Between shifting consumer preferences and ever-changing electrification initiatives, the car market is now more cutthroat than ever before, and it doesn’t take much for a model to be axed from its lineup.
As such, following the announced discontinuation of legendary sedans like the Subaru Legacy and the Lexus LS, there’s yet another longstanding car that will be leaving the market soon. Only now, it seems that not even SUVs are safe in today’s world.
The Touareg first hit the market in 2002, and it has since served as Volkswagen’s flagship SUV.Volkswagen
That’s because, after 24 consecutive years on sale and more than 1.2 million units sold to date, Volkswagen will finally be bidding adieu to its Touareg flagship. Well, at least until it eventually brings it back as an EV.
An SUV of historic importance
Now, it’s worth noting that VW pulled the model from the United States market in 2017. At that time, the Touareg gave way to the VW Atlas, an alternative both larger and less expensive.
Though the Toureg has evolved over time, the essence of the SUV has remained consistent.Volkswagen
Nevertheless, as the longest-running SUV model in the Volkswagen lineup, the Touareg is a vehicle of historic importance. It first hit the market in 2002, bringing with it the most powerful diesel engine of any VW at the time in the form of a V10 good for 308 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque.
Accordingly, in 2006, Volkswagen used a near-production Touareg to tow a Boeing 747 weighing around 155 tons on an airport runway. Even when loaded down with over four tons of additional weight for traction purposes, the SUV’s standard running gear was able to move the plane over 150 meters.
Not bad for towing power, eh?Volkswagen
And the model wasn’t only good for feats of strength. Come 2011, seasoned distance expert Rainer Zietlow and his team completed the legendary Panamericana in a Touareg V6 TDI over the course of a mere 11 days, 17 hours and 22 minutes, traversing 14,136 miles and 17 countries in the process. They beat the standing record by over four days.
Naturally, then in motorsport, the Touareg proved itself to be a formidable presence. Volkswagen managed to race the SUV to an overall win at the Dakar Rally for three consecutive years from 2009 until 2011, with three different drivers behind the wheel. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, the model also drove its way to an autonomous victory at DARPA’s Grand Challenge.
Highly modified variations were standout performers at the Dakar Rally.Volkswagen
Most of all, though, the Touareg was pivotal because of its versatility. The Volkswagen platform underpinned everything from the Audi Q7 and the Porsche Cayenne to the Bentley Bentayga and the Lamborghini Urus. Considering that models like the Cayenne and the Urus are sales leaders for their respective brands, the Touareg is a car boasting impact well beyond its own nameplate.
Giving the Touareg a sendoff
As a way to memorialize its enduring SUV, Volkswagen will be offering a ‘Final Edition’ that will be part of order books through the end of March 2026.
The Touareg will be driving off into the sunset next year.Volkswagen
It will be available on all trims, though higher-level options like the Elegance and the R-Line will feature additional upgrades beyond the base model as part of the package.
Considering that everything from fine wood inlays to sport blue brake calipers and 22-inch wheels will be available, depending on the trim level, it makes for a fitting way to send off the SUV.
Final Edition badging shows that you’re among the few who appreciate the finer things in life.Volkswagen
As such, each Touareg spec will speak to an aspect of the model in some way, and all will be accompanied by commemorative details like ‘Final Edition’ running boards and various other special touches.
With power climbing as high as 455 ponies in the case of the Touareg R Hybrid, it makes for an obvious choice. However, given that the model starts at an eye-watering 75,025 euros (~$87,000), it’s easy to see why VW feels that it’s time to put it out to pasture.
About the Author: Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When he’s not chasing the latest industry news, he’s probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers.
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