VW Touareg R 2023

Volkswagen is gearing up to give its flagship SUV a mild mid-life makeover.

The current, third-generation Touareg was revealed in 2018, which means it’s almost due for a refresh. This particular prototype might look like like the current car, but it’s actually a well-disguised facelift.

Changes to the front end are limited to new trim pieces and design bits around the front grille, likely to more closely link the design of the Touareg with the updated Tiguan and T-Roc.

• The update will be mild, judging by the prototype. Look for a revised front end with new designs for the headlights, grille and front fascia. These elements are heavily camouflaged but we can see that the intakes in the front fascia resemble those on the latest Tiguan.

  It isn't clear what VW has planned for the powertrains. It's likely some of the current diesel offerings will be dropped and possibly replaced with more plug-in hybrid options. The top-of-the-line Touareg R, which is also a plug-in hybrid, may also see increased performance. Its current turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 and electric motor combo is good for 455 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque.

  2023 Volkswagen Touareg facelift spy shots - Photo credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

  With VW offering the mid-size Atlas here in the U.S., and planning a mid-size electric SUV that will likely go by the name ID.8, this could very well be the last Touareg equipped with an internal-combustion engine.

  Note, the Touareg is a twin under the skin with the Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne, and both these models should be updated soon. In fact, we've also spotted prototypes for the updated Cayenne.

  The third-generation Volkswagen Touareg is getting a subtle makeover and more tech

  22 Jun 2022

  1/7

  Volkswagen’s Touareg has been given a mid-life refresh, and our spy photographers have caught the updated large SUV undergoing testing. The current car made its debut in 2018 and has faced a wide array of rivals, from the likes of the upmarket Range Rover to the cheaper Hyundai Santa Fe.

  Yet it's a clear case of evolution not revolution for the big VW, because as these pictures show the Touareg’s exterior design has changed little over the current car. At the front it’ll receive Volkswagen’s latest badge on a redesigned grille. And while the headlights look unchanged, the lower grille has been remodelled with larger air intakes at the side. 

  At the side the pre-facelift 20-inch wheels remain on this test car but we expect a new design of rim to launch with the updated model. There’s very little to differentiate between the rear of this test Touareg and the outgoing model, as the rear lights and the bumper configuration remain the same. Even the ‘Touareg’ lettering remains, although it appears slightly less spaced out than the current version. 

  Underpinning the latest Touareg will be the same MLB Evo platform as before, which is also found in other VW Group premium SUVs, such as the Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q7, Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus. This means the lineup of powertrains is unlikely to change so expect a 3.0-litre V6 petrol with 335bhp and another combined with a plug-in hybrid system producing a total of 456bhp. There should also be two 3.0-litre V6 diesels with 228bhp and 282bhp. Each powertrain will be mated to Volkswagen 4MOTION four-wheel drive system. 

  Given the Touareg already uses Volkswagen’s largest infotainment screens (a 15-inch display alongside a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel) as part of its ‘​​Innovision Cockpit’ layout, we don’t expect to see a change here for the facelifted model. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will return as will the Wi-fi hotspot. 

  The current Touareg starts from £47,605, so expect the facelifted model to nudge £50k for the entry-level model when it goes on sale next year.

  Now check out the latest on the new Volkswagen Tiguan here...

  Most Popular

  Best electric cars to buy 2022/2023

  Best cars & vans

  Best electric cars to buy 2022/2023

  There are more electric cars than ever to choose from, so we've picked some of the best you can buy in the UK now

  21 Oct 2022

  Mazda CX-60 vs Lexus NX vs Volvo XC60: 2022 group test review

  Car group tests

  Mazda CX-60 vs Lexus NX vs Volvo XC60: 2022 group test review

  The new Mazda CX-60 PHEV is designed to appeal to premium SUV buyers, so we test it against the Lexus NX and Volvo XC60 to see how it fares

  22 Oct 2022

  ‘We know inflation is high but car prices are going crazy’

  Opinion

  ‘We know inflation is high but car prices are going crazy’

  Mike Rutherford thinks some manufacturers need to decide whether to price customers into – or out of – their models

  23 Oct 2022

  Is the Touareg coming back?

  The Touareg disappeared from U.S. shores after 2017, prior to this third-generation model being launched. The SUV is now about to receive an update which should be revealed in early 2023, and no, it isn't returning to these shores. The update will be mild, judging by the prototype.

  Is there a Touareg R?

  Volkswagen's Touareg R performance SUV gets plug-in hybrid tech, compromising some of its dynamic ability for a smoother and more efficient drive. Big performance SUVs don't exactly send out a message of efficiency.

  What is a Touareg R?

  The Touareg R is the hottest version of Volkswagen's biggest SUV, but it's also the most efficient as it's a plug-in hybrid. 1/19.

  Is Porsche Cayenne the same as a Touareg?

  No. Porsche's Cayenne and Volkswagen's Touareg are brothers - built on the same platform with many shared parts. And we've got them together in the UK for the first time. So is there more than a badge to differentiate these cars?