The 2005 Volkswagen Touareg is available in three models: V6 ($37,140), V8 ($44,260), and V10 TDI diesel ($58,490).
The 3.2-liter V6 is now rated 240 horsepower, up 20 horsepower from last year, and comes with a six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic. The 4.2-liter V8 still boasts an impressive 310 horsepower.
New for 2005 is a 4.9-liter turbocharged diesel V10. It develops the same 310 horsepower as the gasoline-fired V8, but produces a mountainous 553 pound-feet of torque at just 2000 rpm, compared to the V8's 302 at 3000. Since torque is the force that actually accelerates a vehicle, crawls over rocks and obstacles, and tows trailers, the practical difference between the two engines should be clear and obvious.
All three models are well-equipped. The V6 Touareg comes standard with leatherette upholstery, eight-way adjustable seating, wood trim, power glass sunroof, dual-zone climate control with rear seat controls, multi-function leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatic rain-sensor windshield wipers, heated windshield washer nozzles, 17-inch alloy wheels and many more items. Leather is optional ($2,440) and comes with 12-way power adjustable seats and other appointments.
The V8 Touareg adds full leather 12-way power adjustable seating; 18-inch alloy wheels; flush-folding, auto-dimming outside mirrors with memory; and other luxuries. Dual chrome-tipped exhausts and chrome trim on the door sills add to the V8's uptown appearance.
The V10 TDI comes with appropriately larger brakes and Servotronic steering. Four-wheel air suspension, HID headlamps and a multi-color driver information display, optional on other Touaregs, are standard on the V10. The V10 TDI is distinguished by its silver-finished roof rack and additional chrome on the grille.
Safety features on all Touaregs include a sophisticated permanent all-wheel-drive system, an electronic stability program (ESP), adaptive torque distribution. Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and emergency Brake Assist are standard. Also standard: a set of low-range gears, a locking center differential, and automatic hill-decent control. A locking rear differential ($550) is available for all models.
Passive safety features include front airbags, side-impact airbags, and curtain airbags, the latter for head protection in a side impact or rollover, all standard. Touareg surrounds occupants with a carefully engineered safety structure with a rigid roof designed to protect them in a crash or rollover. Touareg earned a four-star rating from the federal government (NHTSA) in its frontal crash test and a five-star rating (the highest) in its side-impact tests. Touareg senses when an accident has occurred and automatically unlocks the doors, disconnects the battery, and turns on the warning flashers. Add optional OnStar ($699) 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 seat belts are equipped with force-limiters to reduce injuries, while the rear belts have tensioners to enhance their effectiveness.
If that isn't enough to boggle the mind, the four-wheel air-suspension system (optional on V6 and V8, standard on V10 TDI) 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 it for high speeds, or kneeling down to let less-agile passengers in and out.
For 2005, most options have been bundled into packages, especially on the V8 and V10. The V6 offers a Premium Package ($2,440) 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. High-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps are bundled with an upgraded stereo ($1,250).
Electronic park assist, a useful system that alerts the driver to objects (or children) behind the car when backing up, is part of Equipment Package 4 ($6,440), which also includes HID headlamps, a navigation system, a six-CD changer and the Premium Package described above.