by A Possible Future for the Volkswagen Touareg
Volkswagen recently stopped taking orders for the Touareg, preparing to end production of this model. However, according to reports, the automaker is considering the possibility of creating an electric successor to retain affluent clients.
We are a brand for the people, but the Touareg has its place, and that is why we are exploring opportunities for the next generation.
Martin Sander, Head of Sales and Marketing at Volkswagen, also admitted that sales of the model were low but noted that there is a certain type of client who wants great design, space, a very high level of quality and sophistication, but for some reason does not want to be associated with a premium brand.
Target Audience for the Future Model
Essentially, it is for people who want the luxury and style of an Audi but with the Volkswagen emblem. Sander described Touareg clients as very down-to-earth people who are affluent but “restrained” and do not want to show off. He noted that many of them are business owners, and arriving at a client’s home in a car like a Porsche Macan could send the wrong signal.
Technical Expectations and Platforms
Little is known about the next generation Touareg, but if the project is approved, Sander stated it will be fully electric and a large SUV. This suggests the model could be based on the PPE or SSP platform. The former underpins the electric version of the Porsche Cayenne, and this model has traditionally been closely related to the Touareg.
If history repeats itself, the ID. Touareg could follow in the footsteps of the base Cayenne Electric and have a battery capacity of approximately 113 kWh, the capability for DC fast charging at up to 390 kW, as well as an all-wheel-drive system with two motors producing a combined output of around 435 hp. Of course, Volkswagen could make it less advanced to help lower prices.
Reflections on a potential electric Touareg point to an interesting strategic niche that Volkswagen is trying to occupy in the premium electric vehicle market. The emphasis on “restrained luxury” for affluent but non-showy buyers could prove to be a smart move, especially in a European context where such values are often respected. However, the success of this idea will largely depend on whether the company can offer a compelling combination of quality, technology, and design that justifies positioning the model above VW’s regular electric SUVs but below its premium relatives from the group. Technical commonality with Porsche could be a key advantage if an attractive price can be maintained.
