The Volkswagen Touareg is one of the established names in the world of luxury SUVs. The third generation has been on the market since 2018, and recently Volkswagen introduced a facelifted version, bringing refreshed design elements and new technologies.
We are testing the updated Touareg in its flagship specification – the Touareg R.
Design
The third-generation Touareg made a strong impression on me back in 2018 with its rather opulent and elegant design language. Its proportions and surfacing create the presence of a genuinely premium product. At least to me, it has always evoked associations with its “cousin”, the Bentley Bentayga.
The facelift introduces numerous updates, most clearly visible in the lighting. At the front, the headlights are now connected by a horizontal LED strip. I must admit that, in my eyes, it feels somewhat like an aftermarket addition and does not entirely convince me.
The headlights themselves, however, are one of the model’s key innovations. The IQ.Light HD matrix units feature over 19,000 micro-LEDs per headlamp. They can project information onto the road ahead and illuminate the surroundings brilliantly. I would add that their operation is not always perfectly precise, and on occasion they can dazzle other road users.
Returning to design specifics, the car tested here is the Touareg R – the range-topping version, aimed at delivering a sportier appearance. Chrome elements are finished in gloss black, and the bumpers receive a more aggressive treatment. The result looks modern, elegant and not overly dramatic – something I personally appreciate.
At the rear, the other major update is the full-width light bar. Here, I find it well integrated and appropriate for the car’s contemporary look. The illuminated red Volkswagen badge, however, feels slightly excessive to me.
Overall, the design works. It remains confident and premium, even if some details try a little too hard to be modern.
Interior
In this top specification, the Touareg’s interior delivers a serious sense of luxury. The materials are high quality, and everything feels solidly assembled.
The main highlight is the Innovision Cockpit – in simple terms, the large digital displays in front of the driver. The two expansive screens are elegantly integrated into the dashboard design.
Interestingly, against this high-tech background, we find rather substantial, almost rugged elements such as the gear selector and the hardware buttons controlling driving modes and suspension settings. Their size makes me feel as if I am operating a serious off-road machine from the past. Personally, I like this combination of digital sophistication and physical presence.
The digital instrument cluster measures around 30 cm diagonally, offers pleasant graphics and solid customisation options. Combined with the head-up display projecting key information onto the windscreen, I have all necessary data directly in my line of sight.
The central display is even larger, around 38 cm diagonally. It controls infotainment, climate settings and seat functions (heating, ventilation, massage). The system is generally intuitive and fast. A clever detail: when you move your finger close to the screen, shortcuts to frequently used functions appear before you even touch it.
However, there is room for improvement. The graphics are so oversized that they remind me of simplified mobile phones designed for elderly users – huge icons and maximum font size. I am not visually impaired; I do not need this. Moreover, when adjusting seat temperature, the screen completely hides the navigation map (for example, via wireless Apple CarPlay) just to show the three seat-heating levels. That feels unnecessary. The display is large enough to accommodate both.
Another questionable element is the steering wheel’s capacitive touch surfaces. They look elegant and innovative but are not particularly practical. During driving, I often had to glance away from the road to accurately hit the desired control.
The positive news is that Volkswagen has recently announced a return to more physical buttons in future models, following feedback from customers and journalists.
These shortcomings are not enough to ruin the overall impression. Beyond technology, the Touareg impresses with practicality and comfort.
Storage space on both rows is generous. The front cupholders can easily accommodate 1.5-litre bottles. The rear bench is exceptionally spacious, positioned relatively high and allowing for a natural seating posture, ideal for long-distance travel.
In the rear, there is also a 230V power outlet with a standard plug, as well as USB-C ports supporting fast charging.
On the Road
In Bulgaria, the Touareg is offered with a 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel producing 286 hp, delivering an excellent balance of performance and efficiency. However, as mentioned, we are driving the Touareg R.
The flagship version is a petrol plug-in hybrid. The 3.0-litre V6 works together with an electric motor to deliver a combined output of 462 hp and 700 Nm of torque. The battery allows for around 50 km of real-world electric range in urban conditions. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 5.1 seconds.
On a cold, wet day in Sofia, my first impressions were highly positive. In the city, the hybrid system operates seamlessly, prioritising electric driving when the battery is charged. Visibility is good, and if the car’s size feels intimidating, the parking assistant performs well (although BMW’s system remains slightly more precise). Remote parking via smartphone is also available – useful for tight garages.
The night vision system works impressively well. I actively used it even in the city, as it highlighted pedestrians in orange long before the headlights illuminated them.
What truly impressed me in urban driving, however, was the comfort. This is one of the most comfortable SUVs in its class that I have driven. Sofia’s uneven roads are absorbed with remarkable smoothness. Combined with excellent sound insulation, this creates a clear sense of luxury.
On the following day, I headed out of the city. Fresh snow covering much of Bulgaria meant spirited driving would be limited, but I still engaged Sport mode. The Touareg continues to impress outside urban areas, offering refined road manners and effortless long-distance capability. Even under load, engine noise remains subdued.
Power is undeniably present. When pressing the accelerator fully, the Touareg surges forward quickly. The issue lies in the gearbox’s response. There is a noticeable delay between throttle input and actual acceleration. Sport mode helps somewhat, but the hesitation remains perceptible.
With over 2.5 tonnes of weight and a clearly comfort-oriented suspension setup, you cannot expect genuine engagement. The Touareg R delivers straight-line performance rather than sporting excitement.
Snowy conditions allowed for some off-road exploration. The air suspension can raise ground clearance up to 25.8 cm in off-road mode, and a dedicated snow setting optimises traction. On one of the routes, a concerned gentleman in a Lada Niva advised me to turn back and “buy a Niva instead.” I did not turn back – and encountered no issues.
Fuel consumption over approximately 400 km in varied conditions averaged 13 l/100 km. Not modest, but acceptable considering performance and winter conditions.
Conclusion
The updated Touareg wins you over with comfort and composure. It delivers positive emotions through its sense of quality, luxury and calmness on the road. The interior is functional and exceptionally spacious, enabling true long-distance comfort. Technology and equipment levels are extensive.
The hybrid flagship, however, is a somewhat irrational choice due to its high price and relatively heavy fuel consumption. Its main advantage lies in straight-line performance. Those seeking a genuinely engaging SUV should look elsewhere. The Touareg’s focus is comfort – and you will obtain that just as convincingly with the more rational six-cylinder diesel.
Prices have increased following the facelift. The model now starts at approximately €74,700. Standard equipment is generous, but to properly configure the car you should expect to add at least another €10,000 in options.
Eng. Tsvetan Iliev
