The Volkswagen Touareg III (CR, facelift 2023) 3.0 V6 TDI 4MOTION Tiptronic represents the latest iteration of Volkswagen’s mid-size luxury SUV. Introduced in May 2023, this facelift builds upon the established Touareg III platform, offering refined styling, updated technology, and continued focus on performance and efficiency. While the Touareg is a globally recognized name, its positioning differs across markets. In Europe, it serves as a premium SUV competing with models like the BMW X5 and Audi Q7, offering a blend of on-road comfort and off-road capability. In the United States, Volkswagen positions the Touareg as a more accessible luxury SUV, emphasizing value and practicality within the segment.
Volkswagen Touareg III (CR, Facelift 2023): Overview
The Touareg has a long history dating back to 2002, initially developed in collaboration with Porsche (resulting in the Porsche Cayenne). The third generation, launched in 2018, marked a significant step forward in terms of technology and refinement. The 2023 facelift further enhances these qualities, focusing on exterior styling updates, interior enhancements, and optimized powertrain efficiency. The 3.0 V6 TDI 4MOTION Tiptronic variant, detailed here, is a diesel-powered model primarily aimed at European markets where diesel engines remain popular due to their fuel economy and torque characteristics.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Touareg III 3.0 V6 TDI is a 3.0-liter V6 turbocharged diesel engine, designated as the DEND engine code. This powerplant delivers 231 horsepower and a substantial 500 Nm (368.78 lb.-ft.) of torque available from 1500 to 3000 rpm. This broad torque curve provides strong acceleration and effortless cruising. Power is delivered to all four wheels via Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system, ensuring optimal traction in various conditions. The engine is paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, offering smooth and responsive gear changes. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 7.7 seconds, while 0-60 mph is achieved in a calculated 7.3 seconds. The Touareg III 3.0 V6 TDI boasts a maximum speed of 222 km/h (137.94 mph). Fuel consumption, measured using the WLTP cycle, ranges from 6.7 l/100 km (35.1 US mpg) at high speed to 11.8 l/100 km (19.9 US mpg) at low speed, with a combined figure of 8 l/100 km (29.4 US mpg). CO2 emissions are rated at 210 g/km.
Design & Features
The Touareg III maintains a sophisticated and understated design aesthetic. As an SUV, it features a five-door body style with seating for five passengers. The 2023 facelift brings subtle but noticeable changes to the exterior, including revised front and rear fascias, updated headlight and taillight designs, and new wheel options. Inside, the Touareg offers a spacious and well-appointed cabin with high-quality materials. Key features include a large touchscreen infotainment system, digital instrument cluster, and a range of driver-assistance systems. Safety features are comprehensive, including ABS, and various active safety technologies. The Touareg prioritizes comfort and practicality, offering a generous 810-liter (28.6 cu. ft.) trunk space that expands to 1800 liters (63.57 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The vehicle’s dimensions are: length 4878 mm (192.05 in.), width 1984 mm (78.11 in.), and height 1712 mm (67.4 in.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Touareg |
| Generation | Touareg III (CR, facelift 2023) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.0 V6 TDI (231 Hp) 4MOTION Tiptronic |
| Start of production | May, 2023 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption at Low speed (WLTP) | 11.8 l/100 km (19.9 US mpg, 23.9 UK mpg, 8.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption at Medium speed (WLTP) | 8.1 l/100 km (29 US mpg, 34.9 UK mpg, 12.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption at high speed (WLTP) | 6.7 l/100 km (35.1 US mpg, 42.2 UK mpg, 14.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption at very high speed (WLTP) | 7.7 l/100 km (30.5 US mpg, 36.7 UK mpg, 13 km/l) |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 8 l/100 km (29.4 US mpg, 35.3 UK mpg, 12.5 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 210 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 7.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 7.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 222 km/h (137.94 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 EA |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.2 kg/Hp, 109.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.2 kg/Nm, 236.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 231 Hp |
| Power per litre | 77.9 Hp/l |
| Torque | 500 Nm @ 1500-3000 rpm (368.78 lb.-ft. @ 1500-3000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | DEND |
| Engine displacement | 2967 cm3 (181.06 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.1 l (6.45 US qt | 5.37 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2118 kg (4669.39 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2850 kg (6283.17 lbs.) |
| Max load | 732 kg (1613.78 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 810 l (28.6 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1800 l (63.57 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 75 l (19.81 US gal | 16.5 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 3500 kg (7716.18 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 140 kg (308.65 lbs.) |
| Length | 4878 mm (192.05 in.) |
| Width | 1984 mm (78.11 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2193 mm (86.34 in.) |
| Height | 1712 mm (67.4 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2904 mm (114.33 in.) |
| Front track | 1655-1671 mm (65.16 – 65.79 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1672-1688 mm (65.83 – 66.46 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 12.2 m (40.03 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives permanently the four wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 8 gears, automatic transmission Tiptronic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Tires size | 255/60 R18 H; 255/55 R19 H |
| Wheel rims size | 8J x 18; 8J x 19 |
