Description
VW Touareg Generation Ends with a ‘Final Edition’
>> Successful premium SUV starts last year of production with a special edition
>> Model is available to order until the end of March 2026 and will then be delivered to customers as a FINAL EDITION in every equipment line
>> Volkswagen launched the Touareg on the market in 2002 and has continued to demonstrate its premium competence ever since
>> More than 1.2 million units sold in three generations
16/10/2025 - Production of the Touareg combustion engine model ends in 2026. To mark the occasion, Volkswagen is launching the “Touareg FINAL EDITION”, available to order until March 2026 from €75,025. Since 2002, the luxury SUV has impressed with its confident design, comfort, and advanced technology. The Touareg and Phaeton marked Volkswagen’s first step into the premium segment 23 years ago.
The FINAL EDITION features exclusive design details inside and out, including laser-engraved lettering on the rear door window surrounds and embossed leather on the gear lever. Multicolour ambient lighting is standard from the Elegance line upwards, with the “FINAL EDITION” logo also appearing on the illuminated dash and sill panels.
As Volkswagen’s first off-road vehicle, the Touareg elevated the brand in 2002 and became a benchmark in the luxury class. Known for its timeless design, high-quality interior, and cutting-edge technology, it remains the flagship of Volkswagen’s lineup. Many innovations first introduced in the Touareg later filtered down to smaller models, making premium technology accessible to all.
While Europe, and Germany in particular, represent a significant sales market, the Touareg is now available in 39 countries. More than 1.2 million units have been sold to date – an impressive figure in the SUV C-segment.
A look back at three generations.
Touareg I / 2002.
With innovations like electromechanical roll stabilisation and CDC air suspension with six levels, the Touareg quickly became one of the most respected SUVs after its 2002 debut. It could wade through 58 cm of water and tackle 45-degree slopes. The range-topping V10 TDI featured a 230 kW (313 PS) 5.0-litre ten-cylinder engine producing 750 Nm of torque, accelerating the 2.5-tonne SUV from 0–100 km/h in 7.8 seconds with a 225 km/h top speed. This flagship model helped position Volkswagen as a leading full-range automaker, offering vehicles from small cars to high-end SUVs. Built from 2002 to 2009, the Touareg I sold over 471,000 units, becoming one of the most successful luxury SUVs of its era.
Touareg II / 2010.
The second-generation Touareg grew in width and length, enhancing its luxurious comfort and sporty elegance with new aerodynamic bumpers and a redesigned grille. It also introduced Volkswagen’s first hybrid model – the Touareg 3.0 V6 TSI Hybrid – combining a 245 kW (333 PS) supercharged V6 petrol engine with a 34.3 kW (46 PS) electric motor for a total output of 279 kW (380 PS) and 580 Nm of torque. The hybrid accelerated from 0–100 km/h in 6.5 seconds, reached 240 km/h, and averaged 8.2 L/100 km. New driver assistance systems improved safety and comfort on all terrains. Produced from 2010 to 2018, the Touareg II achieved sales of over 483,000 units.
Touareg III / 2018.
The third-generation Touareg features a more dynamic design with modern lines, wider body panels, and a lightweight steel-and-aluminium body. Its longer 2.904 m wheelbase and slightly lower height enhance its athletic stance. Inside, a fully digital cockpit, advanced connectivity, and assist systems ensure comfort and safety. The electromechanical active stabilisation system detects roll movements up to 400 times per second for optimal stability on all terrains. Since autumn 2020, the Touareg R Hybrid has led the range, offering 340 kW (462 PS), 700 Nm of torque, and a 250 km/h top speed. Since its 2018 debut, over 265,000 units have been sold worldwide. The model continues to deliver top ride comfort and practicality, with towing capacity up to 3.5 tonnes.
A look back at the Touareg’s records.
Volkswagen Race Touareg – the serial winner.
The Touareg has also set standards in off-road racing. With the Race Touareg, which was specially developed and raced by Volkswagen Motorsport, Volkswagen became one of the dominant teams in the Dakar Rally. Among other things, this is shown by three overall victories in a row: 2009 with Giniel de Villiers, 2010 with Carlos Sainz and 2011 with Nasser Al-Attiyah. The greatest advantages of these motorsport prototypes were their robust design, all-wheel drive and exceptional reliability.
Touareg Stanley – winner of the Grand Challenge for autonomous vehicles.
In 2005, the Touareg Stanley made history by winning the DARPA Grand Challenge in California, a 212-km autonomous vehicle race through the Nevada desert. Out of 23 entrants, only four finished, with Stanley completing the course in 6 hours, 53 minutes, and 58 seconds without human input. Developed by Volkswagen and partner research centres, Stanley used laser sensors, stereo vision, cameras, GPS, and advanced control software to navigate rough terrain. This victory was a milestone in autonomous driving and laid the groundwork for modern assist systems. In the third-generation Touareg, these advancements evolved into Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and today’s Travel Assist, one of the most advanced systems for partly automated driving.
The Touareg that towed a Boeing.
In 2006, Volkswagen created a global stir and a world record: a near-production Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI towed a Boeing 747 weighing around 155 tonnes on an airport runway. With its powerful torque of 750 Nm and modified running gear, the Touareg moved the jumbo jet over 150 metres – and then brought it safely to a standstill. For this extraordinary experiment, the Touareg was loaded with over four tonnes of additional weight in order to optimally transfer the power to the ground. Despite the enormous load, a standard engine, gearbox and air suspension were used – impressive proof of the vehicle’s performance and robustness.
The Touareg as a long-distance specialist.
In 2011, the Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI once again spectacularly proved its endurance and reliability: in just 11 days, 17 hours and 22 minutes, long-distance expert Rainer Zietlow and his team completed the legendary Panamericana – from Tierra del Fuego in Argentina all the way to Alaska. The 22,750-kilometre route traversed 17 countries and almost all the climate zones on earth – from tropical heat and sandstorms to snow and ice. With this trip, the Touareg beat the previous world record by four days and again impressively demonstrated its robustness, efficiency and comfort.
SOURCE: VOLKSWAGEN NEWSROOM
