Volkswagen has introduced a facelift for its third-generation Touareg, marking five years since its initial launch. Positioned as a sister model to the Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne, the updated Touareg showcases exterior design enhancements and an upgraded interior with new digital features in both the Elegance and R-Line trims. Additionally, a new entry-level variant will be available in Germany.
The refreshed VW SUV boasts several exterior modifications, including a redesigned front grille aimed at highlighting the Touareg’s width. The Elegance trim features a chrome finish, while the R-Line variant sports a blackened grille. The lower section of the front bumper now incorporates larger air ducts, with individual design variations based on the trim level. Notably, the Touareg receives revamped headlights, and customers can opt for Volkswagen’s IQ Light HD matrix system, which features an impressive number of micro-LEDs per unit, reaching up to 19,216.
At the rear, the 2024 model year Touareg showcases a new light bar across the tailgate, complemented by updated tail-light graphics. Another notable feature is the illuminated logo—a first for a Volkswagen model sold in Europe—when combined with the HD headlights. Furthermore, the facelift introduces four new wheel designs, including Coventry and Braga (19- and 20-inch sizes, respectively) and Napoli and Leeds, both available as 21-inch options.
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The facelifted Touareg now comes standard with the Innovision Cockpit, previously an optional feature. This includes a 12-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15-inch infotainment display. Software and functionality upgrades enhance the user experience, providing advanced HD map data with lane-level navigation and a new voice control system that responds to conversational commands. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity have also been integrated.
Interior revisions extend to the switchgear on the center console and upgraded USB-C ports, which now offer faster charging capabilities, increasing from 15W to 45W. Additionally, a new ambient lighting effect has been introduced, accompanied by subtle alterations to the door trims.
Volkswagen has confirmed five powertrain options for the refreshed Touareg, all paired with an eight-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox and 4Motion four-wheel drive. These include a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 petrol engine generating 335hp, along with two turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel V6 engines producing 227hp and 282hp respectively. The existing plug-in hybrid powertrains have also received updates. These models combine the turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 petrol engine with a gearbox-mounted electric motor, resulting in 375hp for the Touareg eHybrid and 455hp for the Touareg R eHybrid. The latter achieves a 0-100kph acceleration time of 5.1 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250kph. Both plug-in hybrid variants utilize a 14.1kWh battery, although specific electric-only ranges have yet to be confirmed by Volkswagen.
Although Volkswagen previously sold the first-generation Touareg in the Indian market, there are currently no plans for the third-generation model to be introduced. Despite initial discussions regarding its arrival, the Touareg’s availability in India remains uncertain at present.