Third-gen Volkswagen Touareg gets a facelift

ABU DHABI: Volkswagen’s flagship SUV, the Touareg, has received a mid-size facelift five years after its launch in 2018. These changes have been made to keep it competitive in the market against its competitors like the Mercedes GLE and the BMW X5. The refreshed Touareg's interior technology and exterior design have been updated. 

Some of the major changes to the exterior include-

• A new-look front grille
• Reworked headlights
• Chrome finish for the models with the Elegance Trim
• Larger front bumpers in the lower section
• Volkswagen's IQ Light HD matrix system
• A new light bar across the tailgate

Volkswagen claims the enhanced, "very high resolution" matrix headlights can improve brightness in low light environments without dazzling oncoming traffic, including a 'lane light' function to illuminate the vehicle's lane.

For the first time, this model will have an illuminated logo in combination with the HD headlights. Four new wheel designs are also available, including Braga and Coventry, which are 20 and 19 inches, respectively, and Leeds and Napoli, which are 21 inches each.

Inside, it has an updated Innovision Cockpit system – now fitted as standard – with 'Discover Pro Max' infotainment software. This setup supports Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay and allows for 'lane-precise' navigation, improved voice control, and high-resolution map data.

The new Touareg will be available in five drivetrains with a 4Motion four-wheel drive system and an eight-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox. The drivetrain options include two diesels, one turbo-petrol, and two plug-in hybrids. Volkswagen has also updated its two plug-in hybrid powertrains to provide 455hp in the Touareg R eHybrid and 375hp in the Touareg eHybrid. The PHEV models use a battery having a capacity of 14.1kWh.

The deliveries of the updated Touareg will start in markets where the nameplate is still being offered by later this year, including UAE.

Also read: Volkswagen celebrates the quarter century of Polo GTI in the auto industry