Volkswagen bids farewell to the Touareg with gasoline and diesel
Volkswagen announced the end of production of the Touareg SUV with internal combustion engines in 2026. To mark this occasion, a special 'Final Edition' version will be released, starting at 75,025 euros.
What's known
The special version features exclusive details inside and out. All trims feature the 'Final Edition' inscription—engraved with a laser on the window moldings of the rear doors and embossed on the leather of the automatic transmission selector. From the Elegance trim and above, the multicolor interior lighting is standard, with an emblem that lights up on the dashboard and threshold inserts.
All powertrain versions are available. This includes a 340 hp gasoline engine, a 231 hp diesel, and a Plug-In Hybrid with 340 + 136 hp. Trim options: basic, Elegance, and R-Line.
Model History
The first generation Volkswagen Touareg launched in 2002. Despite its size, the model always boasted a restrained design that doesn't become outdated. The interiors of all generations have been stylish, with high-quality materials and comfort, plus numerous technical innovations.
Thanks to this, the Touareg became the flagship of Volkswagen — and remains so to this day. Many technical solutions and options from it later migrated to younger models.
Although the main market for the Touareg is Europe, particularly Germany, the model is sold in 39 countries. Over 1.2 million units have been produced to date.
VW Touareg Generations: I (right), II (left), the 'Edition 20' jubilee version of the third generation (center). Photo: Volkswagen AG
Records and PR Stunts
In 2006, Volkswagen staged a spectacular show: an almost stock Touareg V10 TDI towed a Boeing 747 weighing about 155 tonnes across a runway. Thanks to a torque of 750 Nm and a modified chassis setup, the SUV dragged the plane for 150 meters — and then safely stopped it.
For the experiment, the Touareg was loaded with an additional four tons to better transmit power to the asphalt. The production engine, transmission, and air suspension were used.
The first generation Volkswagen Touareg towing a Boeing 747. Photo: Volkswagen AG
In 2011, the V6 TDI Touareg once again demonstrated its endurance: long-distance driving specialist Rainer Zietlow with his team drove the legendary Pan-American Highway — from Tierra del Fuego in Argentina to Alaska. It took only 11 days, 17 hours, and 22 minutes to cover 22,750 kilometers.
Rainer Zietlow on the Carretera Panamericana in a Touareg V6 TDI. Photo: Volkswagen AG
The route passed through 17 countries and nearly all of the planet's climatic zones — from tropical heat and sandstorms to snow and ice. The Touareg beat the previous world record by four days.
Source: Volkswagen
