VW’s flagship SUV in Europe and other global markets, the Touareg initialized the third generation of the model for the 2019 model year. The newest Touareg is a refined luxury SUV delivering a quick and comfortable ride while loaded with modern technology. The Touareg expanded the limited line-up with new trim options and additional powertrains for the 2020 version. However, VW also announced new and hot upgrades for the 2021 VW Touareg version.
While the current range of models will return in the same form with some changes in equipment availability big news for 2021 is the introduction of the hot R-badged model. With the new R version, VW has the Mercedes AMG and BMW M models in sight and wants to get some of their sales and new customers. The next R model will come with the plug-in hybrid setup and while it should debut sometime next year the sales are expected to start in 2021.
2021 VW Touareg: Powertrains
The 2021 VW Touareg will return with a range of petrol and diesel engine options while the R-badged plug-in hybrid variant should appear later in the model year.
Buyers will again choose between various outputs of the 3.0-liter V-6 TDI engine depending on the market. The Euro 6-compliant V-6 turbodiesel will make 232 hp and 500 Nm in one application. A more powerful version will deliver 282 hp and 600 Nm of torque. Some markets will get a version that splits the difference between these two regarding the power and torque. The diesel-burring engines will come in the combination with the 8-speed automatic transmission and 4Motion four-wheel drive.
For the 2020 version, VW added a 3.0-liter V-6 TSI unit making 340 hp and peak torque of 450 Nm.
The Touareg will also be available with the mighty 4.0-liter turbo-diesel V-8 engine under the hood. This unit will provide 420 hp and a massive torque of 900 Nm. This version will hit 62 mph in 4.9 seconds.
VW also offers a Touareg Hybrid in China powered by the 2.0-liter turbo petrol unit joined with the 134-hp electric motor for the total output of 363 hp and torque of 516 pound-feet.
However, this combination is too weak for the performance-oriented R version. The Touareg R could use a similar setup as the Audi Q7 60 TFSI e. This model gets around 450 hp and peak torque of 700Nm from the 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 petrol engine mixed with the 100-kW electric motor and 17-kWh battery pack. The same powertrain is used in the Porsche Cayenne e-Hybrid where the system makes 340 kW (462 hp).
2021 VW Touareg: Design
The newest VW Touareg is based on the brand’s wide-spread MLB platform which is used also under the Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini and other nameplates. The third-generation Touareg is also larger than the version before and gets attention with the sleek and elegant appearance. The model uses the brand’s newest grille version combined with the slim headlights and sharp creases on the hood and door panels.
The 2021 VW Touareg will stay the same visually while VW will vary some styling elements depending on the trim version. The base model will come on the 19-inch wheels while upper grades will use larger wheels. Expect new wheel and body color options for the model year. The R version will also come with unique styling treatment.
Interior, equipment:
The freshly redesigned Touareg sets high standards for its great interior quality and innovative tech. The 2021 version doesn’t have much room for improvement in that regard. The R performance will, however, get unique materials and features plus additional info on the instrument panel and center display.
The Touareg will come well-equipped from the entry-level version and raise the stake in the upper grades. The model will start with the 7-inch touchscreen interface, navigation, and active safety equipment.
The upper grades will add upgraded seats and leather upholstery, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a large 15-inch center touchscreen, memory settings for seats, mirrors, steering wheel, four-zone climate control, premium sound system and more.
2021 VW Touareg: Release, Price
The currently available range of models with minimal changes in equipment availability will be ready for sale in late 2020 marketed as the 2021 VW Touareg. The R version will make the premiere in 2020 but sales will wait for 2021. The price of the current options won’t change much.