Volkswagen Touareg: A Technological Marvel with Timeless Appeal

The Volkswagen Touareg has been a staple in the world of full-size SUVs for over two decades. While it shares its technical foundation with more luxurious models like the Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7, the Touareg carves out a distinctive identity, emphasizing understated functionality over flash. Despite its availability with some powerful engines, the Touareg’s character is more aligned with practical models like the Land Rover Discovery and the older Volvo XC90.

At its peak, when nearly 100,000 units were produced annually, the Touareg’s appeal lay primarily in its robust mechanical capabilities. Its impressive powertrains could achieve remarkable feats, such as towing a Boeing 747, which gave the car a reputation for being tough and versatile. This practicality set it apart from more glamorous SUVs that often prioritize image over substance.

However, times have changed. Volkswagen’s American-built Atlas has taken over much of the market space previously occupied by the Touareg, but the latter still plays a vital strategic role for the company. One of the key growth areas for the model is its hybrid offering, demonstrated by the new eHybrid Elegance, which was introduced as part of a 2023 mid-life refresh.

The Evolution of the Touareg

Volkswagen introduced plug-in hybrid technology to the Touareg range in 2021 with the range-topping R model. The 2023 facelift expanded the lineup, making the plug-in hybrid option more accessible with the more affordable eHybrid Elegance. This variant offers a compelling alternative to the diesel-powered models, appealing to buyers looking for a greener option without sacrificing too much power.

Interestingly, the facelifted Touareg introduces a pricing structure where the more powerful electrified petrol versions are cheaper than the less powerful diesel ones. This is primarily due to differences in equipment levels, which don’t align neatly for a direct comparison.

Strengths and Weaknesses

The updated design of the Touareg brings several advantages. Its proportions remain well-balanced, and the new front grille design is a marked improvement over the previous model. Additionally, the range of powertrain options caters to a wide variety of needs, and for those who prefer traditional power, a large-capacity diesel engine is still available.

However, there are a few downsides to the facelift. The illuminated grille and badge, while innovative, detract from the car’s premium aesthetic, making it feel more like a showpiece than a refined vehicle. Furthermore, the Touareg lacks the sophisticated air suspension systems available in its more premium siblings, the Porsche Cayenne and Bentley Bentayga. Finally, the trim options available in the UK are somewhat puzzling, with choices that seem mismatched to customer expectations.

Design and Technology

The 2023 facelift brings updates to both the front and rear of the Touareg. It became the first Volkswagen model to feature the brand’s next-generation IQ Light HD LED matrix headlights, which are standard on UK models. These give the car a sharper, more modern look, particularly when paired with the new, wider radiator grille and the thin LED light bar running across its width.

At the rear, Volkswagen has replaced the old tail-lights with a sleek LED light bar. Upper trim models even feature an illuminated VW badge, which lights up in red to match the light bar. However, buyers opting for the Elegance trim, as in the test model, can avoid this feature—something that most testers appreciated, as the illuminated badge was not well-received.

Performance and Engineering

Underneath the sleek exterior, the Touareg retains its strong engineering foundations. It is built on the Volkswagen Group’s MLB Evo platform, a mixed-metal monocoque chassis that houses engines in a north-south layout. All the engines in the current range are 3.0-litre turbocharged V6s, mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. For the plug-in hybrid versions, an electric motor is integrated ahead of the gearbox, enabling hybrid power.

In terms of drivetrain, the Touareg features a Torsen torque-biasing centre differential, which delivers permanent four-wheel drive. This setup ensures the car remains capable in a variety of conditions, living up to its reputation as a versatile SUV.

Buyers in the UK have a choice between two V6 TDI diesel engines, producing either 228bhp or 282bhp, as well as a 335bhp V6 TSI petrol engine. The eHybrid, which combines a petrol engine with an electric motor, delivers 376bhp, making it more powerful than two of the three diesel options, despite its lower price point. For those seeking even more performance, the range-topping eHybrid R offers an impressive 456bhp.