2019 VW Touareg: Here’s Everything We Know Before The Big Reveal

Production on the first-generation VW Touareg first commenced some 16 years ago, and since then, this mid-size premium SUV has become one of the most popular models in its segment, as well as an excellent value proposition.

Some would argue that the Touareg has always been about having your cake and eating it too. Built on the same platform as the Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7, yet cheaper to purchase and better built than your run-of-the-mill Golf, Passat and other VW models.

Now, a third-generation model is upon us, underpinned by the Group’s MLB architecture, like its cousins from Audi and Porsche. It’s said to come with the latest in fuel saving technologies, a rear-axle steering system, a more modern interior and less overall weight.

On top of that, it will also feature the automaker’s latest design language, as seen on the new Arteon, which means that the Touareg could end up looking more appealing than ever, which it definitely should since it will likely continue to be marketed as a premium product.

Arteon influence in the styling

Based on various spy images as well as official pics that VW themselves released to the public, it might end up looking like a larger Tiguan with some Arteon influences, such as the aggressive front end, powerful fender design and a sporty stance.

In fact, this could be one of those rare cases where an official sketch actually tells us everything we need to know about the car’s overall shape and design lines, at least when viewed from a side angle. We can clearly see the Arteon-like front, the bold shoulder line, the window frame design, and even the taillights, which are clearly sharper than those found on its predecessor.

In this end, it will be a complete departure form what we were used to with VW. Both the first as well as the second-generation Touareg, had more than a few design traits in common with the Porsche Cayenne, with regards to profile aesthetics (all those rounded corners and uninterrupted lines). Come Friday, that will not be the case anymore, as the two SUVs are about to look remarkably different.

A new yet familiar cabin design

Unlike its exterior, the interior of the 2019 VW Touareg will remain predominantly VW-ish, with a lot of 90-degree angles to be found throughout. While previous teaser images only went so far in helping us figure out what the new SUV’s dashboard might look like, the air vent design resembles what we see on both the Arteon as well as the European version of the Passat.

Since this is a brand new and very important SUV, expect it to pack a host of driver assistance systems, accessible through its 12-inch digital instrument cluster as well as a large 15-inch infotainment display, with ambient lighting setting the mood.

According to the German automaker, these two displays “are integrated into the instrument panel and appear as one surface,” which to us sounds very good. Mercedes should be proud.

If the Arteon is anything to go by – and it should be, the 2019 Touareg will also be available with Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Lane Assist, Light Assist, Forward Collision Warning, Park Distance Control, Park Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Traffic Alert, adaptive damping, a rear-view camera, and hopefully Apple CarPlay and Android Auto too.

Four and six-cylinder engines are expected at launch

Rumor has it that the new Touareg will launch with three engines, specifically a 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol (possibly the 268 HP TSI from the Arteon), a 3.0-liter V6 petrol and a 3.0-liter V6 TDI diesel. Later on, more engines could join the range, such as a VR6 turbo for a potential ‘R’ model, a range-topping V8 TDI diesel and even a plug-in hybrid unit.

Add the previously mentioned rear-wheel steering system, air suspension and roll stabilization and you should be in for a very comfortable ride, contributing to a “safe and dynamic driving experience,” as VW would put it.

So I’m definitely getting a Touareg, right?

Well, not so fast. While this should be the most advanced and most dynamic SUV that VW has ever built, not to mention slightly cheaper to purchase than almost all of its rivals, the fact remains you’ll always be only a few thousand dollars away from a more luxurious badge.

As a random example, check out this posh Volvo XC90. Does it look scared? Just something premium SUV buyers will need to consider.

Altogether, though, these are your alternatives (in no particular order): Audi Q7, Mercedes GLE, BMW X5, Volvo XC90, Lexus RX, Range Rover Sport, Land Rover Discovery, Porsche Cayenne and the Jeep Grand Cherokee, which is actually considered premium in some European markets. Also, feel free to throw in the GLE Coupe and the X6 in there as well, only because of their similar footprints.

Sorry America and Canada, you can’t have the Touareg

Following its official presentation in Beijing this week, the all-new 2019 VW Touareg will reach dealerships across the globe in the coming months. As of right now, we don’t have an exact date for you, although we can tell you that according to a VW rep we spoke to today, buyers situated in the U.S. and Canada won’t be able to purchase the new SUV – looks like VW wants to keep it away from the Atlas.

As for how much the 2019 Touareg is going to set you back financially, we expect it to land in the £45,000 range, in the UK, since the 2nd-gen model is currently priced from £45,530 and a Volvo XC90 or a BMW X5 come in at just under £50,000.