After almost a quarter of a century on the market, the Volkswagen Touareg It is heading towards the end of its combustion engine era.The German brand's large SUV, which debuted in 2002 as a less ostentatious alternative to the Porsche CayenneIt faces its final months in dealerships as we know it. Even so, everything suggests that its story doesn't end here, but rather that it's preparing for a new life completely linked to electrification.
Although production of the current model has already ceased and Only units remain in stock distributed by dealershipsVolkswagen doesn't want to relinquish the unique niche the Touareg occupies within its lineup. The company is seriously considering launching a new model. a 100% electric successorwhich could be integrated into the ID. family and adopt a name such as ID. Touareg, maintaining the format of a large, spacious and high-quality SUV, but adapted to the zero emissions requirements of the European market.
End of an era: the combustion-engine Touareg says goodbye after almost 25 years…
The current generation of the Touareg will bring the saga to a close. gasoline and diesel engines that have accompanied the model for three generationsSince its arrival in 2002, the SUV has been positioned at the top of the Volkswagen range, sharing abundant technology with Porsche y Audito the point of being considered the most discreet version of the Cayenne, both in its design and mechanics.
His role was never that of a bestseller, but rather that of flagship for high-net-worth clients They were looking for a large, comfortable, and well-equipped vehicle, but they didn't want to arrive at their meetings or construction sites in a Porsche or an Audi. This more understated and functional character, despite its high quality, explains why the Touareg has always had a moderate sales volume but a very specific and loyal clientele.
Beyond its luxury aspect, the model also made a name for itself in competition. The Touareg even won the Dakar RallyWith resounding victories like that of Carlos Sainz and Lucas Cruz in 2010, a historic hat trick for the Wolfsburg brand, that feat cemented part of its image as a robust, capable SUV, ready for more than just asphalt—something Volkswagen wants to preserve, at least in spirit, in its future electric successor.
From the Touareg to the ID. Touareg: a great 100% electric SUV…
Volkswagen has already made it clear that, if the Touareg returns, It will do so as a fully electric vehicle.A fourth generation with combustion engine variants, or even plug-in hybrids, is not planned; instead, the product is designed from the ground up to run on batteries. The brand fits this project within the ID. family, which encompasses its pure electric vehicles, and hasn't ruled out leveraging the Touareg's reputation to name a new large SUV within this range.
Within the product strategy, the possibility is considered that the model will be structured as successor or derivative of the next evolution of the ID.7opting for an SUV format instead of a sedan. This approach would be based on the clear trend in the European market, where SUVs already represent a significant portion of new vehicle registrations, especially in compact and mid-size segments, but also with growing interest in larger segments.
In any case, the concept would remain true to the foundations of the Touareg: a large, high-quality, technologically advanced SUV with a focus on comfortAimed at users who value sophistication and space, but prefer a less flashy image than that of traditional premium brands, the SUV body style remains unchanged; what's completely different is what's under the hood.
SSP platform and synergies with Audi and Porsche…
To give life to the new Electric SUVVolkswagen plans to use the architecture SSPa scalable platform designed for high-performance vehicles. This foundation will enable the future ID. Touareg Sharing key components with premium models like the Porsche Cayenne optimizes development efficiency. Thanks to this synergy, the consortium will integrate advanced propulsion systems and high capacity batteriesguaranteeing a technical robustness that defines the latest generation of electric cars in today's market.
The implementation of this technology ensures a electric autonomy leading, positioning the model as a benchmark in the European luxury segment. The main focus is on the perceived quality and comfort, offering a spacious cabin equipped with cutting-edge solutions. Furthermore, the technical structure will facilitate the inclusion of driving assistants refined, allowing the vehicle to compete directly with the most powerful rivals through a perfect balance between power, sustainability and a sophisticated aerodynamic design.
Finally, the group is betting on advanced connectivity through collaborations in third-party software and digital architecture. This will result in a user experience Intuitive, supported by constant over-the-air updates that will improve the infotainment system's performance. By prioritizing innovation in the electric mobilityVolkswagen guarantees that its large SUV is not only powerful, but also intelligent, offering a modern digital interface that responds to the demands of the most technologically advanced and connected drivers of the twenty-first century.
An SUV for a very specific niche: "discreet luxury"
El Volkswagen Touareg It has always maintained a strategic position, situated right on the border between the generalist sector and the premium segmentThis intermediate positioning allows the vehicle to avoid direct competition with ultra-luxury brands while clearly differentiating itself from more affordable models. The future Electric SUV The brand will inherit this essence, seeking to attract a driver profile that values technical exclusivity without needing to resort to excessively ostentatious brands within the market.
To achieve this, the company is betting on the concept of discreet luxuryoffering a cabin with high-quality finishes and superior technological equipment. The target customer has high purchasing power and is looking for a electric car that combines status and practicality for their daily or business commutes. This strategy allows Volkswagen to retain a loyal customer base that wants ride comfort and safety, avoiding the flashy image of other high-end SUVs but maintaining a very solid corporate identity.
Finally, this new flagship will be positioned above the ID family in terms of dimensions, performance, and competitive priceThe consortium's main challenge is to balance aesthetic restraint with... advanced technology necessary to master sustainable mobility. By prioritizing its own network services structure and full connectivity, the project guarantees a user experience Excellent. In this way, the brand ensures its profitability in a strategic niche through a sophisticated, efficient, and profoundly innovative product.
Prioritize affordable electric vehicles over large SUVs…
Volkswagen is currently prioritizing the launch of electric cars of volume to gain market share in Europe. The strategy focuses on affordable models that meet emissions regulations, leaving luxury vehicles for a later phase. In centers like Martorell and Navarra, production of urban vehicles Electric vehicles will be key to consolidating the brand. This roadmap seeks to strengthen the firm's presence in Spain, boosting the sustainable mobility through a high-volume consumer offering that guarantees immediate profitability and operational efficiency.
Within this plan, projects such as the future stand out. ID. Golf and the new ID. Tiguan, fundamental pillars of the European electric vehicle lineup. These models precede the highly anticipated large SUV in the official schedule, pushing its arrival towards the end of the decade. Meanwhile, the automotive section It is preparing to welcome the Cupra Raval and the Skoda Epiq, developments that will lead the digital transition. The group's objective is clear: to first establish a solid foundation of electric vehicle sales massive before regaining its prestigious top-of-the-range status.
In contrast to other markets that still demand large combustion engines, Europe demands a range electrification Fast and deep. The future successor to the Touareg will be positioned as a strategic piece of advanced technology at the top of the catalog. This planning ensures that the brand maintains its innovative identity without neglecting current demand. Electric SUVsBy balancing sales volume with technical exclusivity, the consortium guarantees sustainable growth within a highly competitive and digitized environment.
Planned schedule: a return towards the end of this decade…
Internal estimates and comments from brand managers suggest that, if the project receives final approval, The return of the Touareg in electric form would not happen immediately.Various sources place its arrival around 2028-2029, once the new generation of more accessible electric vehicles has been established and the SSP platform has been deployed in the higher segments.
This timeframe also allows Volkswagen Analyze the evolution of demand for large electric SUVs in EuropeThis is still an emerging segment where heavyweight competitors like the Range Rover Electric and future versions from Mercedes and BMW will arrive. The brand wants to ensure there's a sufficient volume of customers willing to make the leap to a model of this size, price, and focus.
If approved, Volkswagen's new large SUV would be positioned above electric models already available or planned in China and other markets, such as the ID.6, and It could position itself as the brand's benchmark in terms of technology, autonomy, and comfort.In practice, it would be the heir to the symbolic role that the Touareg has had within the range, but updated to the demands of electric mobility.
Source - Coach
Images | Volkswagen
