VW’s loaded Touareg gets plush gear to take on prestige SUVs

VW’s Touareg Launch Edition is loaded with standard features that are usually options on luxury German SUVs. But it’s not cheap.

The technology trickle-down from its premium stablemates gives Volkswagen a big head-start when it comes to new product.

Sharing platforms and software with the other VW Group brands helps contain development costs and the Touareg large SUV is the latest beneficiary.

This is a stonkingly good SUV loaded with features typically found as options on prestige German vehicles, which is why we’re talking about a VW that will hit $100,000 by the time its driven out of the dealership.

VW Touareg Launch Edition: Optioned up, will be $100K on the road.

The Touareg rides on the same underpinnings as Audi’s Q7 and the Porsche Cayenne. The engine is the only carry-over component and it has been revised for an extra 10kW/50Nm.

There are newer engines in the VW Group but delays in having them certified to Europe’s new emission standards means they’re on the backburner in the short term.

VALUE

At $89,990 before on-road costs, the Launch Edition of the big VW isn’t cheap.

Most buyers will part with another $8000 for the “Innovision Package” upgrading the standard 9.2-inch infotainment screen to a 15-inch version, along with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, head-up display, alloy inserts and ambient lighting.

Any colour other than white adds $2000 and you’ll pay $3000 for the panoramic sunroof.

So the Touareg we’re driving is well into six figures by the time it hits the road. That’s a deal-breaker if you don’t consider the brand to be aspirationally premium.

Conversely, if you do rate VW as a challenger to the prestige brands, it’s good value relatively speaking.

Touareg cockpit: There are options for screen upgrades and panoramic sunroof.

Its nearest mainstream rivals are the Mazda CX-9 at $68,232 and the top-spec Jeep Grand Cherokee at $82,950. Look at prestige and an entry level Q7 (with the same engine) starts at $97,800. Spec it to match the VW and it’s more than $130,000. The Beemers and Mercs are dearer again.

At that point the VW starts to deserve consideration, though it’s worth noting that most of its rivals have at least a 5+2 seating set-up.

Standard gear includes adjustable air suspension, 20-inch wheels, four-zone airconditioning with rear controls and enough well-padded space to carry five adults and their luggage in comfort.

The heated and ventilated leather front seats have a massage function that wouldn’t be out of pace in a Benz, as well as adaptive LED headlamps and wireless smartphone charging.

Regular versions of the Touareg are due to arrive in November and will start from $79,490, rising to $85,490 for Premium grade.

COMFORT

If the Touareg was any plusher it would be a soft toy. Air suspension, premium leather upholstery and the tech-laden interior endow the car with a prestige feel. Block out the VW badges and your passengers will be hard-pressed to identify it as a “mainstream” brand.

VW’s ambient interior is subdued and well-integrated into the cabin, with a look that doesn’t distract during night driving.

That night driving will be a breeze thanks to the multi-beam LED headlamps. They light up the road without dazzling oncoming motorists and are the best thing going to give advance notice of roadside animals (which is a good thing, because I’m guessing replacing the lights after an encounter with a ’roo won’t be cheap).

Premium feel: Comfortable space for three in the rear … but most rivals are seven-seaters.

The front seats are big, supportive and include 10 pneumatic pumps providing up to 10 different massages. They’ll prove their value on the first long-haul trip.

The latest amenities are included, from smartphone mirroring to wireless phone charging on a pad that looks capable of handling the inevitable screen size jump as we migrate to 5G devices.

A pair of USB ports in the rear ensure occupants can stay charged and connected during journeys — and you can easily fit three adults back there.

SAFETY

VW has fitted the Touareg with the latest and greatest autonomous emergency braking software covering pedestrians, cyclists and forward and rear cross-traffic intervention.

The active lane-keep assist will hold the SUV in its place with only a minor meandering within the lane as the sensors scan approaching curves. Adaptive cruise control, auto parking and nine airbags are also standard.

Super standard safety: Touareg gets VW Group’s latest and greatest auto-braking.

ANCAP rates the Touareg a five-star vehicle, earning 89 per cent for adult occupant protection, 88 per cent for child occupant safety, 72 per cent for vulnerable road user protection and 78 per cent for drive assist software.

DRIVING

Air suspension helps deliver limousine-style ride plushness on very ordinary surfaces, with the further bonus of adjustable ride height. Dial up the stiffness and the big beast is more than capable of covering back roads quickly and confidently.

Capable and opulent: Touareg lacks for little — but doesn’t have the prestige badge.

Noise suppression is a highlight. A light hiss occasionally enters the cabin as the wind flicks over the roof rails at 100km/h.

Chunky 20-inch wheels and all-wheel drive ensure plenty of grip on gravel and gnarly bitumen. The steering wheel feedback is as communicative as a sulky teenager but the Touareg will go where it is pointed and the light steering makes it easy to twirl when parking.

HEAD SAYS

It’s got all the gear you’d find in a luxury SUV for thousands less.

HEART SAYS

There’s no question the Touareg is value for money but it’s not packing a prestige badge.

ALTERNATIVES

Mazda CX-9 Azami LE, from $68,232

It mightn’t have all the VW’s bells and whistles but the CX-9’s interior quality is equally impressive, especially at the price.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland, from $82,950

Swathes of leather lend polish to the big Jeep, which has the performance and off-road pedigree to impress.

Range Rover Sport 3.0 SDV6 SE, from $108,759

The Rangie is selling well in the premium SUV segment and the 183kW/600Nm diesel matches the Touareg for performance.

VERDICT

4 stars

This is a top-shelf SUV without the premium badge. The coming versions may be more affordable but they’ll still need expensive options to approach the Touareg Launch Edition’s opulence.

VW TOUAREG LAUNCH EDITION

PRICE$89,990 plus on-roads

WARRANTY/SERVICING 5 years/unlimited km, $2500 for 5 years/75,000km

ENGINE 3.0 litre V6 turbo diesel, 190kW/600Nm

SAFETY 5 stars, 9 airbags, AEB, adaptive cruise, blind spot and lane departure assist

THIRST 7.4L/100km

SPARESpace-saver

CARGO 810L

TOWING 3500kg