The third generation Volkswagen Touareg is almost
ready for its world debut, which will take place on March 23, in Beijing,
China. Designed by VW’s head of Design Klaus Bischoff and his team, the new
flagship SUV will arrive with fresh styling inspired by the Arteon at the
front, in addition to bolder lines all around. In the latest teaser, VW talks
about “one of the largest digital cockpits in its class”, which “opens up a new
type of infotainment system”.
Other interesting features are also being mentioned,
including the rear-wheel steering, air suspension, and roll stabilization, all
of which will “ensure a safe and dynamic driving experience”. Underpinning it
is the MLB Evo platform, which is the foundation stone of pretty much every large
SUV developed under the VW Group’s umbrella. These include the Audi Q7 and
Porsche Cayenne, but also the Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus, as well as
the upcoming Audi Q8.
Using the new architecture allows the 2019 Touareg
to shave a few kilograms over its predecessor, and to become more
fuel-efficient. Additionally, it will also allow it to adopt a variety of
powertrains, including diesel and petrol units, as well as electrified ones.
Rumor has it that the new German SUV will arrive at first with three engines: a
2.0-liter four-cylinder, a 3.0-liter V6, and a 3.0-liter V6 TDI diesel.
Later on, Volkswagen will likely expand the lineup,
and one of the models that’s believed to arrive is the ‘R’, powered by a VR6
turbocharged engine. A range-topping V8 TDI variant is also expected to show
its fangs later on, alongside a potential plug-in hybrid.
It’s unknown yet whether the new VW Touareg will
spawn a sportier version to rival the likes of the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE
Coupe, or if Audi will be the only one designated to steal some customers from
the popular SAVs.
