WOLFSBURG: Volkswagen is providing a first preview of the update for the Touareg ahead of its world premiere in summer.
The German automaker said its large premium SUV would have a comprehensive technical and visual update. The rear and front have been redesigned, the chassis has been further developed to enhance comfort and performance.
The performance Touareg R eHybrid variant, as shown in this set of pictures, would continue to be the range-topper.
The camouflaged third-generation Touareg facelift is still completing its final test miles in Swedish Lapland.
Although the design modifications are still hidden under an oversized QR code wrap, the pictures of the disguised prototype already provide a concrete preview of the first technical details.
At the front, for example, it is possible to see the newly developed IQ.LIGHT HD matrix headlights and the elements of an also new LED light strip integrated between them.
Both headlights comprised a total of 38,400 micro LEDs to ensure more brightness on the road – without dazzling oncoming traffic.
The matrix system projects an interactive carpet of light into the lane of the SUV. This so-called “lane light” makes driving at night more comfortable and makes it easier to drive through narrow motorway construction sites in the dark, as the carpet of light optimally illuminates the lane.
The new Touareg would also be the first VW model in Europe with an illuminated logo on the rear.
Since January 2023, the Volkswagen badge lit up in red has been permitted in Europe. Previously the shining brand logo was allowed only in markets such as China or the US.
Volkswagen has further developed the chassis of the always all-wheel drive Touareg.
Among other things, a roof load sensor is now used, which is networked with the chassis electronics.
This results in increased agility when the roof is not loaded. If, on the other hand, a roof box is installed, the sensor recognises this and passes this information on to assistance systems such as the ESC. This increases the driving stability of the Touareg.
The standard steel spring running gear and the optional two-chamber air suspension running gear have also been given a new setup to achieve an even larger bandwidth between maximum comfort and optimum performance.
The refreshed Touareg would be equipped with the “Innovision Cockpit”. It is operated via the 15-inch central touchscreen, the multifunction steering wheel and analogue elements such as the volume control in the centre console.
The “Innovision Cockpit” of the new Touareg offers, among other things, lane-precise navigation and high-resolution HD map data. Voice control has also been further developed. The app integration via smartphone and “App Connect” (Apple CarPlay, Android Auto) can now also be done wirelessly.
Volkswagen said the high quality level of the Touareg was further improved by evaluating customer feedback: the armrests and the centre console panels are softer — a plus in comfort.
As before, the Touareg would be offered in petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid variants. All engines are 3.0-litre V6 units.
The V6 petrol mill makes 340hp, while the V6 diesel would come in two states of tune, producing either 231hp or 286hp.
The performance-oriented Touareg R eHybrid pairs a 3.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor to produce a combined 462hp and 700Nm of torque. The electric-range of the motor is likely to be improved and could be closer to 60km.
Keyword: Facelifted VW Touareg undergoes final tests in Arctic Circle