Volkswagen is reportedly preparing to cease production of its flagship SUV, the Touareg, by the end of 2026. This will draw the curtains on one of Volkswagen’s longest-running current nameplates, with the Touareg first arriving on the scene 23 years ago and having seen three generations to date.
First launched in 2002, the Touareg was the result of a joint development effort between Volkswagen, Porsche and Audi, with the SUV sharing its platform with the original Cayenne and Q7. Despite its premium pricing, the Touareg accrued attention for its range of powerful engines, including a 350hp, 850Nm, 5.0-litre diesel V10 and a 450hp, 600Nm, 6.0-litre petrol W12.
- Volkswagen to phase out Touareg in favour of a more affordable mass-market line-up
- A direct replacement or next-gen Touareg is not under consideration at the moment
- Tayron will serve as Volkswagen’s flagship SUV once the Touareg is discontinued
Volkswagen Touareg 2026 discontinuation details
No direct successor planned right now
According to a report from our sister publication, Autocar UK, the decision to axe the Touareg comes as part of Volkswagen’s shift in focus toward building a more cost-conscious, mass-market vehicle line-up in Europe. Volkswagen has no plans to develop a direct successor to the Touareg either, which means the premium SUV nameplate will be retired after 24 years of production.
Tayron to step in as new Volkswagen flagship SUV
With the Touareg on its way out, the Volkswagen Tayron will be the carmaker’s largest (and thereby flagship) SUV for Europe and other major markets. Introduced in late 2023, the Tiguan-derived Tayron is available in two- and three-row seating configurations and is built on a more modern platform than the current-gen Touareg, which debuted back in 2018. Volkswagen also plans to launch the Tayron in India by the end of 2025.
Volkswagen Touareg in India
First and second-gen Touareg models were on sale here
Volkswagen launched the first-gen Touareg in India back in 2009, priced at Rs 51.85 lakh (Rs 1.10 crore, inflation-adjusted) for the diesel V6 engine. This line-up even grew to add diesel V8 and V10 powerplants and was eventually succeeded by the second-gen Touareg in 2012. Prices for the second-gen Touareg in India started at Rs 58.5 lakh (Rs 1.06 crore, inflation-adjusted), and it was offered with diesel and petrol V6 engines.
There were talks of an India launch for the third-gen Touareg in 2019, but Volkswagen ultimately decided against the prospect.
All prices are ex-showroom, India.
Rivan RS 
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
