The Touareg has long been an iconic model for the Volkswagen brand. While it previously shared a platform with the Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7, the new Touareg now has super-crossovers like the Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus as its relatives. The Yuzhny Avtomobil portal tested the third generation of the long-awaited Volkswagen Touareg.
Closer to premium
Over 16 years of presence on the market, the Touareg has established itself as a reliable, comfortable, and unpretentious SUV that is pleasant to drive not only on dirt roads, but also on good asphalt over long distances. To date, the Volkswagen Touareg has changed two generations and two restylings. The recently released third generation of the Touareg has become an even more innovative, high-tech, and advanced car. The new generation is built on a completely new MLB EVO platform. The Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne aren’t the only cars built on this platform. The Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus also share the same base with the new Touareg. And after the unpopular Phaeton left the Volkswagen lineup, the Touareg took over as the flagship model. The new model is 71 mm longer and 42 mm wider than its predecessor. However, its height is only 7 mm shorter, and the wheelbase has increased by 2 mm.
Essentially, virtually unchanged. Visually, the new model looks more impressive than its predecessor. The main feature of the Touareg’s appearance is its huge radiator grille, which forms a single ensemble with the headlights. The headlights seem to fill the voids between the powerful slats of the grille, which seems to have become wider than the car itself. The headlights and taillights are LED on all trim levels. The IQ.Light matrix light is an additional cost option. There are no separate fog lights: a dedicated button switches the headlights to a foul-weather mode. The top-of-the-line R-Line trim, like the one we tested, includes different bumpers, trim, and body-colored wheel arch trims.
In terms of hardware, the Touareg borrows many features from its older siblings on the MLB EVO platform. This includes a half-aluminum body and optional advanced mechatronics chassis—active anti-roll bars and air suspension. Rear-axle steering is also available. But enough theory; it’s time to get behind the wheel.
Spaceship
The interior of the new Touareg, compared to the previous-generation model, isn’t just a step forward, but a cosmic leap. Our test vehicle was in the R-Line trim, meaning the cabin features more than just a multimedia display, but a full-fledged mission control center. A massive 15-inch display dominates the dashboard, making it feel more than just a tablet screen; its size gives the impression of a home theater. From the very first glance, the interface feels logical and intuitive, especially considering the many layers of menus and submenus hidden within. For example, selecting one of 30 interior lighting colors changes the color theme of the screens, and the intensity of each element can be adjusted individually. You can also set a comfortable temperature for the three-zone climate control system—for the driver, front passenger, and rear seat passengers.
Although the latter seats have their own climate control unit. The digital instrument cluster is now being actively implemented in Volkswagen models. First, it was the little Tiguan, and now the Touareg can boast a 12-inch instrument cluster screen. This entire realm of screens is available only in the top-end versions; in lower trims, the multimedia system will be simpler. Despite dozens of advanced assistants such as intersection assist, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and even a night vision system, the driver is the primary focus in the Touareg. The seat profile and geometry are impeccable, and visibility is good.
The R-Line version has a sporty steering wheel with a slanted bottom. Its design is in keeping with the general Volkswagen style, with analog buttons. The compact steering wheel fits comfortably in the hands. The rear seat is spacious – three people can sit comfortably. For families, there are Isofix child seat mounts in the rear. As for the trunk, the Touareg had a fair amount of space in previous generations, but now it’s simply enormous, with a capacity that’s grown by more than 100 liters.
Key to start
We start the engine with the Start/Stop Engine button. The rumble of the three-liter diesel engine is practically inaudible in the cabin, thanks to the well-designed soundproofing. The diesel V6 produces 249 horsepower. It was detuned for Russian conditions from the European 286 horsepower, so the engine’s power reserve is sufficient for dynamic driving with a head. As an alternative, the new Touareg is also equipped with a gasoline V6 TSI producing 340 horsepower, for those who prefer a more dynamic driving experience, but the diesel is also quite sufficient for those who like to speed. There’s also a base engine option – a 2.0 TSI gasoline engine producing 249 horsepower. The same powertrain is also found in the Volkswagen Teramont. The engine is paired with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. It’s very nimble and shifts gears in seconds. In Sport mode, the transmission provides good, dynamic acceleration.
The test Touareg accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds, weighing over two tons. However, if you’re driving slowly, the transmission will engage eighth gear after a few moments. Apparently, the transmission is tuned this way to save fuel.
In terms of handling, the Touareg has always been and remains one of the most lightweight SUVs on the planet. The level of connection with it is such that even in a series of high-speed turns, it doesn’t roll; the maneuverability feels as if you’re driving a hatchback. All versions of the new Touareg, except the base one, are equipped with air suspension.
It allows the body to be raised by 70 mm to increase the ground clearance to 270 mm from the base 200, and to increase the approach and departure angles from 25° to 31°. Moreover, if the previous Touareg became stiff in the raised position, the suspension of the new car has something resembling a working stroke. In general, the MLB EVO platform puts the new Touareg on par with premium SUVs.
Now the Touareg is not an SUV, but an all-terrain vehicle. Still, it is designed for a more comfortable ride, and not for overcoming fords and potholes. Volkswagen engineers have abandoned the low-range transfer case and rear differential lock, as there was previously little demand for such models. Instead, they’ve relied on electronics. A Torsen limited-slip center differential distributes torque. The Off-Road package now includes four off-road modes for different surfaces.
Modern SUVs are becoming increasingly technologically advanced, and analog elements are giving way to digital technology and electronics. The new Touareg already resembles a smartphone on wheels, with its plethora of electronic gadgets. However, Touareg buyers needn’t fear the air suspension or digital solutions; Volkswagen offers a four-year/120,000-kilometer warranty. As before, the Touareg is very cool, but now in terms of equipment and technical capabilities it is head and shoulders above its predecessor.
You can find out all the details about the model and prices from the official Volkswagen dealer AAA Motors-West by phone 8 (863) 306-00-00, as well as on the website www.vw-aaamotors.ru.
And of course, you can try the new product in person, sign up for a test drive – www.vw-aaamotors.ru/purchase/test-drive/
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