New look VW Touareg retains PHEV options

Volkswagen has given its flagship SUV a minor facelift, which brings it stylistically up-to-date with the newer models of the range. The technical improvements remain quite modest, but the model is still available with two plug-in hybrid drivetrains, including the powerful Touareg R.

While the big SUV is no longer as popular as it once was, Volkswagen still offers the Touareg for customers who desire full practicality (including a 3,5-ton towing capacity) and comfort. But as the new facelift version demonstrates no big budgets were allocated to bring it back up to speed.

High-definition headlamps

The biggest changes have been made to the lighting, with new HD Matrix LED headlamps (as seen on the new Porsche Cayenne), which are now connected by a thin LED strip, like many other models within the VW range. The rear also gets a light bar and a new light signature, with an illuminated logo, a first for VW.

On board, the changes are restricted to a redesigned steering wheel, including the touch-sensitive controls also found on other VW models, and an update for the large 15-inch infotainment system, which adds more accurate navigation maps and wireless smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

No bigger battery

The facelift version of the Touareg only gets V6 engines, with gasoline, diesel, and plug-in hybrid options. However, VW has opted not to upgrade the battery of the PHEV versions, so they skip any additional tax breaks due to their CO2 emissions of more than 50 g/km.

For Belgium, the offer is limited to a 286 hp 3.0 TDI diesel engine and a 381 hp PHEV, although other markets also get the 462 hp Touareg R eHybrid. Presales of the new model start in June 2023.