Volkswagen stopped selling the Touareg in the U.S. after the 2017 model year, but the upscale SUV has remained selling in other countries since then. That’s about to change, however, as Autocar recently reported that VW is planning the end of Touareg production, marking the end of a long period for the five-seater.
While unconfirmed the reports suggest that Volkswagen isn’t planning a replacement for the Touareg, though it did reveal the new Tayron SUV for Europe last year, which offers two- and three-row seating options. The Atlas is designed and built for the North American market, but it’s also sold in China.
Volkswagen launched the SUV back in 2003, which aligned with the announcement of the related Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7. Originally intended as a higher-end premium vehicle that paired with the Phaeton sedan, the Touareg’s high price and limited configuration options have tempered its popularity, leading to its demise after almost 25 years on sale.
The current UK Touareg starts at almost £72,000, making it significantly more expensive than VW’s other models in the country. A move to discontinue the SUV ends an era that included some truly interesting vehicles, including one with a ten-cylinder diesel engine, but it’s not surprising that buyers want a more affordable option.
[Images: Volkswagen]
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