Volkswagen is reportedly set to discontinue its flagship Touareg SUV by 2026, ending a nearly 25-year run since its launch in 2002. According to a report from Autocar, insiders within the company have indicated that shifting priorities and market strategies are driving this decision.
The Touareg, a luxury SUV developed alongside the original Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7, has played a significant role in positioning Volkswagen within the premium automobile market. Its introduction marked a significant step for the brand, allowing it to compete with luxury manufacturers such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The current third generation of the Touareg shares its platform with high-end models like the Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus.
Shifting Focus to More Popular Models
The report suggests that the upcoming Tayron SUV will take over as Volkswagen’s top crossover model in Europe, the UK, and potentially Australia. The Tayron is expected to be more appealing to a broader audience, particularly due to its seven-seat option, which has been a noted criticism of the Touareg. Such a transition aligns with Volkswagen’s strategy to focus on higher-volume vehicles that appeal to larger segments of the market.
If the claims are accurate, the retirement of the Touareg would conclude its legacy after 24 years in production. Volkswagen Australia has yet to respond to inquiries regarding this development.
Future of Electric Models Uncertain
In addition to the Touareg, the ID.5 coupe SUV is also reportedly facing discontinuation after its first generation, with plans for this model to end by 2027. The ID.5 has not gained traction in the Chinese market as anticipated and has been overshadowed by the more practical ID.4 in Europe. Notably, the ID.5 is not available in the United States, further limiting its market presence.
The report from Autocar also mentions that previously considered plans for a sub-ID. Buzz electric MPV have likely been shelved, impacting future electric vehicle options for the European-market Touran. According to sources close to Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer, while a new electric model is not a priority, there is potential for its introduction through the Czech subsidiary Skoda with an all-electric Roomster concept.
The focus on crossovers and SUVs is evident in the company’s strategy, as the demand for these types of vehicles continues to rise. Additionally, Volkswagen’s engineering capacity at its Braunschweig R&D centre in Germany is reportedly prioritized for other important models, such as the upcoming electric Golf.
As Volkswagen continues to navigate its product lineup, it remains to be seen how these changes will affect its presence in the luxury and electric vehicle markets.
