Volkswagen Touareg 2019 pricing and specs confirmed

New Touareg goes single spec, but comes with most of the fruit out of the box.

Volkswagen has confirmed Australian pricing and specifications for the new Touareg SUV ahead of its late-May showroom arrival, with the third-generation of the German brand’s large SUV set to appear in one generously equipped trim level for the foreseeable future. 

Labeled the Launch Edition, the single variant will differ from other launch editions by not having a set build number or production schedule. 

Still a five seater, the new Touareg will arrive with a list price of $89,990 (before on roads). This places it about halfway through the outgoing model range which spanned $68,990-$116,300 across the six-variant line-up which is now limited to remaining stock. 

Volkswagen Australia Touareg product manager Glenn Reid highlighted with CarsGuide at this week’s ICONIC X19 event in Brisbane that the new Launch Edition will be $900 cheaper than the previous 180TDI with optional Driver Assistance package, but with a significantly longer list of standard safety, comfort and convenience features.  

Firsts for the brand include Matrix LED headlights and front cross-traffic alerts, while the overall list includes premium Savona leather trim with heated and ventilated front seats also equipped with massage function. 

There’s also a 9.2-inch Discover Pro multimedia screen with gesture controls, App-Connect with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four USB ports and a wireless charge pad, four-zone climate control, privacy glass, memory settings for the front seats, mirrors and steering column, electric tailgate with proximity sensor, air suspension and 20-inch black alloy wheels.

The Touareg gets air suspension and 20-inch black alloy wheels. (international model shown)

On the safety front there’s city AEB with pedestrian detection lane assist with adaptive lane guidance, park assist, traffic jam assist, side assist, front and rear cross-traffic alert, proactive occupant protection. 

That said, there are still two option packs available, with a panoramic electric glass sunroof adding an extra $3000, and the Innovision Package costing a full $8000. 

The sunroof features electric tilt and slide, with a an electric blind and 92 per cent tint. 

The Innovision Package includes a 15-inch Discover Premium Active info Display for the driver, windscreen-projected head-up display, infinitely variable colour ambient lighting and a volume scroll wheel. 

At the centre of the cabin is a 9.2-inch Discover Pro multimedia screen. (international model shown)

Any colour aside from white will also set you back a further $2000, with alternatives limited to just metallic grey, blue and black. 

There will be just one mechanical package on offer for the time being, with the 190TDI packing a 190kW/600Nm 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel, paired with an eight-speed torque converter auto and 4Motion all-wheel drive with multiple off-road drive modes. Official combined fuel consumption is rated at 7.4L/100km.

A petrol option has just been announced for international markets, but Australian demand will keep us diesel-only for the forseeable future. 

The new Touareg continues the tradition set by the first two generations of sharing much of its underpinnings with the Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne, but this new model’s MLBEVO platform is also extended to include the Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus. 

Richard Berry was among the first Australians to experience the new model at its international preview event late last year, and came away very impressed. We look forward to sharing our thoughts on the local model from its Australian launch in late May.

Would you consider a Touareg over a base Cayenne? Tell us what you think ion the comments section below.