Volkswagen Teases New Touareg; Looks Like a Boxier Porsche Cayenne

TopSpeed

By Ciprian Florea

Published Feb 13, 2018

Will break cover in China next month

After eight years on the market, the second-generation Touareg is being prepared for retirement. The third-gen SUV, spotted testing on public roads multiple times in the past, will make its public debut in Beijing, China, on March 23. Yes, I'm also asking myself why VW isn't unveiling it at the Geneva Motor Show next month, but the German automaker could have more important plans in Switzerland. What's more, the Touareg is very popular in China, the world's biggest vehicle market. Volkswagen also released a teaser sketch of the upcoming Toureg, which looks a lot like the current Porsche Cayenne, but with a slightly boxier design. Or somewhere between the Cayenne and the Audi Q7. Big surprise, huh?

Leaving the similarities with other Volkswagen Group SUVs aside, the new Tourage adopts the design language seen on other recently unveiled models, including the hot Arteon and the U.S.-only Jetta. The big crossover is decidedly sportier, and the big vents in the front bumper and the massive grille add to its aggressive stance. The profile is equally sporty, mainly thanks to the beefed-up rear haunches and the sloping roofline. However, I'm expecting the roof to sit a bit higher on the production model. The wheels will be smaller too, so it will lose some of its performance station wagon appearance.

About the interior, VW said that it will have "one of the largest digital cockpits in its class, which opens up a new type of infotainment environment. Its connectivity makes it a driving internet node." Not much information indeed, but it's a safe bet that the Arteon served as inspiration. Under the hood, expect the new Tourag to have a range of four-cylinder and V-6 engine. Both gasoline and diesel drivetrains will be offered, while a hybrid model will be launched at a later date.