It’s not quite clear whether Volkswagen plans to introduce its new generation Touareg later this year, or in early 2018. However, since it’s coming in Europe first, the U.S. version of the midsize SUV will definitely make its official debut next year as the 2019 VW Touareg. As we managed to catch a totally uncovered prototype a few months ago, there are not too much unknown exterior details. Moreover, the new Touareg will look pretty much the same as the T-Prime GTE Concept.
Five- and four-seat models for North America
On the other hand, crossover’s interior is something that amazes us because the German car manufacturer plans a range of cab options. Officially, the 2019 VW Touareg will be offered with five- and seven-seat layout, while the latest reports indicate that the carmaker works on the highly-luxurious four-seat model. Even though we haven’t seen the option yet, we are pretty sure that the producer plans to add captain’s chairs in the second row. Unofficially, the three-row model won’t be offered in North America because the manufacturer introduced the seven-seat Atlas earlier this year.
2019 Volkswagen Touareg R rumored to arrive
The SUV will switch its outdated PL52 platform for the all-new MLB Evo architecture. That’s going to make the 2019 Touareg lighter and stiffer. The platform will be able to accommodate new generation engines, which means that the crossover should lose the current 3.6-liter VR6 in favor of a supercharged 3.0-liter V-6. The option powers the Audi Q7 already, so we know it’s capable of delivering 333 horsepower. Overseas markets will rely on a 252-hp 2.0-liter turbo four, but we are not so sure will the producer offer the option to the U.S. buyers. What we know is that the new generation SUV is getting a plug-in hybrid powertrain that’s going to power the aforementioned four-cylinder unit with an electric motor. Some reports indicate that we can also expect the high-performance 2019 Volkswagen Touareg R, but we have nothing about the option at the moment. Anyway, no matter which engine will be beneath the hood of the U.S. Touareg, it’s going to be paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
Estimated price
Although it’s going to be a smaller option than the Atlas, the 2019 VW Touareg will be significantly more expensive, simply because it’s going to be better and more luxurious option. The carmaker hasn’t released any official pricing information yet, but we are pretty sure that the base model won’t cost less than $50K.
