Volkswagen Korea has begun the official pre-contract for the 2023 Touareg and will start delivering vehicles to customers in March.
The Touareg, Volkswagen’s flagship SUV, embodies the brand’s technological prowess and expertise. Since the launch of the first-generation Touareg in 2002, it has consistently redefined the standards of premium SUVs with each generation. It meets the needs of customers seeking powerful performance and outstanding value in the domestic market, securing a loyal fanbase.
The 2023 Touareg is equipped with a new V6 3.0 TDI engine featuring more efficient and environmentally friendly twin dosing technology and has returned with enhanced features in safety and convenience compared to the previous model.
Saša Askižian, President of Volkswagen Korea, stated, “I am delighted to welcome the new year with the launch of Volkswagen’s flagship SUV, the 2023 Touareg. The Touareg has continually set the benchmark for premium SUVs, captivating customers worldwide. I hope more customers experience the true essence of Volkswagen’s most advanced SUV, the 2023 Touareg, which combines innovative technology, top-level comfort, and driving enjoyment.”
The 2023 Touareg showcases advanced safety and convenience features that have been newly applied, with specifications previously exclusive to the top model now expanded across all trims, further strengthening its market appeal.
The ‘IQ.LIGHT-LED matrix headlights & LED daytime running lights’ that were only available on the top-tier 4.0 TDI model are now standard across all trims. The cutting-edge driver assistance system ‘IQ.DRIVE,’ which includes Travel Assist, is also provided as standard.
Convenience features have also been enriched. All models come standard with front seat ventilation, while the Prestige trim introduces remote parking assist that allows parking and exiting the vehicle via smartphone, along with front seat massage functions supporting eight modes.
The 2023 Touareg features a groundbreaking ‘twin dosing technology’ system with two SCR catalytic converters that drastically reduce nitrogen oxide emissions, equipped with the ‘EA897 evo3 V6 3.0 TDI’ engine.
It maintains the Touareg’s inherent strong power and excellent efficiency while reducing exhaust emissions. The new V6 3.0 TDI engine delivers a maximum output of 286 horsepower (3,500-4,000 rpm) and a maximum torque of 61.2 kg.m across a broad range of 1,750-3,250 rpm, providing efficient and powerful driveability in urban, off-road, and any driving conditions. The Touareg’s combined fuel consumption is rated at 10.8 km/l, urban fuel efficiency at 9.6 km/l, and highway at 12.8 km/l.
The 2023 Touareg now standardizes the cutting-edge interactive lighting system ‘IQ.LIGHT-LED matrix headlights & LED daytime running lights,’ which was previously exclusive to the top-tier V8 4.0 TDI model.
The IQ.LIGHT-LED matrix headlights & LED daytime running lights utilize a total of 256 LED modules that combine multi-function cameras, traveling speed, and GPS information to provide optimized illumination for various driving conditions, illuminating the night road like daylight. The system includes ‘dynamic light assist,’ which automatically optimizes high and low beam lighting according to driving conditions, ‘dynamic cornering light’ that illuminates the headlight according to the vehicle’s direction when cornering, and dynamic turn signals at the front and back.
The Touareg has been equipped with top-tier technology befitting a flagship model, spreading Volkswagen’s prowess and premium value. The innovative driver assistance system ‘IQ.DRIVE’ is standard across all trims, enhancing driving comfort and safety, particularly through its flagship feature, ‘Travel Assist.’
Travel Assist integrates a camera and sensors with adaptive cruise control and lane assist, providing active driving support even at speeds of up to 250 km/h from a standstill, maximizing convenience and reducing driver fatigue throughout the driving scenarios.
Additionally, it features warnings and automatic braking for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists within 250 meters through ‘Front Collision Warning and Emergency Braking Front Assist,’ and provides warnings or emergency braking for front blind spot threats during intersection driving through ‘Front Cross Traffic Assist.’ It also includes ‘Side Assist,’ which warns the driver or assists steering when a vehicle is present in the blind spot during lane changes, and ‘Pre Crash 360º,’ which tightens seat belts and closes windows and the panoramic sunroof when detecting imminent collision threats from the front, rear, or sides, ensuring passenger protection.
Convenience specifications have also been enhanced. Every trim comes equipped with ‘Area View (360° view camera)’ and ‘Park Assist Plus,’ which automatically manages steering, gear shifting, acceleration, and braking during parking. The ‘Remote Parking Assist’ system, available from the Prestige trim, allows remote vehicle parking and exiting via smartphone. This system can be used by connecting the vehicle to the ‘Volkswagen Park Assist Plus’ app, available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store, via Bluetooth.
The 2023 Touareg is equipped with the progressive design ‘Innovision Cockpit,’ which offers an intuitive interface customized for drivers, enhancing convenience.
The Innovision Cockpit consists of a 12.3-inch digital cockpit, a 15-inch Discover Premium infotainment system including Korean navigation, and a windscreen head-up display, showcasing a vast visual openness and the essence of intuitive digital interface.
Front seats come with ‘Ergo Comfort Seats’ that can adjust in 18 ways, including electric thigh support and cushion and side bolster adjustments. Furthermore, starting from the 2023 model, massage seats supporting eight modes have been newly added, while front seat ventilation and heated seats for both front and rear are standard, ensuring a pleasant environment.
All trims also come standard with wireless smartphone charging and app connect, along with a panoramic sunroof, and from the Prestige model, features like the 4-zone Climatronic automatic air conditioning, 30-color ambient lighting, and electrically adjustable steering column are included.
The front design emphasizes a sturdy and imposing look, highlighted by a chrome grille resembling processed metal, while the LED matrix headlights linked to the front grille complete Volkswagen’s signature front design. The side view has a volumetric line and pronounced front wheel arch for a three-dimensional appearance, while the rear’s L-shaped signature lights emphasize the wide width and project a strong presence.
The R-Line model adds a dynamic flair with R-Line badges on the front and sides, air strip lines with black accents, R-Line bumper design, and 21-inch Suzuka black alloy wheels.
The 2023 Touareg features an ‘Air Suspension’ that optimizes ride height based on driving mode starting from the Prestige model. This enhances off-road characteristics while maintaining superior comfort for a pleasant ride experience, both on and off the road.
Drivers can adjust suspension settings and vehicle height optimized for various driving conditions using the ‘Driving Profile Selection’ and ‘Air Suspension Control’ rotary switches located on the center console. The ‘Air Suspension Control’ supports five different level modes.
Depending on the driving mode selected in the Driving Profile Selection, the ‘SYNC mode’ automatically sets optimal vehicle height, while the ‘Road Level Mode’ lowers the vehicle by 15mm to reduce air resistance and improve handling at speeds above 120km/h. The ‘Off-Road Level Mode’ raises the vehicle by 25mm, and the ‘Off-Road+ Level Mode’ can raise it up to 70mm, suitable for rugged terrain driving. Finally, the ‘Loading Level Mode’ lowers the front axle by 25mm and the rear axle by 40mm to facilitate loading and unloading items.
Additionally, the 2023 Touareg includes an ‘All-Wheel Steering’ system that adjusts the steering angle of both the front and rear wheels. At speeds below 37km/h, the front and rear wheels turn in the opposite direction, reducing the turning radius and improving maneuverability. At speeds above 37km/h, both set of wheels turn in the same direction, enhancing vehicle agility during high-speed driving and ensuring high driving stability.
The pricing for the 2023 Touareg is set at KRW 88,302,000 for the Premium model, KRW 97,827,000 for the Prestige, and KRW 100,847,000 for the R-Line model (prices include VAT and apply a 3.5% reduction for local taxes).
Additionally, Volkswagen offers a ‘5-year/150,000 km warranty extension program’ and a ‘Total Care Service for Accident Repair’ (providing up to KRW 500,000 per incident for five incidents during the first year, with no mileage limit) to help reduce the cost burden for vehicle maintenance.
Isang Jin daedusj@autodiary.kr