Volkswagen’s flagship SUV has been updated with a mild exterior makeover, improved interior technology, and changes under the skin.
The facelifted 2024 Volkswagen Touareg has been revealed in camouflaged form, ahead of a full unveiling due in early May, and first Australian showroom arrivals early next year.
Volkswagen’s flagship petrol-powered model receives a range of detailed mid-life changes in line with its siblings under the skin, which include the Audi Q7/Q8 and Porsche Cayenne – as it marks five years on sale in Europe.
The first examples of the updated Touareg for Australia are due to roll off the production line towards the end of this year, ahead of first Australian showroom arrivals due between January and March 2024.
As reported previously by Drive, the updated Touareg is expected to introduce the plug-in hybrid Touareg R performance variant – in addition to the standard range, which today comprises two diesel V6 models.
The facelifted Touareg adopts a number of styling updates, including a lightly-reworked front bumper and updated high-definition matrix LED headlights, which incorporate 38,400 ‘pixels’ and new-look graphics.
In keeping with styling developments on other Volkswagen models, the 2024 Touareg also receives a new LED light bar across the grille – connecting the headlights – on Elegance, R-Line and R models in Europe.
Further changes to the exterior include puddle lights within the side mirrors, redesigned tail-lights with new graphics and a full-width light bar, as well as, in a first on a Volkswagen model sold in Europe, an illuminated Volkswagen badge on the tailgate.
In addition, there is a new range of wheels with a diameter of up to 21 inches. The brake callipers of the Touareg R plug-in hybrid are also painted blue and bear an R logo.
Inside, top-of-the-range Touareg variants continue to feature a 15-inch centre touchscreen, now with updated software including wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, plus high-resolution map data and lane-level navigation.
The facelifted Touareg also receives new USB-C connections with a charging capacity of 45 watts instead of the previous 15 watts, new trim elements, and softer materials for the armrests and centre-console knee pads for the front-seat occupants.
Among the options are carry-over night-vision technology, and a head-up display.
As before, there is seating for up to five, with petrol and diesel models offering 810 litres of luggage space underneath the cargo blind at the rear, which is reduced to 610 litres in plug-in hybrid models, owing to the packaging of their battery under the boot floor.
The dimensions remain the same as before, with the length, width and height put at a respective 4878mm, 1984mm and 1717mm.
In Europe, the Touareg will be offered with a choice of five drivetrain choices – one petrol, two diesel and two plug-in hybrid – all featuring an eight-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive with a multi-plate clutch as standard.
The model range in Australia is yet to be locked in, but if the current line-up is a guide, it is likely to consist of two versions of a diesel V6, and the hero plug-in hybrid R.
The diesel takes the form of a 3.0-litre single-turbo V6 carried over from the existing Touareg, developing either 170kW and 500Nm, or 210kW and 600Nm
The Touareg R combines a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine and a gearbox-mounted electric motor for outputs of 340kW and 700Nm – unchanged from the outgoing model.
Available in Europe is a less powerful Touareg eHybrid, which reduces the performance of the V6 engine for combined outputs of 280kW and 600Nm.
Both plug-in hybrids use a 14.3kWh lithium-ion battery, shared its Audi and Porsche siblings.
Electric driving range claims for the facelifted Touareg are yet to be confirmed, though Volkswagen officials say they will be close to today’s model, with the eHybrid claiming 47km and the R quoting 44km on Europe’s WLTP test procedure.
Also offered overseas is a 3.0-litre single-turbo petrol V6 with 250kW and 450Nm, however it has never been available in Australia.
Volkswagen says it has modified the Touareg’s standard steel suspension and optional twin-chamber air suspension with new components to improve the vehicle’s dynamic ability.
Depending on the engine and model grade chosen, the facelifted Touareg SUV will continue to be available with active roll control – with anti-roll bars that firm up to keep the body level in corners – and rear-wheel steering.
A new roof sensor has also been adopted to allow the suspension and driver-assistance systems to better compensate for varying loads. The braked trailer capacity remains the same as today’s model at 3500kg.
The 2024 Volkswagen Touareg is due to be revealed in full in May 2023, ahead of first Australian arrivals early next year.
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