New Volkswagen Touareg priced and specced

When the third-generation Volkswagen Touareg arrives in Australia in May, it will cement its position as the German brand’s flagship SUV with more power, more technology and a higher price.

Nevertheless, Volkswagen Group Australia says that at $89,990 plus on-road costs, the 2019 Volkswagen Touareg Launch Edition – the only variant to be made available initially – will bring better value than before.

That’s because its 190kW/600Nm 3.0-litre TDI turbo-diesel V6 offers more performance and equipment than the model it replaces, the outgoing Touareg 180TDI, which was last sold at $85,490 plus ORCs or $90,890 fully loaded.

However, the $90K Touareg Launch Edition is a long way north of the previous entry-level Touareg 150TDI (from $68,990) and the outgoing Touareg Monochrome special-edition ($74,990).

But pricing is expected to come down in the third quarter of this year, when 190TDI Launch Edition is replaced by the full-time entry-level 170TDI and the range-topping 210TDI variants, the latter topping $100,000.

While the Launch Edition’s Euro 5 emissions-compliant 190kW diesel is pre-approved for Australia via the Amarok V6 ute, the Euro 6-spec 170 and 210kW engines are still being certified for the New European Driving Cycle test.

Fuel consumption for the 190TDI, which produces 190kW of power over 3250-4250rpm and 600Nm of torque over 2250-3250rpm, is listed at 7.4L/100km.

There’s no sign yet of a replacement for the top-shelf V8 diesel-powered 4.2 TDI R-Line (last sold at $116,300), but an R-Line equipment package will become available.

As before, the MkIII Volkswagen Touareg – now based on the same MLB platform as the Lamborghini Urus, Porsche Cayenne, Bentley Bentayga and Audi Q7 -- will be offered only in five-seat form with full-time all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The standard equipment list takes a dramatic step up with safety features including Front Assist with City EB and Predictive Pedestrian Monitoring, Lane Assist with Adaptive Lane Guidance, Park Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, Emergency Assist, Side Assist with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Front Cross Traffic Assist, Proactive Occupant Protection and Rear View Camera.

Luxury also takes a big leap forward, with the Launch Edition fitted as standard with four-wheel air suspension, an electric tailgate with Easy Open & Close, IQ Light Matrix LED Headlights, 20-inch Braga black alloy wheels, Savona leather with massaging, heated and ventilated front seats, a 9.2-inch Discover Pro navigation system with gesture control, App-Connect, four USB ports and wireless charging.

Convenience features extend to Air Care four-zone climate control air-conditioning, 82% tinted rear windows, Keyless Access and start, front/rear parking sensors, auto headlights and wipers, Driver Fatigue Detection system, Driving profile selection with 4MOTION Active Control, Ambient Interior Lighting, memory front seats, mirrors and electronic steering column.

Read the new Volkswagen Touareg 2019 Review

In addition, an optional Innovision Package ($8000) comprises a 15-inch Discover Premium infotainment system, Active Info Display digital instruments, windscreen-projected head-up display, the choice of 30 ambient interior lighting colours and volume scroll wheel

The only other option for the 2019 Volkswagen Touareg Launch Edition will be a panoramic, tilt/slide electric glass sunroof with electric blind and 92% tint, for $3000.

That said, only one of the four exterior paint colours (Pure White) will be standard, with Silicone Grey metallic, Reef Blue metallic and Deep Black Pearl Effect each costing $2000 extra.

How much is the 2019 Volkswagen Touareg?
190TDI Launch Edition -- $89,990 plus ORCs
Innovision Package -- $8000
Panormaic sunroof -- $3000
Metallic paint -- $2000