For the ones who love the drive, and the ones who love the ride – the VW Touareg does both

Some cars make an entrance. Others don’t need to. The Volkswagen Touareg belongs to the latter. It does everything exceptionally well, yet without trying to remind you of it.

Locally assembled in Pekan, Pahang for the first time outside of Europe, the Touareg represents Volkswagen’s flagship SUV. Priced at RM 402,272 on-the-road without insurance, it comes with the Volkswagen Assurance Package, which includes a five-year unlimited mileage warranty and maintenance plan.

The Touareg R-Line is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 producing 340 PS and 450 Nm, paired with an 8-speed automatic and 4MOTION all-wheel drive. It feels strong yet civilised, accelerating with quiet confidence rather than drama.

The drivetrain delivers torque smoothly, making light work of steep climbs or long highway stretches. At speed, it settles into a relaxed rhythm. The 90-litre tank and rated 9.5L/100km consumption mean you can drive from Kuala Lumpur to Penang and back without worrying about range.

Open the door and the sense of quality is immediate. Every surface feels solid, every switch deliberate. The Vienna leather seats are ventilated, heated, and electrically adjustable with memory and power thigh support. They strike that sweet spot between comfort and structure, keeping you relaxed even after hours on the road.

The Innovision Cockpit integrates a 12.3-inch digital cluster with a 15-inch Discover Pro Max display, blending clarity with immersion. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, while four-zone Air Care Climatronic ensures every passenger gets their ideal temperature.

Music lovers will appreciate the 730-watt Dynaudio Consequence sound system with 13 speakers and a dedicated subwoofer. It’s tuned so well that you find yourself revisiting older playlists just to keep listening to it.

At the foundation of the Touareg’s composure is its adaptive air suspension, which constantly adjusts to the road while maintaining level balance. You can even lower the rear for easier loading, or raise the body for rougher ground using selectable modes — Normal, Comfort, Off-road, and Special Off-road.

Combined with the 4MOTION system, it feels ready for any surface Malaysia throws at it, from smooth highways to resort access roads that seem forgotten by maintenance crews. The result is refinement that goes beyond softness. It’s comfort that still communicates, control that never feels harsh.

Beyond the drive, the Touareg carries one of the most comprehensive safety suites in its class. IQ.DRIVE brings together Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Assist, Side Assist, Front Cross Traffic Alert, Autonomous Emergency Braking, and Night Vision.

At night, the IQ.LIGHT HD Matrix headlamps adapt automatically to road conditions, lighting up corners and dark patches with precision. Paired with Area View 360° cameras, visibility becomes something you take for granted.

Everything about the Touareg feels understated yet solid. It’s not a car built for attention, but for satisfaction. The doors shut with a reassuring thud, the steering has just the right weight, and the cabin isolates you from the chaos outside without feeling detached.

It’s one that appeals equally to the driver and everyone else on board. Power for the driver, peace for the rest. And together, a sense of calm that few cars deliver today.