Volkswagen is considering an EV equivalent to fill the void that will be left by the retiring Touareg, to continue offering a flagship product to its high-end customers, confirmed Martin Sander, Volkswagen sales head, to Autocar UK. Last year, it was reported that the Touareg will be discontinued in 2026, with no successor in sight, as VW wants to focus on higher volume and low-cost models.
- The model is expected to arrive after the ID Golf in 2028
- It will target consumers looking for upmarket cars that don't come with a premium badge.
- The Touareg has been on sale for over 24 years.
Volkswagen Touareg electric SUV details
There is a gap in the market for high-end cars that do not wear a premium badge, which the Touareg was made for, said Sander to Autocar UK. Since 80 percent of this market comprises SUVs, the new model will be a large SUV with an all-electric powertrain. The model could likely arrive after the introduction of the ID Golf, adopt technology from Audi and Porsche, and carry the ‘ID’ prefix.
Sander said, "This market is somewhere between the volume and premium market and is for customers who want a vehicle with great design and space, and a very high level of quality and sophistication, but, for whatever reason, do not want to be associated with a premium brand.” This is the Touareg target group, and we're looking into possibilities to serve these customers with a future product. "Touareg is not huge business, but it's got its place, and this is why we are looking into opportunities for a next generation," he added.
Additionally, he mentioned that Volkswagen's top priority is to continue making 'great' vehicles that are affordable to large consumer bases. "We are the brand for the people, and that's what our name stands for," he stated.