Assist, and Night Assist.
Driving the refreshed VW Touareg is a selection of 3.0-liter V6 engines. These include a petrol unit with 335 hp and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm), two turbodiesels that deliver 228 hp / 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) and 282 hp and 443 lb-ft (600 Nm) respectively, and a pair of two petrol V6 plug-in hybrids.
The flagship model is known as the Touareg R eHybrid and combines its 3.0-liter V6 with an electric motor to deliver a combined 456 hp for a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 5.1 seconds while the less powerful hybrid has 386 hp. Volkswagen has yet to disclose the electric-only ranges of both plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models, which utilize a 14.1kWh battery. The R also comes with a host of other R-branded elements, including new blue brake calipers, blue interior access, 20-inch Braga alloy wheels, new leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, and 4-zone automatic climate control.
VW has not yet released pricing details in all markets but we do know the range will kick off in Germany from €69,200 ($74,545) before rising to €75,080 ($80,879) for the Elegance, €79,660 ($85,812) for the R-Line, and topping out at €93,870 ($101,120) for the R eHybrid.
