The Volkswagen Touareg is often dubbed a "budget Bentley" due to its shared platform with more luxurious models like the Bentley Bentayga, Porsche Cayenne, and Audi Q7. It offers a blend of luxury, advanced technology, and powerful engines at a price point that is more accessible than its more premium cousins. However, the Touareg still carries a premium over typical mainstream SUVs, reflecting its position as a high-end offering within the VW lineup.
Prices
Starting Price: The base model of the VW Touareg typically starts around £50,000 to £60,000 in the UK or $55,000 to $70,000 in the US, depending on the trim and features.
Top-Spec Models: High-end versions with more luxurious features can reach up to £80,000 to £90,000 or $75,000 to $85,000.
Engine and Performance
Engine Options:
3.0-Liter V6 Diesel: A common choice in Europe, providing robust performance with around 282 horsepower.
3.0-Liter V6 Petrol: More popular in markets like the US, offering about 335 horsepower.
4.0-Liter V8 Diesel: Available in some markets, delivering 415 horsepower for more performance-oriented buyers.
Hybrid Option: In some markets, a plug-in hybrid variant is available, combining a V6 petrol engine with an electric motor to produce around 456 horsepower.
Range
Fuel Efficiency: The diesel engines offer better fuel economy, with combined MPG figures ranging from 30 to 35 MPG (7.5 to 8.5 L/100 km). Petrol engines are less efficient, offering around 25 MPG (9.5 L/100 km).
Electric Range (PHEV): The plug-in hybrid model offers an electric-only range of about 25-30 miles (40-50 km).
Size and Seating
Dimensions: The Touareg is a large SUV, with a length of about 4.87 meters (16 feet) and a width of 1.98 meters (6.5 feet).
Seating Capacity: The Touareg seats five passengers comfortably. Unlike some competitors, it does not offer a third-row option.
Manufacturing
Made In: The VW Touareg is built at the Volkswagen Bratislava Plant in Slovakia. This is the same facility that produces other luxury SUVs like the Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne.
Why Good
Luxury and Comfort: The Touareg offers a high level of comfort, with luxurious materials, advanced infotainment systems, and a quiet cabin.
Technology: It features cutting-edge technology, including a large digital cockpit, matrix LED headlights, and numerous driver-assistance systems.
Performance: Strong engine options, particularly the V6 and V8 diesels, provide excellent performance for both city driving and long-distance cruising.
Build Quality: The Touareg is well-built, with a fit and finish that rivals more expensive luxury SUVs.
Why Not Good
Price: While cheaper than its luxury cousins, the Touareg is still expensive compared to more mainstream SUVs.
Lack of Third-Row Seating: Some competitors offer a third-row seat, making them more versatile for larger families.
Brand Perception: Despite its luxury and performance, it still carries the VW badge, which some buyers might not consider as prestigious as Audi, Porsche, or Bentley.
Fuel Economy: Petrol engines are not particularly fuel-efficient, especially compared to diesel options.
Sales Figures
Annual Sales: Volkswagen sells approximately 30,000 to 40,000 units of the Touareg annually worldwide. This figure varies by market, with Europe being the largest market for the model.
Best Service
Servicing and Warranty: VW offers a comprehensive warranty and servicing package. In most markets, the Touareg comes with a 3-year/60,000-mile warranty (or similar, depending on the region), with the option to extend. Regular servicing is recommended every 10,000 to 12,000 miles or annually.
Common Issues
Electronic Glitches: Some owners report issues with the infotainment system and other electronics.
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Issues: Diesel models may face DPF clogging, especially if not driven regularly on highways.
Suspension Wear: Over time, air suspension systems may develop issues, particularly if used off-road.
Conclusion
The Volkswagen Touareg is an excellent choice for those seeking luxury and performance in an SUV without venturing into the ultra-luxury price range. While it lacks the badge prestige of its luxury cousins, it offers a similar experience at a more affordable price point. However, potential buyers should be aware of its higher cost compared to mainstream SUVs, and the lack of a third-row seating option might be a dealbreaker for some.
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Prices
Starting Price: The base model of the VW Touareg typically starts around £50,000 to £60,000 in the UK or $55,000 to $70,000 in the US, depending on the trim and features.
Top-Spec Models: High-end versions with more luxurious features can reach up to £80,000 to £90,000 or $75,000 to $85,000.
Engine and Performance
Engine Options:
3.0-Liter V6 Diesel: A common choice in Europe, providing robust performance with around 282 horsepower.
3.0-Liter V6 Petrol: More popular in markets like the US, offering about 335 horsepower.
4.0-Liter V8 Diesel: Available in some markets, delivering 415 horsepower for more performance-oriented buyers.
Hybrid Option: In some markets, a plug-in hybrid variant is available, combining a V6 petrol engine with an electric motor to produce around 456 horsepower.
Range
Fuel Efficiency: The diesel engines offer better fuel economy, with combined MPG figures ranging from 30 to 35 MPG (7.5 to 8.5 L/100 km). Petrol engines are less efficient, offering around 25 MPG (9.5 L/100 km).
Electric Range (PHEV): The plug-in hybrid model offers an electric-only range of about 25-30 miles (40-50 km).
Size and Seating
Dimensions: The Touareg is a large SUV, with a length of about 4.87 meters (16 feet) and a width of 1.98 meters (6.5 feet).
Seating Capacity: The Touareg seats five passengers comfortably. Unlike some competitors, it does not offer a third-row option.
Manufacturing
Made In: The VW Touareg is built at the Volkswagen Bratislava Plant in Slovakia. This is the same facility that produces other luxury SUVs like the Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne.
Why Good
Luxury and Comfort: The Touareg offers a high level of comfort, with luxurious materials, advanced infotainment systems, and a quiet cabin.
Technology: It features cutting-edge technology, including a large digital cockpit, matrix LED headlights, and numerous driver-assistance systems.
Performance: Strong engine options, particularly the V6 and V8 diesels, provide excellent performance for both city driving and long-distance cruising.
Build Quality: The Touareg is well-built, with a fit and finish that rivals more expensive luxury SUVs.
Why Not Good
Price: While cheaper than its luxury cousins, the Touareg is still expensive compared to more mainstream SUVs.
Lack of Third-Row Seating: Some competitors offer a third-row seat, making them more versatile for larger families.
Brand Perception: Despite its luxury and performance, it still carries the VW badge, which some buyers might not consider as prestigious as Audi, Porsche, or Bentley.
Fuel Economy: Petrol engines are not particularly fuel-efficient, especially compared to diesel options.
Sales Figures
Annual Sales: Volkswagen sells approximately 30,000 to 40,000 units of the Touareg annually worldwide. This figure varies by market, with Europe being the largest market for the model.
Best Service
Servicing and Warranty: VW offers a comprehensive warranty and servicing package. In most markets, the Touareg comes with a 3-year/60,000-mile warranty (or similar, depending on the region), with the option to extend. Regular servicing is recommended every 10,000 to 12,000 miles or annually.
Common Issues
Electronic Glitches: Some owners report issues with the infotainment system and other electronics.
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Issues: Diesel models may face DPF clogging, especially if not driven regularly on highways.
Suspension Wear: Over time, air suspension systems may develop issues, particularly if used off-road.
Conclusion
The Volkswagen Touareg is an excellent choice for those seeking luxury and performance in an SUV without venturing into the ultra-luxury price range. While it lacks the badge prestige of its luxury cousins, it offers a similar experience at a more affordable price point. However, potential buyers should be aware of its higher cost compared to mainstream SUVs, and the lack of a third-row seating option might be a dealbreaker for some.
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