Volkswagen Touareg

The Volkswagen Touareg (German pronunciation: [ˈtuːaʁɛk]) is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV produced by Volkswagen from August 2002 until March 2026. The vehicle takes its name from the nomadic Tuareg people, inhabitants of the Saharan interior in North Africa.^[2] It served as Volkswagen's flagship SUV throughout its production life and was built exclusively at the Volkswagen Bratislava Plant in Slovakia, with CKD assembly in Malaysia commencing in 2024.

ManufacturerVolkswagen

ProductionAugust 2002 – March 2026^[1]

ClassE-segment luxury crossover SUV

Bodystyle5-door SUV

Quick facts Overview, Manufacturer ...

Volkswagen Touareg

Overview
Manufacturer	Volkswagen
Production	August 2002 – March 2026^[1]
Body and chassis
Class	E-segment luxury crossover SUV
Body style	5-door SUV
Layout	Front-engine, four-wheel-drive (4motion)

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The Touareg was originally developed jointly with the Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7, all three sharing the Volkswagen Group PL71 platform for the first generation (2002–2010). The first generation was notable for its breadth of engine options, spanning five, six, eight, ten, and twelve cylinders. The second generation (2010–2018) shared the updated PL72 platform with the same corporate siblings and introduced a full-hybrid variant. The third generation (2018–2026) moved to the MLB Evo architecture shared with the Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q7, Audi Q8, Bentley Bentayga, and Lamborghini Urus, and added a plug-in hybrid drivetrain.^[3] A facelift of the third generation was introduced for the 2024 model year, and production of all variants ended in March 2026.

Volkswagen discontinued the Touareg for sale in North America from the 2019 model year, citing lower demand relative to the larger and more affordable Volkswagen Atlas, which had been introduced for 2017. Over its production lifetime of three generations the Touareg accumulated significant motorsport achievements, including a victory in the 2005 DARPA Grand Challenge with the autonomous vehicle Stanley and multiple Dakar Rally stage wins.

Development

The Volkswagen Touareg (internally designated Typ 7L) was developed as a joint venture project between Porsche and the Volkswagen Group, involving both the Audi and Volkswagen marques. A development team located in Weissach, Germany, led by Klaus-Gerhard Wolpert, created the Volkswagen Group PL71 platform that underpins all three first-generation vehicles — the Touareg, the Audi Q7, and the Porsche Cayenne.^{[citation needed]} The Touareg and Cayenne both seat five passengers, while the Q7's stretched wheelbase accommodates a third row for seven. During the initial development phase, Porsche operated as an independent company outside the Volkswagen Group; Porsche AG did not become a wholly owned Volkswagen subsidiary until 2012.^{[citation needed]}

Porsche's chief executive at the time, Wendelin Wiedeking, sought to diversify the brand's product portfolio beyond sports cars, leading to the Cayenne as Porsche's first four-door model.^{[citation needed]} Production of the Touareg and Q7 was concentrated at the Volkswagen Bratislava Plant in Bratislava, Slovakia, while Porsche established a dedicated Cayenne assembly line at its Leipzig plant.

First generation (7L; 2002)

Quick facts First generation (7L), Overview ...

First generation (7L)

Overview
Production	2002–2010
Assembly	Slovakia: Bratislava (Volkswagen Bratislava Plant)
Designer	Erwin Leo Himmel
Body and chassis
Platform	Volkswagen Group PL71 platform
Related	Porsche Cayenne Audi Q7
Powertrain
Engine	Petrol: 3.2 L VR6 FSI 3.6 L VR6 FSI 4.2 L V8 4.2 L V8 FSI 6.0 L W12 FSI Diesel: 2.5 L R5 TDI 3.0 L V6 TDI 5.0 L V10 TDI
Transmission	6-speed manual 6-speed Aisin/VW TR-60SN/09D automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,855 mm (112.4 in)
Length	4,754 mm (187.2 in)
Width	1,928 mm (75.9 in)
Height	1,726 mm (68.0 in)

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The first-generation Touareg was introduced in 2002. It came standard with a 4XMotion four-wheel drive system featuring an automatic progressively locking centre differential with manual override and an in-cabin-activated low-range setting. An optional four-wheel active air suspension could raise the ride height on demand, and an optional locking rear differential enhanced off-road capability.^[4] An uncommon option was a front-locking differential. Ground clearance at load level is 160 mm (6.3 in), rising to 244 mm (9.6 in) in the Off-Road setting and 300 mm (11.8 in) at maximum height.^[5] It won multiple awards including Best Luxury SUV, Best Sport/Utility, Best 4x4, and Least Green Car of 2004 in the United States.^[6]

W12 (2005–2010)

The 6.0-litre DOHC 48-valve W12 engine variant was initially intended as a limited-edition model, with only 500 units planned; around 330 were allocated for Saudi Arabia, with the remainder for Europe. Some W12 Touaregs were sold in China, and no sales were made in the United States. Eventually the W12 became an unrestricted production variant. According to Volkswagen, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.9 seconds and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).^[7]

V10 TDI (2002–2008)

The V10 TDI was offered in the United States for a limited period in 2004, but emissions regulations temporarily removed it from sale.^[8]

The V10 TDI returned to the US market as a 2006 model in five states, and later US models met all 50-state emission standards using ultra-low-sulphur diesel and particulate filters.^[9] Stricter California Air Resources Board (CARB) standards ultimately reduced 2008 compliance to 43 of 50 states,^[10] before the V10 TDI was cancelled in the United States.^[11] It was replaced by a V6 TDI meeting CARB minimum requirements for the 2009 model year.

Facelift (2006–2010)

The first facelift was unveiled at the 2006 Paris Motor Show,^[12] with its North American debut at the 2007 New York Auto Show as a 2008 model.^[13] The update introduced the shield grille styling shared with other Volkswagen models, along with more than 2,300 redesigned parts and several new technologies: ABS Plus, which works with the traction control system to shorten braking distance by up to 25% on loose surfaces; Front Scan, an adaptive cruise control system capable of slowing or stopping the vehicle according to traffic; and Side Scan, a blind-spot monitor using rear-mounted radar to flash warning LEDs in the door mirrors if the driver signals while another vehicle is detected alongside.

The 2007 Touareg could also be optioned with a driving dynamics package, a rollover sensor, a 620-watt Dynaudio sound system, and redesigned comfort seats. All diesel variants received a standard diesel particulate filter.^[14]

In the United States and Canada, the facelifted Touareg was marketed as the Touareg 2 for the 2008–2010 model years, reverting to simply Touareg in 2011.^[15]

R50 (2007–2010)

The Touareg R50 was the third Volkswagen, after the Golf and Passat, to receive the R performance treatment by Volkswagen Individual GmbH. It was globally launched at the 2007 Australian International Motor Show and named for its 5.0-litre displacement. The R50 used a 5.0-litre V10 diesel engine producing 257 kW (349 PS; 345 hp) and 850 N⋅m (627 lb⋅ft) of torque, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.7 seconds.^[16] It came standard with 21-inch Omanyt wheels, sport-tuned air suspension, engine-spin finish interior trim, and an optional four-zone Climatronic climate control system.

V6 TDI Clean Diesel (2009–2016)

The V6 TDI Clean Diesel featuring a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system replaced the V10 TDI in the United States and Canada. A 17 L (4.5 US gal) tank mounted beneath the boot floor stores the AdBlue solution, which Volkswagen recommended checking and refilling every 8,000 km (4,971 mi).^[17]

The Touareg BlueTDI was unveiled at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show^[18] and the production version at the 2008 LA Auto Show.^[19]

Touareg "Lux Limited" (2009)

The Touareg "Lux Limited" was a variant for the US market based on the V6 TDI Clean Diesel, V6 FSI, and V8 FSI. It featured 20-inch "Mountain" alloy wheels with 275 all-season tyres, a choice of four body colours, a full aerodynamics kit, dual-power front seats, Cricket two-tone leather interior, touchscreen navigation with Bluetooth, a 320-watt 11-speaker audio system, and adaptive HID headlamps. It was unveiled at the 2009 NAIAS.^[20]

Engines

More information Model, Years ...

Model	Years	Engine type	Power	Torque	Engine code
Petrol engines
3.2 VR6	2002–2007	3,189 cc (3.2 L; 194.6 cu in) VR6	220 PS (162 kW; 217 hp) at 6,000	310 N⋅m (229 lb⋅ft) at 2,500	AZZ/BAA/BKJ/BRJ/BMV/BMX
3.6 VR6	2007–2010	3,597 cc (3.6 L; 219.5 cu in) VR6	280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp) at 6,250	360 N⋅m (266 lb⋅ft) at 2,500–5,000	BHL/BHK
4.2 V8	2002–2007	4,163 cc (4.2 L; 254.0 cu in) 40v V8	310 PS (228 kW; 306 hp) at 6,000	410 N⋅m (302 lb⋅ft) at 3,500	AXQ
4.2 V8 FSI	2006–2010	4,163 cc (4.2 L; 254.0 cu in) 32v V8 FSI	350 PS (257 kW; 345 hp) at 6,800	440 N⋅m (325 lb⋅ft) at 3,500	BAR
4.2 V10 TSI Limited	2006–2010	4,163 cc (4.2 L; 254.0 cu in) 32v V8 FSI
6.0 V10	2005–2010	5,998 cc (6.0 L; 366.0 cu in) W12	450 PS (331 kW; 444 hp) at 6,000	600 N⋅m (443 lb⋅ft) at 3,250
Diesel engines
2.5 R5 TDI	2003–2010	2,461 cc (2.5 L; 150.2 cu in) I5 Pumpe-Düse turbo	163 PS (120 kW; 161 hp) at 3,500 / 174 PS (128 kW; 172 hp) at 3,500	400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft) at 2,250	BAC/BPE
3.0 V6 TDI	2004–2010	2,967 cc (3.0 L; 181.1 cu in) V6 common rail turbo	225 PS (165 kW; 222 hp) at 3,500	550 N⋅m (406 lb⋅ft) at 2,000–2,250	BKS
3.0 V6 TDI BlueMotion	2009–2015	2,967 cc (3.0 L; 181.1 cu in) V6 common rail turbo	225 PS (165 kW; 222 hp) at 3,500	550 N⋅m (406 lb⋅ft) at 2,000–2,250
5.0 V10 TDI	2002–2008	4,921 cc (4.9 L; 300.3 cu in) V10 Pumpe-Düse turbo	313 PS (230 kW; 309 hp) at 3,750	750 N⋅m (553 lb⋅ft) at 2,000	AYH/BLE/BKW/BWF
5.0 V10 S (from the Vento mid-model)	2007–2010	4,921 cc (4.9 L; 300.3 cu in) V10 Pumpe-Düse turbo	350 PS (257 kW; 345 hp) at 3,500	850 N⋅m (627 lb⋅ft) at 2,000

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Marketing

In Canada and the United States, advertisements showed the Touareg performing manoeuvres impossible for standard Volkswagen cars.^{[citation needed]} A 2007 Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI pulled a Boeing 747 in an advertising campaign, setting a world record for the heaviest load ever towed by a production passenger car.^[21]

Safety

More information Test, Score ...

ANCAP test results
Volkswagen Touareg variant(s) as tested (2004)^[22]
Test	Score
Overall
Frontal offset	14.47/16
Side impact	16/16
Pole	2/2
Seat belt reminders	2/3
Whiplash protection	Not Assessed
Pedestrian protection	Poor
Electronic stability control	Standard

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Second generation (7P; 2010)

Quick facts Second generation (7P), Overview ...

Second generation (7P)

Overview
Production	2010–2018
Assembly	Slovakia: Bratislava (Volkswagen Bratislava Plant)
Designer	Klaus Bischoff
Body and chassis
Platform	Volkswagen Group PL72 platform
Related	Porsche Cayenne Audi Q7
Powertrain
Engine	Petrol: 3.0 L V6 TSI (China) 3.6 L VR6 FSI 4.2 L V8 FSI Petrol hybrid: 3.0 L V6 TSI Diesel: 3.0 L V6 TDI 4.2 L V8 TDI
Electric motor	46 PS (34 kW; 45 hp) AC synchronous (hybrid)
Transmission	8-speed TL-80SN/TR-82SD automatic^[23]
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,893 mm (113.9 in)
Length	4,795 mm (188.8 in)
Width	1,940 mm (76.4 in)
Height	1,709 mm (67.3 in) Hybrid: 1,732 mm (68.2 in)
Chronology
Successor	Volkswagen Atlas (United States and Canada)

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The second-generation (Typ 7P) Touareg was revealed on 10 February 2010 in Munich^[24] and later at the 2010 Beijing International Auto Show.^[25] It introduced "Dynamic Light Assist", a world-first glare-free high-beam system that continuously adjusts both the range and pattern of the high beam to avoid illuminating vehicles ahead while maintaining maximum surrounding illumination.^[24]^[26]

Additional technology on the 7P included adaptive cruise control with a Stop & Go function enabling full stops in traffic, a lane departure warning system (Lane Assist), a blind-spot monitor (Side Assist), Front Assist collision avoidance with automatic emergency braking,^[27] Area View with four surround cameras, adaptive air suspension with continuous damping control, and a standard eight-speed automatic transmission.

Touareg Hybrid (2010–2018)

The Touareg Hybrid was unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show^[28] and later at the 2010 New York International Auto Show^[29] and 2010 Guangzhou Auto Show. The Chinese model went on sale in early 2011.^[30]

Touareg Exclusive (2010–2018)

The Touareg Exclusive featured two-tone Nappa leather upholstery in "Pepper Beige–Titan Black" or "Dark Burgundy–Titan Black", heated 12-way electric front seats, leather door inserts, a black headliner, stainless steel sill strips with exclusive lettering, and olive silk gloss wood trim. Standard wheels were 19-inch Salamanca alloys, with optional 19-inch Girona or 20-inch Tarragona items.^[31]

Race Touareg 3

The Race Touareg 3 was built for the 2011 Dakar Rally, replacing the Race Touareg 2. It used a 2.5-litre twin-turbocharged TDI engine rated at 300 PS (221 kW; 296 hp), a 5-speed sequential gearbox with a ZF-Sachs three-plate ceramic clutch, a steel space-frame chassis, and BF Goodrich 235/85 R16 tyres.^[32]

2014 facelift

Facelift rear view

For the 2015 model year, the Touareg 7P received standard bi-xenon headlights, an automatic post-collision braking system, upgraded adaptive cruise control, a new 262 PS (193 kW; 258 hp) V6 TDI engine, improved standard steel-spring suspension, and the addition of online services including Google POI search, Google Earth mapping, Street View, and traffic reporting.^[33]