After a lengthy teaser campaign, Volkswagen has finally revealed its most technologically advanced yet - the third-generation Touareg.
The BMW X5 rival is larger than ever, and rides on the same platform as the upcoming Audi Q8, Porsche Cayenne, Bentley Bentayga and the Lamborghini Urus. Extensive use of aluminium in the construction of the new SUV has meant a 106kg drop in weight, but 116 litres more of space inside the boot thanks to the car’s longer and wider dimensions.
The interior is dominated by what Volkswagen calls its new ‘Innovision’ cockpit. The digital instrument panel is a 12-inch screen and the infotainment system gets a 15-inch display. As a result, VW says that designers and engineers have worked hard to try and get rid of as many buttons from the dashboard as possible. The luxury SUV also boasts VW's latest safety and assistance technologies including a thermal imaging camera, head-up display, semi-automated steering and lane keeping, LED matrix headlights and front cross-traffic assist.
The engine range will vary depending on the market, but there will be two V6 turbodiesels offered in 170kw and 210kw states of tune, a 310kw V8 turbodiesel, a 250kw V6 petrol, as well as a 270kw plug-in hybrid variant that's expected to arrive in 2019. Every engine option comes with an 8-speed automatic gearbox and an all-wheel drive system as standard.
Volkswagen South Africa's line-up will be announced in due course, with the first Touaregs expected in showrooms towards the end of 2018.
Also worth a look: the Volkswagen Golf and the Volkswagen Touareg.
FAQ
Q: What does the Volkswagen Touareg cost in South Africa?
The third-generation Touareg was expected to arrive in South African showrooms by late 2018, but Volkswagen South Africa hadn't announced local pricing at the time of this article, so you'll need to check with your nearest VW dealer for current prices.
Q: Is the Volkswagen Touareg worth buying over a BMW X5?
The Touareg brings serious tech credentials with its Innovision cockpit featuring 12-inch digital instruments and 15-inch infotainment screen, plus it's 106kg lighter than its predecessor while offering more boot space, making it a compelling alternative to the BMW X5.
Q: What engines are available in the new Volkswagen Touareg?
The global engine lineup includes two V6 turbodiesels producing 170kW and 210kW, a massive 310kW V8 turbodiesel, a 250kW V6 petrol, and a 270kW plug-in hybrid variant, though South African specifications weren't confirmed at launch.
Q: Does the Volkswagen Touareg come with all-wheel drive?
Yes, every Touareg comes standard with all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic gearbox across all engine variants, so you're sorted whether you're tackling the Drakensberg or just the morning traffic.
Should You Buy It?
The third-generation Touareg represents Volkswagen's most ambitious luxury SUV yet, sharing its premium platform with the Porsche Cayenne and Bentley Bentayga. With cutting-edge tech like thermal imaging cameras, matrix LED headlights, and that impressive Innovision cockpit, it's playing in the big leagues against the BMW X5 and Mercedes GLE. The weight savings and increased interior space show VW's engineers have done their homework. However, without confirmed South African pricing or engine specifications, it's hard to give a definitive verdict. If you're in the market for a tech-heavy luxury SUV and can wait for local availability details, the Touareg deserves serious consideration, but don't sign anything until you know exactly what you're getting for your rands.
