Pkswagen Touareg is available in two models: V6 ($34,900) and V8 ($40,700). The 3.2-liter V6 is rated 220 horsepower, while the 4.2-liter V8 boasts 310 horsepower.
The V6 Touareg comes standard with leatherette upholstery, eight-way adjustable seating, wood trim, power glass sunroof, dual-zone Climatronic temperature control with rear seat controls, six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic, multi-function leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatic rain-sensor window wipers, 17-inch alloy wheels and many more items. Leather is optional.
The V8 Touareg comes standard with full leather 12-way power adjustable seating, 18-inch alloy wheels, and more luxury features.
Both feature a sophisticated permanent all-wheel-drive system with an electronic stability program (ESP), adaptive torque distribution, a set of low-range gears, a locking center differential, and automatic hill-decent control. A locking rear differential ($550) is available for both models. Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS) with emergency brake assist are standard.
If that isn't enough to boggle the mind, a four-wheel air-suspension system optional for both models ($2,300) automatically adjusts suspension damping (stiffness) and ride height according to driving conditions. The system can also be controlled manually, raising the ride height for driving off road, lowering for high speeds, or kneeling down to let less-agile passengers in and out.
Options for both models include high-intensity discharge headlamps ($750) and an electronic park assist ($600), a useful system that alerts the driver to objects (or, sometimes, children) behind the car when backing up. A navigation system comes bundled with a sound system upgrade ($2,350). The V8 Touareg offers 19-inch wheels with summer tires as an option ($1,200).
The V6 Touareg offers a Premium Package ($2,200) that includes Cricket leather trim, 12-way power seats with memory, heated power folding auto-dimming mirrors with memory, center console wood trim, and a front sliding armrest.
Passive safety features include front, side, and curtain airbags, the latter for head protection in a side impact or rollover. Touareg surrounds occupants with a carefully engineered safety structure with a rigid roof designed to protect them in a crash or rollover, and Volkswagen expects to be awarded a four-star rollover rating from the federal government. Touareg senses when an accident has occurred and automatically unlocks the doors, disconnects the battery, and turns on the warning flashers. Add optional OnStar and an operator will be alerted to send out the safety crews. Most important to safety are seat belts, which should always be worn, and Touareg comes with three-point belts for all passengers including the rear-center position; the front belts are equipped with force-limiters to reduce injuries, while the rear belts have tensioners to enhance their effectiveness.