As per the reports, Volkswagen has decided to cease the production of its flagship SUV, the Touareg, by the year-end of 2026. Toureg was launched in 2002, which makes it the longest-running current nameplate by the brand.
After 23 years of being in the scene, it will now be time for the model to retire. After the Toureg being discontinued, the newly introduced Tayron by Volkswagen will be the largest SUV model in the UK. And Touareg’s departure will also mark the end of Volkswagen’s push into the premium market after 24 years.
Premium Pricing, Specs, And More!
The premium SUV, Touareg, was developed along with the original Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7, as it was a joint effort between Volkswagen, Porsche, and Audi. This helped in fulfilling the dual purpose of giving Porsche its first SUV and helping former Volkswagen chairman Ferdinand Piëch by making him realise his ambition of making a brand like Volkswagen, and also having models such as the Touareg and its sibling, the Phaeton.
Despite being at a premium price, the Touareg has always attracted attention for having a range of powerful engines. The list of engines includes a 350hp, 850Nm, 5.0-litre diesel V10 and a 450hp, 600Nm, 6.0-litre petrol W12.
Tayron is Being Touareg’s New Replacement!
Volkswagen’s decision to retire the Touareg shows a change of priorities. And there is no plan to develop a direct successor either, as the brand is now focusing on building a more cost-conscious, mass-market vehicle line-up in Europe.
And also the Tayron, which is a lower-cost alternative with a wider appeal, and also fulfils the Touareg’s role.
Tayron is already being sold in the global markets and is offered in both two- and three-row seating configurations and is built on a more modern platform than the current-gen Touareg. It offers a 2500kg towing capacity in 2.0 TSI 4Motion guise and a more versatile interior.
With the Touareg not being in line, the Volkswagen Tayron will be the largest SUV as well as the flagship of the brand for Europe and other global markets. Volkswagen also plans and aims to launch the Tayron in India by the end of this year, 2025.
Touareg’s First & Second-Gen Models On Sale In India!
The Touareg’s first generation was launched in India in 2009. It was priced at ₹51.85 Lakh for the diesel V6 engine, ₹1.10 crore, inflation-adjusted.
The lineup then expanded to include diesel V8 and V10 powerplants, which were eventually replaced by the second-generation Touareg in 2012. The second generation was priced at ₹58.5 Lakh and was offered with diesel and petrol V6 engines, ₹1.06 crore, inflation-adjusted.
In Summary
Volkswagen has decided to discontinue its flagship SUV, the Touareg, by late 2026. This will mark 24 years of its run. Touareg is known for its powerful engines and premium build. However, it will be replaced by the more affordable and versatile Tayron, which will then become Volkswagen’s largest SUV globally. It is also expected to be launched in India by the end of this year.
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