The Volkswagen Touareg III (CR, facelift 2023) 3.0 V6 TDI 4MOTION Tiptronic represents the latest iteration of Volkswagen’s mid-size luxury SUV. Introduced in May 2023, this facelift builds upon the established Touareg III platform, offering refined styling, updated technology, and continued focus on performance and efficiency. While the Touareg is a globally recognized name, its positioning differs across markets. In Europe, it serves as a premium SUV competing with models like the BMW X5 and Audi Q7. In the United States, where Volkswagen’s SUV lineup includes the smaller Tiguan and the larger Atlas, the Touareg occupies a niche position, offering a more sophisticated and European-driving experience.
Volkswagen Touareg III (CR, Facelift 2023): Overview
The Touareg has a long history dating back to 2002, initially conceived as a robust, off-road capable SUV. Over successive generations, it has evolved into a more luxurious and technologically advanced vehicle, prioritizing on-road comfort and refinement. The CR facelift for 2023 brings subtle but significant updates to the exterior design, interior features, and powertrain options, solidifying its position in the competitive luxury SUV segment. This version specifically features a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine paired with a sophisticated 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system and an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the Touareg III (CR, facelift 2023) 3.0 V6 TDI 4MOTION Tiptronic lies a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine, designated as the DENA model. This engine produces 286 horsepower and a substantial 600 Nm (442.54 lb.-ft.) of torque, available from 1750 to 3250 rpm. The longitudinally mounted engine delivers power to all four wheels via Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system, ensuring optimal traction and stability in various driving conditions. The eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission provides smooth and responsive gear changes, contributing to a refined driving experience. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 6.4 seconds and a 0-60 mph time of 6.1 seconds, with a maximum speed of 236 km/h (146.64 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 7.4 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 3.5 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The Touareg III (CR, facelift 2023) maintains the sleek and sophisticated design language of its predecessor, with the facelift bringing subtle enhancements to the exterior. The body style is a traditional five-door SUV, offering seating for five passengers. Key design features include distinctive LED headlights and taillights, a prominent chrome grille, and sculpted body lines. Inside, the Touareg boasts a premium interior with high-quality materials and advanced technology. Standard features include a large touchscreen infotainment system, digital instrument cluster, and a range of driver-assistance systems. The vehicle prioritizes safety with features like ABS, and a comprehensive suite of airbags. Practicality is also a key consideration, with a trunk (boot) space ranging from 810 liters (28.6 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up to 1800 liters (63.57 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The Touareg also offers a fuel tank capacity of 75 liters (19.81 US gal).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Touareg |
| Generation | Touareg III (CR, facelift 2023) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.0 V6 TDI (286 Hp) 4MOTION Tiptronic |
| Start of production | May, 2023 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption at Low speed (WLTP) | 11.7 l/100 km (20.1 US mpg, 24.1 UK mpg, 8.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption at Medium speed (WLTP) | 8.3 l/100 km (28.3 US mpg, 34 UK mpg, 12 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption at high speed (WLTP) | 6.7 l/100 km (35.1 US mpg, 42.2 UK mpg, 14.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption at very high speed (WLTP) | 7.7 l/100 km (30.5 US mpg, 36.7 UK mpg, 13 km/l) |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 8 l/100 km (29.4 US mpg, 35.3 UK mpg, 12.5 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 210 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 6.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 6.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 6.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 236 km/h (146.64 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 EA |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 286 Hp |
| Power per litre | 96.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 600 Nm @ 1750-3250 rpm (442.54 lb.-ft. @ 1750-3250 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | DENA |
| Engine displacement | 2967 cm3 (181.06 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.1 l (6.45 US qt | 5.37 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2118 kg (4669.39 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2850 kg (6283.17 lbs.) |
| Max load | 732 kg (1613.78 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.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2193 mm (86.34 in.) |
| Height | 1712 mm (67.4 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2904 mm (114.33 in.) |
| Front track | 1655-1671 mm (65.16 – 65.79 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1672-1688 mm (65.83 – 66.46 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 12.2 m (40.03 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives permanently the four wheels of the vehicle. |
| 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 |
| Tires size | 255/60 R18 H; 255/55 R19 H |
| Wheel rims size | 8J x 18; 8J x 19 |
