As expected, the design of the new Volkswagen Touareg turned out to be very close to the appearance of the T-Prime Concept GTE concept. The model moved to the MLB Evo platform and noticeably increased in size. The length of the crossover grew to 4878 mm (+77), width – to 1984 (+44), and the wheelbase is now 2894 mm (+1). At the same time, the height decreased to 1702 mm (-7). The trunk volume increased to 810 liters (+113).
The new platform allowed the Touareg to shed more than 100 extra kg, but the crossover lost the mechanical center differential and the "low range", replaced by a regular clutch that transfers up to 70% of traction forward and up to 80% backward.
The new Touareg is still available with air suspension, and in addition, the model received active anti-roll bars and a fully steerable chassis with rear-wheel steering.
The Touareg's interior adopted the new Innovision Cockpit concept, whose main elements are two impressive, combined displays measuring 12 and 15 inches. The first screen is responsible for the instrument cluster, and the larger one, turned toward the driver, is for the multimedia system.
The Touareg also acquired advanced IQ.Light matrix optics with 128 controllable diodes in each headlight, capable of adapting to the surroundings, weather conditions, illuminating pedestrians, etc.
The driver has at their disposal a "traffic jam" autopilot operating at speeds up to 60 km/h, as well as a night vision system with a thermal imager.
Diesel power units dominate the engine lineup. The base three-liter V6 is offered in two versions: 231 hp (500 Nm) and 286 hp (600 Nm), while the top variant is available with a four-liter V8 producing 421 hp and a whopping 900 Nm. There is only one gasoline engine so far – a 340-horsepower 3.0 TSI. The transmission is without alternatives – an 8-speed automatic.
For the Chinese market, the Touareg also provides a hybrid powertrain, but the debut of such a version in Europe has been postponed for now.
The new Volkswagen Touareg will be produced at the Slovak plant in Bratislava. Sales of the crossover should start closer to summer.
