The Volkswagen Touareg I (7L), produced from 2004 to 2006, represents Volkswagen’s initial foray into the burgeoning luxury SUV market. Developed alongside the Porsche Cayenne (with whom it shares a platform), the Touareg aimed to provide a sophisticated, capable, and technologically advanced vehicle appealing to buyers seeking both on-road comfort and off-road prowess. This first-generation Touareg was not widely sold in the United States during its initial production run, but it established a foothold for Volkswagen in the premium SUV segment, particularly in Europe and other international markets. The 3.2i V6 24V 4MOTION variant, detailed here, was a key engine offering, balancing performance with reasonable fuel consumption for its class.
Volkswagen Touareg I (7L) 3.2i V6 4MOTION
The Touareg I (7L) 3.2i V6 4MOTION is characterized by its robust construction, advanced four-wheel-drive system, and a focus on delivering a refined driving experience. It was positioned as a competitor to vehicles like the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz M-Class, offering a blend of luxury, capability, and German engineering. The 4MOTION system, Volkswagen’s permanent all-wheel-drive, was a central feature, providing enhanced traction and stability in various driving conditions. This model year is significant for introducing a new level of technology and sophistication to Volkswagen’s SUV lineup.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Touareg I (7L) 3.2i is a 3.2-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine, designated with engine codes BMV, BMX, or BRJ. This engine produces 241 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 310 Nm (228.64 lb-ft) of torque at 3,200 rpm. The engine features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, and utilizes multi-port fuel injection. The longitudinal engine layout contributes to a balanced weight distribution. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 9.8 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 9.3 seconds. The Touareg I (7L) 3.2i boasts a top speed of 206 km/h (128 mph). The power-to-weight ratio is a respectable 9.3 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 7.2 kg/Nm, contributing to its responsive driving characteristics. Fuel economy is rated at 18.6 l/100 km (12.6 US mpg) in urban conditions and 10.6 l/100 km (22.2 US mpg) on the extra-urban cycle.
Design & Features
The Touareg I (7L) is a five-door, five-seat SUV with a traditional SUV body style. Its design emphasizes a blend of ruggedness and sophistication. The vehicle’s dimensions are substantial, measuring 4754 mm (187.17 in) in length, 1928 mm (75.91 in) in width, and 1726 mm (67.95 in) in height. A key feature of the Touareg I (7L) is its advanced suspension system, utilizing air suspension on both the front and rear axles. This system provides a comfortable ride and allows for adjustable ride height, enhancing off-road capability. Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard. The interior is designed with a focus on comfort and practicality, offering ample space for passengers and cargo. Trunk space ranges from a minimum of 555 liters (19.6 cu. ft.) to a maximum of 1570 liters (55.44 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The Touareg’s curb weight is 2230 kg (4916.31 lbs), with a maximum permissible weight of 2945 kg (6492.61 lbs) and a maximum load capacity of 715 kg (1576.31 lbs).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Touareg |
| Generation | Touareg I (7L) |
| Type | 3.2i V6 24V (241 Hp) 4MOTION |
| Start of production | November, 2004 |
| End of production | November, 2006 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 18.6 l/100 km (12.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 10.6 l/100 km (22.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 206 km/h (128 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.3 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.2 kg/Nm |
| Power | 241 Hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Torque | 310 Nm @ 3200 rpm (228.64 lb.-ft. @ 3200 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | BMV, BMX, BRJ |
| Engine displacement | 3189 cm3 (194.6 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 95.9 mm (3.78 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 11.3:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.6 l (6.97 US qt | 5.81 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 9 l (9.51 US qt | 7.92 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2230 kg (4916.31 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2945 kg (6492.61 lbs.) |
| Max load | 715 kg (1576.31 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 555 l (19.6 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1570 l (55.44 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 100 l (26.42 US gal | 22 UK gal) |
| Length | 4754 mm (187.17 in.) |
| Width | 1928 mm (75.91 in.) |
| Height | 1726 mm (67.95 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2855 mm (112.4 in.) |
| Front track | 1653 mm (65.08 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1665 mm (65.55 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Air suspension |
| Rear suspension | Air suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 235/65 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
