The Volkswagen Touareg III (CR), specifically the 3.0 V6 TSI 4MOTION Tiptronic model, represents the third generation of Volkswagen’s mid-size luxury SUV. Produced from January 2019 to May 2023, this iteration of the Touareg aimed to blend off-road capability with on-road refinement, appealing to buyers seeking a versatile and technologically advanced vehicle. While the Touareg isn’t a mainstay in the American automotive landscape like Ford or Chevrolet SUVs, it occupies a significant niche in the European market, competing with vehicles like the BMW X5, Audi Q7, and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. The “CR” designation refers to the model’s internal code, signifying updates and refinements within the third-generation series.
Volkswagen Touareg III (CR) 3.0 V6 TSI: An Overview
The Touareg has always been positioned as Volkswagen’s flagship SUV, showcasing the brand’s engineering prowess and commitment to quality. The third generation, and particularly the 3.0 V6 TSI variant, emphasizes a more sophisticated driving experience, incorporating advanced driver-assistance systems and a powerful yet efficient powertrain. This model is primarily designed for the European market, where demand for luxury SUVs with all-wheel-drive capabilities remains strong. The Touareg’s blend of comfort, technology, and performance makes it a compelling option for those seeking a premium SUV experience.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the Touareg III (CR) 3.0 V6 TSI lies a 2.995-liter, V6 gasoline engine equipped with a turbocharger and direct fuel injection. This engine produces 340 horsepower at 5,300-6,400 rpm and 450 Nm (331.9 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1,340 and 5,300 rpm. Power is delivered to all four wheels via Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system and an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. This combination allows for a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 5.9 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of 5.6 seconds, with a governed top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is a respectable 5.9 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 4.5 kg/Nm. Fuel economy is rated at 8.9 l/100 km (26.4 US mpg) combined, with urban consumption at 11.4 l/100 km (20.6 US mpg) and extra-urban at 7.5 l/100 km (31.4 US mpg). The engine meets Euro 6d-TEMP emission standards, and is equipped with a particulate filter to reduce emissions.
Design & Features
The Touareg III (CR) boasts a modern and elegant exterior design, characterized by clean lines and a sophisticated silhouette. Its body style is a traditional five-door SUV, offering seating for five passengers. The vehicle’s dimensions are substantial, measuring 4,878 mm (192.05 in.) in length, 1,984 mm (78.11 in.) in width, and 1,717 mm (67.6 in.) in height, with a wheelbase of 2,904 mm (114.33 in.). Inside, the Touareg prioritizes comfort and technology. Key features include a spacious cabin, premium materials, and a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. The trunk offers a generous 810 liters (28.6 cu. ft.) of space with the rear seats up, expanding to 1,800 liters (63.57 cu. ft.) when folded down. The Touareg also offers a maximum roof load capacity of 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) and a permitted trailer load of up to 3,500 kg (7,716.18 lbs) with brakes. The drag coefficient of 0.322 contributes to improved aerodynamic efficiency.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Touareg |
| Generation | Touareg III (CR) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.0 V6 TSI (340 Hp) 4MOTION Tiptronic |
| Start of production | January, 2019 |
| End of production | May, 2023 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 11.4 l/100 km (20.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.5 l/100 km (31.4 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8.9 l/100 km (26.4 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 203 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 5.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 5.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 5.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d – TEMP |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 5.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 340 Hp @ 5300-6400 rpm |
| Torque | 450 Nm @ 1340-5300 rpm (331.9 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | DCBE |
| Engine displacement | 2995 cm3 (182.77 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine oil capacity | 7.6 l (8.03 US qt | 6.69 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2020 kg (4453.34 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2790 kg (6150.9 lbs.) |
| Max load | 770 kg (1697.56 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.) |
| Height | 1717 mm (67.6 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2904 mm (114.33 in.) |
| Front track | 1653-1669 mm (65.08 – 65.71 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1669-1685 mm (65.71 – 66.34 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.322 |
| Approach angle | 23.3° |
| Departure angle | 17.2° |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle | 13.5° |
| 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 |
The Volkswagen Touareg III (CR) 3.0 V6 TSI 4MOTION Tiptronic represents a sophisticated and capable SUV, blending performance, luxury, and technology. While not widely available in the US market, it remains a popular choice in Europe for drivers seeking a versatile and refined vehicle.
