This isn’t the first time we see the 2019 Volkswagen Touareg while it’s making some testing without camouflage. The SUV seems to be ready for the official debut, yet the German carmaker keeps stalling for some reason. The latest reports suggest that the new generation model should be introduced at the 2018 Beijing auto show next April. Maybe, but it’s not confirmed at the moment.
Anyway, the production-ready prototype features an all-new design and a number of other changes, so we don’t know where to start. The 2019 Touareg will use a new architecture, which will make bring some really important improvements. The amazing and flexible MLB platform will shed a few hundreds of pounds and will make the SUV notably larger. Still, the longer and wider bodywork look far more dynamic and attractive, especially in the front. Since we’ve seen the naked prototype before, the design isn’t too surprising at all. Though, we are very impressed, because the production version looks better than the T-Prime GTE, which is basically the concept version of the new Touareg. The gorgeous grille and headlight treatment have been borrowed from the all-new Arteon four-door coupe, yet it fits better to the crossover. Do we need to mention that both head- and taillights are going to be LED? Of course not, because that’s so obvious. This particular prototype uses a pair of chrome exhaust tips, yet we are not so sure whether they are going to be standard or optional.
The MLB Evo architecture will be able to employ more options under the hood. However, the redesigned mid-size SUV will offer just a few units in North America. The U.S.-specs 2019 Touareg will host a 2.0-liter four-cylinder as the base, while the awesome 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbo should serve under the hood of the high-performance R model. The carmaker won’t skip the chance to add a plug-in hybrid powertrain, too. The hybrid SUV will feature 2.0 TSI and electric motor, which has been previewed together with the GTE concept.
If the all-new VW Touareg isn’t going to be introduced before Beijing, it means that the U.S. model has to wait until the 2018 New York Auto Show. In Europe, however, the SUV will be introduced in Geneva.
