Volkswagen Touareg facelift previewed before reveal

The current generation Volkswagen Touareg has received a mid-life facelift with the marque giving us a preview of the new model undergoing final testing before a full reveal this May.

Among the updates is a redesigned front and rear end with new lighting, a further developed chassis, and an enhanced interior.

Before we see its changes in full though, the German carmaker has treated us to images of the facelifted Touareg wrapped in “QR code” camouflage among the snowy scenery of Sweden.

One of the first aspects that stands out is its “high definition” matrix headlights which contain a total of 38,400 micro LEDs. Volkswagen says this creates a blanket of light that provides more brightness on the road without dazzling oncoming traffic.

A first for the brand in Europe also features at the rear in the form of an illuminated VW badge which was previously only allowed in China and the US.

Underneath sits a further developed chassis which can now adapt itself to any loads placed on the roof of the SUV to increase stability.

Volkswagen have also given the steel spring and optional two-chamber air suspension a new setup which is said to achieve an even softer or stiffer ride.

Inside, the updated Touareg has been equipped with VW’s “Innovision Cockpit” which is operated via a centrally-mounted 15-inch touchscreen, multi function steering wheel, and switches on the centre console.

The cockpit system offers high-resolution map data and lane-precise navigation according the manufacturer. Voice control has also been enhanced while smartphones can be wirelessly linked via “App Connect”.

Occupant comfort has also been an area of development for the facelift with the interior getting a softer centre console and armrests.

It is also said that a new performance-oriented plug-in hybrid model is set to join the model lineup in the form of the Touareg R but this model has yet to be announced for New Zealand.

According to Drive, the Touareg facelift will arrive on Australian shores at the start of next year so its likely we’ll receive the model around the same time between January and March 2024.

The Volkswagen Toaureg facelift will be fully revealed in May 2023 with model specification and pricing still to be confirmed for New Zealand.