Bigger, more efficient and more technological than ever. This could be the cover letter for the new Volkswagen Touareg, a model that is now in its 3rd generation and that has sold almost a million units since it was launched in 2002.
In aesthetic terms, the highlight goes to the lines debuted on the Volkswagen Arteon. In this 3rd generation, the Volkswagen Touareg appears to be more removed from the "off-road" credentials that marked its predecessors — despite the presence of adaptive pneumatic suspensions — and should assume a posture that is expected to be more focused on road performance and comfort.
The front features headlamps with Matrix-LED technology that Volkswagen claims are the most advanced in the segment by using a total of 128 LEDs (per headlamp), capable of “transforming night into day”, says the brand. At the rear, Volkswagen's new luminous signature is once again present — yet it retains the 'family air' of the previous generation Touareg.
Audi Q7 and Lamborghini Urus platform
More than ever, the Volkswagen Touareg will assume the role of standard bearer for the German brand — a role that once fell to the Volkswagen Phaeton, without success. To this end, Volkswagen used the best of its component bank at the platform level, and equipped the new Volkswagen Touareg with the MLB platform.
Thanks to the use of this platform, Volkswagen announces a weight reduction of 106 kg, thanks to the intensive use of aluminum (48%) and high rigidity steel (52%) in the construction of the MLB platform. With this platform also comes a directional rear axle, adaptive air suspensions and… rims that can reach 21″.
hi-tech interior
If we cover up the Volkswagen logos, we might as well judge that it is an Audi model that we have before our eyes. The straight lines of the center console, which fuse materials such as plastic, leather and aluminum, elevate this Volkswagen model to a level very close to that found in models from the Ingolstadt brand.
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In technological terms, history repeats itself, with the presence of a dominant 15-inch infotainment system. In terms of the displays, the 100% digital Active Info Display system appears, unsurprisingly. Technology enthusiasts will have plenty to entertain themselves in the new Volkswagen Touareg.
The more equipped versions will have ventilated seats with massage, air conditioning with four zones, a hi-fi sound system with 730 watts of power and the largest panoramic roof in Volkswagen's history.
Wide range of engines
Three engines have been announced for the new Volkswagen Touareg. In the European market Volkswagen's SUV will be launched with two versions of the 3.0 TDI engine, with 230 hp and 281 hp respectively. In the gasoline version, we will have a 3.0 TSI engine with 335 hp.
At the top of the engine hierarchy, Volkswagen is expected to resort to the «super V8 TDI» we know from the Audi SQ7 with 415 hp of power.
On the Chinese market, the Volkswagen Touareg will also feature a plug-in hybrid engine — which will arrive in Europe in a second phase — with a combined total power of 323 hp. The new Volkswagen Touareg is expected to hit the domestic market in the first quarter of 2019.