2016 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG: THE PEOPLE'S PREMIUM SUV
09/01/2015
VOLKSWAGEN
Volkswagen's flagship SUV is utility made luxurious. The second-generation vehicle complements its powerful and efficient line of engines and world-class engineering, cutting-edge available driver assistance systems, a refined interior and copious cargo space.
New for 2016
After a facelift in 2015, Touareg continues with only minor changes to equipment. Lux and Executive models add 14-way adjustable ventilated seats. Executive models add a power adjustable steering column, Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist) and Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist). The Hybrid model is discontinued for 2016.
The Sport w/ Technology Driver Assistance Package adds Park Distance Control (Park Pilot) and a new 21-inch wheel package is available on Lux and Executive models.
Exterior
The 2016 Touareg sports a crisp, sleek and aerodynamic look that is firmly set in Volkswagen DNA.
The Touareg measures 188.8 inches in length, 76.4 inches wide and 68.2 inches high. Key design elements include a 4-bar chrome grille that connects seamlessly to the headlights, which themselves sit flush with the grille's base. Standard on all models, these headlight clusters feature Bi-Xenon high intensity gas-discharge headlights, the Adaptive Front-lighting System, and LED Daytime Running Lights.
The horizontal theme continues throughout the Touareg's front end. A lower valance incorporates foglights, and the bumper has an "A" shape, with the connecting pillars leaning inward.
Moving to the back, LED taillights are standard on all 2016 Touareg models. These units flank a tailgate design with an elegantly sharpened "Tornado Line" running across the entire width. The rear bumper features chrome accents that wrap around the Touareg entirely; the lower spoiler features blacked-out trim. Signature triangular exhaust tips round out the overall look.
The 2016 Touareg offers a variety of wheel choices, depending on trim. The 18-inch Arica design offers a sharply chiseled 10-spoke design, while the 19-inch Salvador, 20-inch Montauk and optional 21-inch Mallory wheels all feature variants of a doubled five-spoke look.
Interior
The 2016 Touareg offers a premium modern layout. The cabin is illuminated with white LED overhead lighting, and chrome trim and wood accents lend a clean, luxurious feel throughout.
Mounted in the center of the dash is either Volkswagen's RCD(R) 550 sound system or the available premium RNS(R) 850 navigation system, depending on vehicle trim. The RNS 850 features an 8-inch touchscreen capable of displaying maps and directions in high-definition 3D graphics, and a DVD/CD player with MP3 playback and satellite/AM/FM radio. Music can be stored on the 60GB hard drive (with 18GB reserved for uploaded media); iPod(R) device, SD card, and DVD drive interfaces can be found in the glovebox. Touareg Executive models come with a 620-watt Dynaudio(R) sound system with 10 premium speakers (four tweeters, two midrange, and four woofers) and Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology.
Another feature on the Executive trim is the Area View 360° exterior camera system. Utilizing four cameras (in the rear hatch, the door mirrors and the radiator grille), Area View transmits images of the complete area around the Touareg onto the touchscreen in the center console. The control unit also calculates from the four individual camera images a high-quality overall view of the surrounding area-from the perspective of a virtual camera above the vehicle. On off-road terrain, Area View relays via the front and side cameras the scene immediately ahead and to the side of the vehicle.
The second-generation Touareg has a 113.9-inch wheelbase, which allows for 36.9 inches of rear legroom, as well as a 40/20/40-split rear seat with 6.3-inches of fore/aft travel and reclining backrests. The Touareg can also accommodate 32 cubic feet of cargo and luggage behind the rear seats, or 64 cubic feet with the split rear seat folded. On Sport with Technology and higher trim levels, the hands-free Easy Open liftgate allows for convenient access to the back of the vehicle.
Powertrains
The 2016 Volkswagen Touareg is available with two powertrains: V6 FSI(R) gasoline and V6 TDI(R) Clean Diesel. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic(R) shifting capability. A 4Motion(R) all-wheel-drive system is also standard. Touareg models are capable of towing 7,716 pounds.
As one of Volkswagen's most powerful naturally-aspirated engines, the gasoline-powered 3.6-liter V6 delivers 280 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 266 pound-feet of torque at a low 2,500 rpm. As in all current Touareg engines, the engine utilizes a crossflow aluminum-alloy cylinder head design, twin overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing and direct fuel injection. The Touareg V6 has manufacturer-estimated fuel economy of 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway.
Diesel models are powered by a 3.0-liter, turbocharged V6 and direct-injection TDI engine built around a compacted graphite iron (CGI) block. By using this material, Volkswagen engineers were able to reduce engine weight by 55 lb over the previous cast-iron unit. This engine produces 240 hp at 3,400 rpm and an impressive 406 lb-ft of torque at just 2,000 rpm. The manufacturer-estimated fuel economy for the TDI model is 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, giving the TDI a remarkable range of up to 765 highway miles from the large 26.4-gallon fuel tank. To achieve its 50-state emissions qualification, the 2015 Touareg is equipped with a deNOx catalytic converter augmented by a special injection system that sprays AdBlue(R) into the exhaust, helping to reduce NOx emissions. Thanks to this, the TDI meets ULEV/Tier 2, BIN 5 standards imposed across all 50 states.
All Touareg models send power to the 4Motion permanent all-wheel-drive system via an eight-speed automatic transmission that features manual gear control, Sport mode and Dynamic Shift Program (DSP) technology that helps adapt to the driver's individual style by adjusting the shift points accordingly. This transmission also uses its seventh and eighth ratios as overdrive gears, with the top gear reducing engine rpm by about 30 percent compared to sixth. Because of this, the vehicle's top speed is actually achieved in sixth gear. In addition to the fuel economy benefits of the low overdrive rpm, this configuration allows for substantially quieter, more relaxed highway cruising.
Chassis
The 2016 Touareg features the latest iteration of the independent suspension layout that debuted with the second-generation SUV. With lightweight aluminum-alloy upper and robust steel lower control arms at both front and rear, the Touareg's coil-spring suspension is capable of great control and road manners in any situation. The 4Motion permanent all-wheel-drive system is standard on all Touareg models. This features a Torsen(R) limited-slip differential that splits available torque 40 percent front and 60 percent rear (nominally) for balanced driving both on and off road.
All Touareg models feature a variable-ratio hydraulic power-assisted steering system that needs just 2.6 turns from lock to lock. This gives a precise, responsive feel in various conditions, from parking lots to the open highway. Both V6 and TDI models are fitted with 13.0-inch vented disc brakes front and rear.
Safety
A combination of both passive and active safety systems help to keep occupants protected in the latest Touareg. In addition to the chassis, which was designed from the ground up with strength and stability in mind, the Touareg also has a total of six airbags-including Side Curtain Protection(R) head airbags for front and rear outboard occupants, and front and thorax units for driver and front passenger-and a number of mechanical and electronic systems that work in tandem to help keep the Touareg stable.
This lineup of active safety systems also includes an advanced Rollover Sensor System that monitors the vehicle's turning angle and speed in order to help detect possible rollover situations. If it determines a rollover hazard is present, the system can deploy the Side Curtain Protection airbags to help reduce any risk of injury.
Anti-lock brakes and a stability control system are standard on all models.
All Touareg models have the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System as standard. This builds on the premise that a collision is rarely a single, instantaneous action, but rather a series of events that follow the initial impact-the most significant of which can cause additional collisions. The Automatic Post-Collision Braking System helps address this by applying the brakes when a primary collision is detected by the airbag sensors, thus helping reduce residual kinetic energy and, in turn, the chance of additional damage.
The Touareg also includes Volkswagen's Intelligent Crash Response System that shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard lights if the car is involved in certain types of collisions.
Driver Assistance Systems
The 2016 Touareg is available with a number of advanced driver assistance features, depending on trim line. Among the available driver assistance features, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) uses dual front radar sensors to maintain a set following distance to the vehicle in front of the Touareg. This system can bring the Touareg to a complete stop in traffic situations. This double radar system has a range of just over 200 yards with a field of view of 40 degrees. Augmenting ACC is the Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist) system. When it detects an imminent collision, visual and audio signals alert the driver and, if necessary, emergency braking is activated to help slow the vehicle.
The Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist) system is camera-based. If there is a danger of the car changing lanes without the turn signal being engaged, the system helps alert the driver by vibrating the steering wheel and by depicting the lane markings that the car has crossed on the multifunction display in the instrument panel. The system consists of a camera between the headliner and the rear-view mirror and a motor that vibrates inside the steering wheel. The camera recognizes visible lane markings (one side suffices) and, using a special algorithm and taking into account vehicle information, calculates the risk of the car leaving the lane. Lane Assist is activated at speeds of 40 mph and above.
Lane Change Assistant (Side Assist) uses two radar sensors at the rear on the Touareg to scan approaching traffic. LEDs in the side mirrors help inform the driver of a vehicle in the blind spot or approaching at a higher rate of speed. Any use of the turn signal during this phase shows that the driver intends to change lane and thus signals potential danger. The LEDs in the side mirrors then flash brightly, helping warn the driver of a situation that could possibly be dangerous.
The final available driver assistance feature on the 2016 Touareg is Park Distance Control (Park Pilot), which uses ultrasonic sensors located in the front and rear bumpers to monitor a range of up to five feet in front or behind the vehicle. The system is activated when reverse gear is engaged or below a speed of 9 mph and helps provide guidance when parking or in tight situations.
The system provides static and dynamic guidance lines in the camera screen when reversing to help assist the driver in assessing distances for parallel and perpendicular parking. It also has audible and visual warnings when the car starts to approach parked cars or static objects from the front or rear.
Limited Warranty
The 2016 Touareg models are offered with a 10-year/100,000-mile (whichever occurs first) powertrain limited warranty and 3-year/36,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty.
Model Line-up
The 2016 Touareg line-up offers customers a choice of four trim levels: Sport, Sport w/Technology, Lux and Executive.
Sport
Starting at $42,705 (plus $910 for destination and delivery), the Sport, available only in VR6 form, comes very well-equipped, including 4Motion all-wheel-drive; an eight-speed automatic transmission; 18-inch Arica aluminum-alloy wheels; Bi-Xenon headlights with the Adaptive Front-lighting System and LED Daytime Running Lights; the premium RCD 550 touchscreen radio; V-Tex seating surfaces; 8-way power driver and passenger seats; MDI (Media Device Interface); unique chrome trim; LED taillights; and the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System.
Sport w/ Technology
Building on the Sport model, the Technology trim-the base TDI Clean Diesel model-adds RNS 850 navigation system; Easy Open liftgate; Keyless access with push-button start; rearview camera; Lane Change Assistant (Side Assist); and a towing package. This model starts at $46,745 for the V6 and $50,245 for the TDI Clean Diesel model. A Driver Assistance Package that consists of Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC); Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist); Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist); and Park Distance Control (Park Pilot) is available for $2,960.
Lux
The midrange Touareg starts at $51,450 for the V6 and $54,950 for the TDI Clean Diesel model. It includes all of the features of the Sport w/ Technology models and adds 19-inch Salvador wheels; a wood trim interior; 14-way power ventilated leather seating surfaces with driver memory; electric rear seat release; adjustable front armrest with storage; a panoramic sunroof and Park Distance Control (Park Pilot). The new 21-inch wheel package ($880) adds 21-inch Mallory aluminum-alloy wheels. A Driver Assistance Package that consists of Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC); Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist); and Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist) is available for $2,500.
Executive V6
Priced from $59,745 for the V6 and $63,245 for the TDI model, the Touareg Executive tops the lineup. The following features are added to the Lux model: 20-inch Montauk wheels; stainless-steel appearance pedals and scuff plates; unique wood trim; power-adjustable steering column; heatable steering wheel and rear seats; 10-speaker Dynaudio sound system; the Area View exterior camera system; rear sunshades; Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC); Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist); Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist); and Park Distance Control (Park Pilot). The new 21-inch wheel package ($440) adds 21-inch Mallory aluminum-alloy wheels.
COMPETITIVE SET
Acura MDX
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Mercedes-Benz ML
About Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc., an operating unit of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VWoA) is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. VWoA's operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state -of-the- art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Volkswagen Group is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. VWoA sells the Beetle, Beetle Convertible, CC, Eos, e-Golf, Golf, Golf GTI, Golf R, Golf SportWagen, Jetta, Passat, Tiguan and Touareg vehicles through approximately 652 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com or media.vw.com to learn more.
Notes:
This press release and images of the 2016 Touareg are available at media.vw.com. Follow us @VWNews.
"4Motion", "FSI", "RCD", "RNS," "TDI", "VW", "Volkswagen", all model names and the Volkswagen logo are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG. "Side Curtain Protection" is a registered trademark of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. "iPod" is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc. "Tiptronic" is a registered trademark of Dr. Ing h.c. F. Porsche Ag. "Dynaudio" is a registered trademark of DYNAUDIO International GmbH. "AdBlue" is a registered trademark of the Verband der Automobilindustrie. "Torsen" is a registered trademark of Zexel-Gleason USA, Inc.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Features and technical data apply to models offered in the USA. They may differ in other countries.
All prices listed are the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price and exclude transportation, taxes, title, options, and dealer charges.
Stated horsepower and torque numbers for the FSI engine are achieved using premium gasoline. Performance may decrease slightly with the use of regular fuel.
Where stated, fuel economy values (mpg) are manufacturer estimates. Actual mileage will vary and depends on several factors including driving habits and vehicle condition.
Always pay careful attention to the road, and do not drive while distracted.
The Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS) will only activate in a collision where the airbags deploy or safety belt pretensioners activate. Not all collisions cause airbags to deploy or safety belt pretensioners to activate