Three generations of evolution since global debut in 2002

V6 3.0 TDI engine paired with 8-speed automatic and 4MOTION all-wheel drive

Maximum output of 286 hp, peak torque of 61.2 kg·m

Twin Dosing Technology delivers combined fuel economy of 10.8 km per liter

Volkswagen's third-generation flagship SUV, the Touareg Final Edition [provided by Volkswagen]
Volkswagen's third-generation flagship SUV, the Touareg Final Edition [provided by Volkswagen]

Volkswagen is targeting South Korea's premium large SUV segment with the third-generation Touareg, a flagship model it says distills 24 years of accumulated engineering expertise.

The Touareg made its global debut in 2002 and has since evolved across three generations, with cumulative worldwide sales surpassing 1.2 million units. The Touareg Final Edition — currently being delivered and sold in South Korea — builds on the model's driving fundamentals, advanced technology and premium product qualities with exclusive design elements that set it apart.

The Touareg's 24-year history mirrors the arc of Volkswagen's SUV technology development. From the first generation in 2002, Volkswagen consistently incorporated its most advanced technology of the time, and each successive generation has brought improvements in driving performance, ride comfort, digital features and advanced driver-assistance systems.

Volkswagen Motorsport's Race Touareg claimed overall victory at the Dakar Rally — one of the world's most grueling long-distance off-road races — for three consecutive years from 2009 to 2011.

In 2005, a self-driving car called Stanley, developed on the Touareg platform, won the Grand Challenge organized by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) under the US Department of Defense. Using laser sensors, cameras, GPS and control software, Stanley completed a desert course of about 212 kilometers without any driver input, marking a landmark moment in the development of autonomous driving technology at the time.

Through these milestones, the Touareg has consistently embodied new technology and driving know-how, cementing its role as the flagship that showcases Volkswagen's engineering capabilities.

Interior of Volkswagen's third-generation flagship SUV, the Touareg Final Edition [provided by Volkswagen]
Interior of Volkswagen's third-generation flagship SUV, the Touareg Final Edition [provided by Volkswagen]

The third-generation Touareg is powered by Volkswagen's EA897 Evo3 V6 3.0 TDI engine, producing a maximum output of 286 hp and peak torque of 61.2 kg·m across a broad rev range of 1,750 to 3,250 rpm, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and a permanent all-wheel-drive system.

The vehicle also features Twin Dosing Technology, which uses two selective catalytic reduction converters, and achieves a certified combined fuel economy of 10.8 km per liter in South Korea — 9.6 km per liter in the city and 12.8 km per liter on the highway.

Air suspension and all-wheel steering come standard across all trims, delivering the stable, composed ride quality expected of a large SUV.

The air suspension optimizes ride height according to driving mode, effectively absorbing road impacts and supporting stable vehicle behavior across varied driving conditions. The all-wheel steering actively adjusts the rear wheel steering angle in concert with the front wheels.

Also worth noting is the IQ.Light HD Matrix headlight system, a first for the brand. It employs more than 38,000 interactive LEDs that analyze vehicle speed, camera data, navigation and GPS information to provide 12 optimized lighting modes tailored to driving conditions.

The advanced driver-assistance suite IQ.Drive also comes standard across all trims. It integrates Front Cross Traffic Assist — which detects hazards in blind spots at intersections — along with cameras, sensors, adaptive cruise control and lane assist into a Travel Assist system that supports the driver throughout a journey.

Volkswagen's third-generation flagship SUV, the Touareg Final Edition [provided by Volkswagen]
Volkswagen's third-generation flagship SUV, the Touareg Final Edition [provided by Volkswagen]

The Touareg's cabin brings together intuitive digital technology and a range of premium features designed to enhance long-distance comfort. The Innovision Cockpit integrates a 12-inch Digital Cockpit, a 15-inch MIB3 Discover Pro Max infotainment system and a head-up display into a unified driver environment that puts key information within easy reach.

The MIB3 infotainment system supports wireless smartphone App-Connect and gesture control, and allows drivers to operate climate control and other vehicle functions via voice commands using the wake phrase "Hello Volkswagen."

The front seats are fitted with 18-way Ergo Comfort seats offering heating, ventilation, massage and memory functions. All trims come standard with Dynaudio Consequence, a premium Danish audio system comprising 12 speakers plus one, a 16-channel amplifier, a subwoofer and a 7.1 Dolby Surround setup.

The Touareg Final Edition on sale in South Korea features exclusive design elements that pay tribute to the model's long heritage. The exterior carries laser-engraved "FINAL EDITION" lettering on the rear door window frames, while the interior features a leather gear lever with the same inscription embossed into it. Illuminated door sills and illuminated interior trim pieces also bear the "FINAL EDITION" lettering, adding a layer of distinction over the standard model.

Pricing starts at 108.35 million won ($78,500) for the Prestige trim and 118.49 million won for the R-Line trim, both inclusive of VAT and with the individual consumption tax rate of 5 percent applied. Volkswagen also offers a loyalty program for existing customers, a trade-in benefit and a five-year/150,000-kilometer complimentary warranty extension, among other premium care services.


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