Volkswagen Touareg 2021 price and specs: new V6s and the V8 returns

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The Volkswagen Touareg has been updated for 2021 with a slate of new engines – including two tunes of an updated three-litre V6 diesel, along with a flagship V8 TDI engine available in limited numbers.

Initially slated for October arrival, the Volkswagen briefly supplemented the Touareg’s updated powertrains with the limited edition Touareg Adventure powered by the 190kW/600Nm three-litre diesel V6 that was rated for Euro 5 emissions standards.

But now, new Euro 6 engines have arrived in Volkswagen’s large SUV. The entry-level 170TDI produces 170kW/500Nm, while the mid-spec 210TDI uses much of the same hardware but makes 210kW/600Nm in a different state of tune. Both engines claim consumption of 6.8L/100km on the WLTP cycle. 

The return of an eight-cylinder Touareg will please long-term fans of this badge, with a Euro 6-rated V8 TDI model arriving as a flagship for this large Volkswagen SUV.

Volkswagen even claims V6-esque economy for the 310kW/900Nm V8, with the 7.5L/100km combined economy sitting just 0.1L/100km above the outgoing Euro 5 190TDI bent-six.

Those generous outputs give the V8 some real shove: the eight-cylinder car accelerates from 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds – nearly as fast as the Golf R. You’d expect that, perhaps, given Volkswagen puts this engine to use in the Bentley Bentayga.

Alongside the new engines, there is a revised structure to the Touareg range in Australia.

 The lineup commences with the $81,490 170TDI, the Touareg gets generous standard equipment like all-speed adaptive cruise, lane-trace assist, 360-surround camera, power tailgate, leather-appointed interior, 19-inch alloys and a 9.2-inch touchscreen. 

You can upsize that touchscreen to a huge 15-inch unit in size by opting for the $8,000 Innovision package. That also brings a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display and ambient lighting.

The Touareg is quite affordable when set against its cousin, the Audi Q7 45 TDI – the four-ringed equivalent starts from $97,361 before on-roads and options.

Stepping up to the quicker 210TDI V6 brings a choice of two trim levels.

The $99,490 210TDI Elegance gains matrix LEDs, the Innovision package with the 15-inch screen, LED taillights with sequential indicators, 20-inch alloys, Savona leather seats with massaging, heating and cooling, plus air suspension that provides a much more comfortable ride than the standard steel springs.

Or, if you prefer a more athletic look, you can opt for the 210TDI R-Line – this is now a standalone model, not an option pack. Priced at $108,490, buyers will benefit from four-wheel steering, front memory seats, R-Line bumpers and exterior trim, active roll stabilisation and more aggressive 20-inch alloys.

For an additional $8,000 outlay – or $6,500 for R-Line buyers – you can add the optional Sound and Comfort package, which brings memory seats, electric steering adjust, four-zone climate control, heated second-row and parking assist. 

Although it’s about to depart the European market, Australian buyers can now step into the Touareg V8 TDI. The R-Line package is included as standard in the $136,490 list price, as are 21-inch alloy wheels, a tyre pressure monitoring system, night vision and the sound and comfort package.

A panoramic sunroof is a $3,000 option on the 210TDI V6 or 310TDI V8 engines.

Volkswagen’s updated Touareg range in on-sale now in Australia.

Volkswagen Touareg 2021: pricing in Australia

All prices are before on-road costs.

• Touareg 170TDI – $81,490
• Touareg 210TDI Elegance – $99,490
• Touareg 210TDI R-Line – $108,490
• Touareg V8 310TDI TDI R-Line – $136,490