WOULD-BE BLUE BLOOD

VW loads the Touareg with plush and tech to pursue the premium SUVs

The technology trickle-down from its premium stablemates gives Volkswagen a big head-start when it comes to new product. Sharing platforms and software with the other VW Group brands helps contain development costs and the Touareg large SUV is the latest beneficiary.

This is a stonkingly good SUV loaded with features typically found as options on prestige German vehicles, which is why we’re talking about a VW that will hit $100K by the time its driven out of the dealership.

The Touareg rides on the same underpinnings as Audi’s Q7 and the Porsche Cayenne. The engine is the only carry-over component and it has been revised for an extra 10kW/50Nm.

There are newer engines in the VW Group but delays in having them certified to Europe’s new emission standards means they’re on the backburner in the short term.

VALUE

At $89,990 before on-road costs, the Launch Edition of the big VW isn’t cheap. Most buyers will part with another $8000 for the “Innovision Package” upgrading the standard 9.2-inch infotainment screen to a 15-inch version, along with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, headup display, alloy inserts and ambient lighting.

Any colour other than white adds $2000 and you’ll pay $3000 for the panoramic sunroof.

So the Touareg we’re driving is well into six figures by the time it hits the road. That’s a dealbreaker if you don’t consider the brand to be aspirationally premium.

Conversely, if you do rate VW as a challenger to the prestige brands, it’s relatively good value.

Its nearest mainstream rivals are the Mazda CX-9 at $70,277 drive-away and the top-spec Jeep Grand Cherokee at $82,950. Look at prestige and an entry level Q7 (with the same engine) starts at $97,800. Spec the Audi to match the VW and it’s more than $130,000. The Beemers and Mercs are dearer again.

At that point the VW starts to deserve consideration, though it’s worth noting most of its rivals have at least a 5+2 seating set-up.

Standard gear includes adjustable air suspension, 20-inch wheels, four-zone airconditioning with rear controls and enough well-padded space to carry five adults and their luggage in comfort.

The heated and ventilated leather front seats have a massage function that wouldn’t be out of pace in a Benz, as well as adaptive LED headlamps and wireless smartphone charging.

Regular versions of the Touareg are due to arrive in November and will start from $79,490, rising to $85,490 for Premium grade.

COMFORT

If the Touareg was any plusher it would be a soft toy. Air suspension, premium leather upholstery and the tech-laden interior endow the car with a prestige feel. Block out the VW badges and your passengers will be hardpressed to identify it as a “mainstream” brand.

VW’s ambient interior is subdued and wellintegrated into the cabin, with a look that doesn’t distract during night driving.

That night driving will be a breeze thanks to the multi-beam LED headlamps. They light up the road without dazzling oncoming motorists and are the best thing going to give advance notice of roadside animals (which is a good thing, because I’m guessing replacing the lights after an encounter with a ’roo won’t be cheap).

The front seats are big, supportive and include 10 pneumatic pumps providing up to 10 different massages. They’ll prove their value on the first long-haul trip.

The latest amenities are included, from smartphone mirroring to wireless phone charging on a pad that looks capable of handling the inevitable screen size jump as we migrate to 5G devices. A pair of USB ports in the rear ensure occupants can stay charged and connected during journeys — and you can easily fit three adults back there.

SAFETY

VW has fitted the Touareg with the latest and greatest autonomous emergency braking software covering pedestrians, cyclists and forward and rear cross-traffic intervention.

The active lane-keep assist will hold the SUV in its place with only a minor meandering within the lane as the sensors scan approaching curves.

Adaptive cruise control, auto parking and nine airbags are also standard.

ANCAP rates the Touareg a five-star vehicle, earning 89 per cent for adult occupant protection, 88 per cent for child occupant safety, 72 per cent for vulnerable road user protection and 78 per cent for drive assist software.

DRIVING

Air suspension helps deliver limousine-style ride plushness on very ordinary surfaces, with the added bonus of being able to adjust the ride height if required. Dial up the stiffness and the big beast is more than capable of covering back roads quickly and confidently.

Noise suppression is a highlight. A light hiss occasionally enters the cabin as the wind flicks over the roof rails at 100km/h.

Chunky 20-inch wheels and all-wheel drive ensure plenty of grip on gravel and gnarly bitumen. The steering wheel feedback is as communicative as a sulky teenager but the Touareg will go where it is pointed and the light steering makes it easy to twirl when parking. The Touareg will tow 3500kg.

HEAD SAYS

It’s got all the gear you’d find in a luxury SUV for thousands less. HEART SAYS

There’s no question the Touareg is value for money but it’s not packing a prestige badge. ALTERNATIVES

MAZDA CX-9 AZAMI LE, $70,277 DRIVE-AWAY

It mightn’t have all the VW’s bells and whistles but the CX-9’s interior quality is equally impressive, especially at the price.

JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE S-OVERLAND, FROM $82,950

Swathes of leather lend polish to the big Jeep, which has the performance and off-road pedigree to impress.

RANGE ROVER SPORT 3.0 SDV6 SE, FROM $108,759

The Rangie is selling well in the premium SUV segment and the 183kW/600Nm diesel matches the Touareg for performance.