Volkswagen Touareg 2021 pricing and specs detailed: Twin-turbo V8 headlines new diesel range

Volkswagen Australia has confirmed pricing and specification for the MY21 Touareg large SUV ahead of its launch in October.

The Touareg’s line-up has been completely overhauled due to the introduction of new diesel engines, which are compliant with the stringent Euro6 emissions standard.

Headlining the new range – albeit in unconfirmed limited numbers – is the 310TDI R-Line flagship, which is powered by a familiar 310kW/900Nm 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that helps the Touareg sprint from a standstill to 100km/h in just 4.9 seconds.

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The 190TDI variants and their 190kW/600Nm 3.0-litre single-turbo V6 have been replaced by the entry-level 170TDI and mid-range 210TDI Elegance and 210TDI R-Line, which use a similarly configured engine with outputs of 170kW/500Nm and 210kW/600Nm respectively.

Performance-wise, the 170TDI and its 210TDI siblings reach triple digits in 7.5s and 6.1s respectively, while their fuel consumption on the combined-cycle test is identical, at 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 310TDI R-Line is powered by a familiar 310kW/900Nm 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8.

The 310TDI R-Line drinks 7.5L/100km, which is only 0.1L/100km adrift of the discontinued 190TDI variants that completed the zero-to-100km/h sprint in 6.5s.

These new engines all come with a 90L fuel tank (15L larger than that of their predecessor) and a 24L AdBlue tank, which reduces emissions alongside a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system.

As before, all Touareg variants are mated to an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission and Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive set-up.

Pricing-wise, the 170TDI checks in at $81,490 plus on-road costs, meaning the Touareg’s base price has actually increased by $700 despite the introduction of a lower-output engine.

The 210TDI Elegance charges $99,490, while the 210TDI R-Line commands a $9000 premium and the 310TDI R-Line cements its positioning with a $136,490 price tag, which undercuts the mechanically related Audi SQ7 by a massive $25,010 despite having more included kit.

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Speaking of which, standard equipment in the 170TDI includes dusk-sensing LED headlights, daytime running lights and tail-lights; rain-sensing wipers, 19-inch Osorno alloy wheels and a hands-free power-operated tailgate.

Inside, a 9.2-inch touchscreen multimedia system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, a wireless smartphone charger, four USB ports, keyless entry and start, power-adjustable front seats with heating, dual-zone climate control and Vienna leather upholstery feature.

Advanced driver-assist systems extend to front autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, lane-keep and steering assist, blind-spot monitoring, front and rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, driver attention alert, park assist, a reversing camera and front and rear parking sensors.

The 210TDI Elegance gets air suspension, Matrix LED headlights, 20-inch Montero alloy wheels, premium LED tail-light with dynamic indicators, a 15.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, ventilated and massaging front seats, Savona leather upholstery (Soul black or Mistral two-tone) and ambient lighting.

Meanwhile, the 210TDI R-Line picks up active anti-roll bars, rear-wheel steering, a sports body kit, rear privacy glass, a sports steering wheel with heating and paddle-shifters, sports seats with memory functionality, brushed stainless-steel pedals and a Soul black headliner.

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The 310TDI R-Line adds 21-inch Suzuka alloy wheels, Night Vision and tyre pressure monitoring. It also steps up with a Dynaudio sound system, heated rear seats (outboard), four-zone climate control, rear AEB and surround-view cameras, all of which are available in the 210TDI R-Line as part of its optional Sound & Comfort package ($6500).

170TDI and 210TDI Elegance buyers get their owner optional Sound & Comfort package ($8000), which also bundles in front seats with memory functionality.

The 170TDI also comes with an optional Innovision package ($8000) that includes the aforementioned 15.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, head-up display and ambient lighting.

Individuals options include a $3000 panoramic sunroof (excluding 170TDI) and Antimonial Silver, Silicon Grey, Aquamarine Blue and Malbec Red metallic and Deep Black pearl paintworks, all of which cost $2100. The only no-cost exterior colour option is Pure White, which is a solid hue.

Other changes to the MY21 Touareg include a redesigned steering wheel with touch-sensitive controls and haptic feedback, and the adoption of Volkswagen’s new logo throughout.

2021 Volkswagen Touareg pricing before on-road costs