According to Autocar, the British automotive news website, German automaker Volkswagen plans to discontinue its flagship Touareg SUV next year without a successor. This move signifies Volkswagen's shift to align with its corporate strategy of streamlining its portfolio and focusing on profitable ventures.
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Volkswagen Touareg Luxury edition launched at VMS 2022. Photo: Thanh Nhan |
Volkswagen Touareg Luxury edition launched at VMS 2022. Photo: Thanh Nhan
The Touareg debuted in 2002, aiming to elevate the brand alongside the now-discontinued Phaeton sedan. The second generation launched in 2010, followed by the current third generation in 2018. A mid-cycle refresh was introduced in 2023. If discontinued in 2026, the Touareg will have enjoyed an 8-year lifecycle.
The Touareg shares the MLB Evo platform with the Audi Q7, Q8, Porsche Cayenne, Bentley Bentayga, and Lamborghini Urus.
Volkswagen's withdrawal from the premium SUV segment creates an opportunity for its sister luxury brands, Audi and Porsche. Meanwhile, Volkswagen will concentrate on its best-selling models like the Tiguan.
The decision to discontinue the Touareg reflects Volkswagen’s changing priorities. The Tayron, positioned as a more affordable and widely appealing alternative, is already fulfilling much of the Touareg's role. Available in key global markets, the Tayron offers 2-row or 3-row seating configurations and a wider range of powertrains, from gasoline and mild-hybrid to PHEV.
Along with the Touareg, Volkswagen has also decided to remove the ID.5 from its electric vehicle lineup. Launched in 2021 as a sportier, coupe-styled version of the ID.4, the ID.5 primarily targeted the Chinese market but failed to achieve expected success. In Europe, the ID.5 was also overshadowed by the more practical ID.4. The discontinuation of the ID.5 is planned for 2027.
In the Vietnamese market, the Volkswagen Touareg is officially distributed and available in two versions: the Elegance priced at 2,699 billion VND and the Luxury at 3,099 billion VND.
Minh Vu
