The Volkswagen Touareg II (7P), produced between 2010 and 2014, represents the second generation of Volkswagen’s mid-size luxury SUV. Positioned above the Tiguan in Volkswagen’s lineup, the Touareg II aimed to compete with established European and Japanese rivals like the BMW X5, Porsche Cayenne (with which it shares a platform), and Range Rover Sport. The 4.2 TDI V8 4MOTION Automatic variant, detailed here, was a flagship model offering a potent diesel engine and Volkswagen’s sophisticated all-wheel-drive system. While the Touareg wasn’t widely sold in the United States during this generation, it was a significant vehicle in the European market, known for its blend of on-road comfort and off-road capability.
Volkswagen Touareg II (7P) 4.2 TDI V8: An Overview
The Touareg II marked a substantial evolution over its predecessor, boasting a more refined interior, improved technology, and enhanced driving dynamics. The 4.2 TDI V8 model, in particular, catered to buyers seeking strong performance and towing capacity. This generation saw Volkswagen further integrate advanced features, focusing on safety and driver assistance systems. The Touareg II’s platform sharing with the Porsche Cayenne was a key aspect of its development, allowing for cost efficiencies and a higher level of engineering sophistication.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Touareg II 4.2 TDI V8 is a 4.1-liter (4134 cm3 or 252.27 cu. in.) V8 diesel engine, designated CKDA. This engine produces 340 horsepower (Hp) at 4000 rpm and a substantial 800 Newton-meters (590.05 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1750 and 2750 rpm. The engine utilizes a diesel commonrail fuel injection system and is equipped with a turbocharger and intercooler to maximize power and efficiency. This configuration allows for impressive acceleration, with a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 5.8 seconds and a 0-60 mph time of approximately 5.5 seconds. The Touareg II 4.2 TDI V8 boasts a top speed of 242 km/h (150.37 mph). Fuel economy is rated at 9.1 liters per 100 kilometers (25.8 US mpg, 31 UK mpg) on a combined cycle, with 11.9 l/100km (19.8 US mpg) in urban conditions and 7.4 l/100km (31.8 US mpg) on the extra-urban cycle. The engine meets Euro 5 emission standards and incorporates a particulate filter.
Design & Features
The Touareg II is a five-door, five-seat SUV with a longitudinal front-engine layout. Its body style is characterized by clean lines and a relatively understated, yet sophisticated, aesthetic. The vehicle measures 4795 mm (188.78 in.) in length, 1940 mm (76.38 in.) in width, and 1709 mm (67.28 in.) in height, with a wheelbase of 2893 mm (113.9 in.). Key features of the Touareg II include its 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system, which provides excellent traction in various conditions. The interior is well-appointed, with a focus on comfort and practicality. The trunk offers a versatile 580 liters (20.48 cu. ft.) of space with the rear seats up, expanding to 1642 liters (57.99 cu. ft.) when folded down. The Touareg II also features a robust braking system with ventilated discs at the front and discs at the rear, complemented by ABS (Anti-lock braking system). The steering is rack and pinion with electric power assistance. The vehicle’s kerb weight is 2297 kg (5064.02 lbs), with a maximum weight of 2920 kg (6437.5 lbs) and a maximum load capacity of 623 kg (1373.48 lbs).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Touareg |
| Generation | Touareg II (7P) |
| Type (Engine) | 4.2 TDI V8 (340 Hp) 4MOTION Automatic |
| Start of production | 2010 |
| End of production | 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 11.9 l/100 km (19.8 US mpg, 23.7 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.4 l/100 km (31.8 US mpg, 38.2 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 9.1 l/100 km (25.8 US mpg, 31 UK mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 5.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 5.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 5.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 242 km/h (150.37 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.8 kg/Hp, 148 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 2.9 kg/Nm, 348.3 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 340 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 82.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 800 Nm @ 1750-2750 rpm (590.05 lb.-ft. @ 1750-2750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | CKDA |
| Engine displacement | 4134 cm3 (252.27 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 9.4 l (9.93 US qt | 8.27 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2297 kg (5064.02 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2920 kg (6437.5 lbs.) |
| Max load | 623 kg (1373.48 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 580 l (20.48 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1642 l (57.99 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 85 l (22.45 US gal | 18.7 UK gal) |
| Length | 4795 mm (188.78 in.) |
| Width | 1940 mm (76.38 in.) |
| Height | 1709 mm (67.28 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2893 mm (113.9 in.) |
| Front track | 1656 mm (65.2 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1676 mm (65.98 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.9 m (39.04 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 8 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
The Volkswagen Touareg II 4.2 TDI V8 4MOTION Automatic offered a compelling package for buyers seeking a luxurious, capable, and efficient SUV. Its powerful diesel engine, combined with Volkswagen’s advanced technology, made it a strong contender in the premium SUV segment, particularly in European markets.
