Volkswagen’s iconic premium SUV, the Touareg, is all set to bow out after an illustrious journey of over two decades. According to reports, the German automaker plans to discontinue production of the Touareg SUV by the end of 2026, marking the end of a significant era in Volkswagen's global SUV lineup.
Introduced in 2002 for the 2003 model year, the Volkswagen Touareg was part of a prestigious collaboration involving Volkswagen, Porsche, and Audi. This alliance also birthed other luxury SUVs like the Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7. While Volkswagen's luxury sedan Phaeton faded quickly, the Touareg stood strong in global markets, securing a name for itself in the premium SUV category for many years.
Despite being phased out from the U.S. market since 2017, replaced by the Volkswagen Atlas, the Touareg continued to be sold in select international markets. However, with evolving automotive strategies and declining sales, Volkswagen has now confirmed that it will permanently end Touareg production by 2026.
A Legacy of Power and Performance
One of the major highlights of the Touareg was its powerful engine lineup. At one point, the SUV was equipped with a massive 5.0-litre V10 diesel engine producing 850 Nm of torque—a benchmark in its category. There was also a 6.0-litre petrol W12 variant that delivered an impressive 450 bhp, making it one of the most powerful SUVs of its time.
This performance-focused engineering helped establish the Touareg as a serious contender in the luxury performance SUV segment, combining Volkswagen’s premium build with raw power.
What Comes Next?
Although the Touareg is nearing retirement, Volkswagen isn’t turning away from the SUV segment. Instead, it is gearing up to introduce the Volkswagen Tayron—a more modern and spacious SUV that will serve as the company’s new flagship in multiple markets, including India.
Launched globally in October last year, the Volkswagen Tayron is available in two- and three-row configurations and shares design cues with the Tiguan. This new model is expected to arrive in India by the end of 2025, offering buyers a fresh alternative in the premium SUV space.
Final Farewell
The discontinuation of the Volkswagen Touareg marks the end of an era for enthusiasts who appreciated its unique blend of luxury, off-road capability, and performance. As the automotive world moves toward electrification and efficiency, many such legendary vehicles are making way for the next generation of SUVs.
Volkswagen’s shift toward the Tayron signals a new chapter for the brand, one that continues to focus on innovation while bidding a respectful goodbye to one of its most revered SUVs.
