Volkswagen Touareg 2018 spied testing

A nearly undisguised pre-production Volkswagen Touareg prototype has been caught testing in Germany's north, giving the best indication yet at the look of the incoming 2018 large SUV.

Although the new Touareg does not stray too far away from the jacked-up wagon design of the second-generation model it replaces, Volkswagen’s new large-sized SUV will be built on the 'MLB Evo' platform which also underpins the Audi Q7 and Bentley Bentayga, as well as the upcoming Lamborghini Urus and next-gen Porsche Cayenne.

The third-generation Touareg will also wear a new front grille, similar to its Passat and Tiguan siblings, which integrates into the headlights and features three horizontal chrome accents.

The horizontal theme is continued in the lower front bumper, with another chrome line running the width of the car, which continues along the sides and wraps around the rear bumper.

Integrated roof rails can also be spied, along with a subtle rear spoiler, wrap-around tail-lights and dual exhaust outlets finished in a trapezoid shape.

Small particulars including headlight and tail-light details are obscured, but expect to see the production version look similar to last year’s T-Prime concept revealed at the Beijing motor show.

Volkswagen T-Prime concept revealed at the Beijing motor show last year.

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Volkswagen T-Prime concept revealed at the Beijing motor show last year.

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While no indication of interior styling has yet to be seen, Volkswagen is likely to carryover many elements found on its Tiguan mid-size SUV including all-digital instrumentation and 8.0-inch central touchscreen with added features including voice and gesture controls.

It is unclear if the new Touareg will be offered with seven seats, as the current model is a five-seat-only proposition. 

Volkswagen Australia does however have a three-row SUV coming soon, with the Tiguan Allspace set to arrive in early 2018.

The German carmaker has indicated there will be room for both models as VW's Australian PR boss said: “The Touareg remains the halo car in the passenger vehicle line-up, the next-generation one, which we get in 2018, will be a real tech tour de force”.

Engine options are yet to be revealed, but it is likely Volkswagen will offer a mix of petrol, diesel and hybrid powertrains which will run the gamut in terms of performance and efficiency.

Has Volkswagen done enough with the styling of its new-generation Touareg? Tell us what you think in the comments below.