According to specialized media like Autocar, quoting inside sources at Volkswagen, the German carmaker plans to kill off the Touareg in 2026 after 24 years heading its 4×4 model line with no direct replacement. Volkswagen is said to focus instead on high-volume models shortly.
The ID.5, a sleeker, coupe‑style derivative of the popular ID.4, officially introduced on November 3, 2021, is also slated to be axed in 2027, due to underwhelming popularity compared to the ID.4.
A major facelift is planned for the ID.4 in 2026. Volkswagen is said to be streamlining its lineup to concentrate resources on models with broader appeal, like the electric Golf successor.
Tayron to pick up Touareg’s role
The Touareg, currently the most premium and expensive model in Volkswagen’s global lineup, is reportedly set to end production in 2026. “Insiders have told Autocar it will cease to be produced in 2026, leaving the recently introduced Tayron as Volkswagen’s largest SUV model in the UK.”
The Volkswagen Touareg has electrified versions, specifically plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models, just like its sibling, the Porsche Cayenne, though with some key differences.
Volkswagen offers two plug-in hybrid variants of the Touareg in Europe, the eHybrid with 3.0L V6 + electric motor (280kW or 381 hp) and the Touareg R PHEV, also with 3.0L V6 + electric motor but offering 340 kW or 462 hp. They are currently listed in Belgium between €83,395 and €107,090. The Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid (462 hp) starts at €91,000.
The 2025 Volkswagen Tayron is a newly introduced mid-size SUV, positioned between the Tiguan and Touareg in Volkswagen’s lineup. It offers a range of configurations, including five- and seven-seat options, and is available with various powertrains.
A mild-hybrid 1.5 eTSI Life with 150 hp (€55,770), a PHEV with 204 hp, offering an electric range of up to 127 (€60,990), and a diesel version, a 2.0 TDI DSG R-Line (€52,670).
ID.5 failed to convince
The decision to also axe the ID.5 was taken, according to Autocar, as Volkswagen noticed that the sportier version of the ID.4, which was primarily aimed at the Chinese market, failed to gain significant traction there.
Other sources mention that product planning indicates that development capacity at VW’s R&D hub in Braunschweig is fully committed to high-priority projects—such as the electric Golf successor—leaving limited bandwidth for niche models like the ID.5.
The ID.4 remains VW’s core global EV model, and a facelift is due soon, focusing on improved range, tech, and maybe a sportier variant.
VW plans to expand its ID lineup significantly, aiming for a broad range of EVs covering segments from compact city cars (ID.1/ID.2) up to larger SUVs and even premium EVs. But the premium levels will instead be served by Audi and Porsche within the Group.
