2024 Volkswagen Touareg facelift revealed, here next year with R plug-in hybrid flagship

The facelifted 2024 Volkswagen Touareg large SUV has debuted ahead of its Australian launch.

Volkswagen Australia has confirmed the revised Touareg will launch here in the first quarter of 2024, headlined by the flagship Touareg R plug-in hybrid variant, following delays.

Initially set to arrive here in late 2022, the Touareg R was then expected sometime this year. However, Wheels understands it was unfeasible for the brand to introduce a few pre-facelift examples in Australia.

While the R should command a substantial premium closer to, or above, $200,000 drive-away, it includes a performance boost with a 250kW 3.0-litre turbo-petrol V6 from the Audi Q7 55 TFSI, matched to a 100kW electric motor.

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In total, the Touareg R produces 340kW and 700Nm, with a claimed 5.1-second 0-100km/h time. It retains a 3500-kilogram towing capacity, but boot space is reduced from 810 to 610 litres.

The mid-life update brings a revised front-end with slimmer headlights similar to the latest Golf and Tiguan, an updated high-definition matrix lighting system with 38,432 micro-LEDs, and an integrated light strip running across the grille.

Volkswagen claims the enhanced, "very high resolution" matrix headlights can improve brightness in low light environments without dazzling oncoming traffic, including a 'lane light' function to illuminate the vehicle's lane.

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At the rear, the facelifted Touareg sports an updated tail-light signature, a revised bumper design, a light strip, and – in a European first – an illuminated red Volkswagen badge.

It also features redesigned 19-, 20-, 21- and 22-inch alloy wheels, while the Touareg R gains blue brake calipers and illuminated puddle lamps, both with R logos.

Under the skin, the Touareg's MLB Evo chassis – related to the Q7, Porsche Cayenne, Lamborghini Urus and Bentley Bentayga – includes a new roof load sensor to improve agility when the roof is unladen.

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It also has revised suspension components (for either the standard steel spring or optional two-chamber air suspension) to boost comfort and performance levels.

Inside, there’s an updated 15-inch Innovision Cockpit system – now fitted as standard – with VW's latest ‘Discover Pro Max’ infotainment software to support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 'lane-precise' navigation, high-resolution map data, and improved voice control.

Volkswagen has introduced footwell and cupholder ambient lighting, faster 45-watt USB-C ports – up from 15-watt – and enhanced comfort, with softer padding for the armrests and centre console.

In Europe, the latest Touareg has five 3.0-litre V6 powertrain options: one turbo-petrol, two diesels, and two plug-in hybrids.

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There are no changes to the diesel, which is available in low-output 170kW/500Nm entry-level form or a 210kW/600Nm tune for the Elegance and R-Line in Australia.

The facelifted 2024 Volkswagen Touareg will launch in Australia in the first quarter of next year (January to March inclusive).

It is currently priced from $89,240 before on-road costs for the eponymous 170TDI, rising to $117,540 plus on-roads for the 210TDI R-Line, with price rises expected for the facelift.