In the expansive world of luxury SUVs, finding one that truly excels across the board is no easy task. We’re talking about qualities that are often at odds – style, performance, fuel efficiency, practicality, and off-road capabilities – all harmonising into one single exceptional vehicle. Well, the 2024 Volkswagen Touareg 210TDI Elegance looks like it could be one of those rare products.
It is a package fit for both families and driving enthusiasts. Though, the Touareg’s 3.6 per cent market share in 2024 (according to VFACTS figures) is overshadowed by a number of big, veteran players. Interestingly, the Touareg is one of the last few still offered with a diesel engine. And we think it is with good reason. Let’s take a look why.
2024 Volkswagen Touareg 210TDI Elegance: Specifications
Engine: 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6
Output: 210kW@4000rpm / 600Nm@1750-3000rpm
Gearbox: Eight-speed auto
Drive type: Four-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 20×9.0, 285/45
ANCAP: Five stars
Tare weight: 2249kg
Power-to-weight: 10.70:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 7.4L/100km
Our consumption: 7.6L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 90L/DieselPower efficiency: 28.37kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 2.79 seconds*
0-100km/h: 6.09 seconds*
60-110km/h: 4.48 seconds*
1/4 mile: 14.44 seconds at 154.5km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.901g*
100-0km/h braking: 39.79m in 3.07 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.295g*
Decibel at idle: 45*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 76*
Starting price: $99,990
*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2024 Volkswagen Touareg 210TDI Elegance: How much does it cost?
Addressing the price tag, the 210TDI Elegance that we’re testing here retails from $99,990. There is also an R-Line add-on trim with the same engine for an additional $10k. Then the base 170TDI with the same engine but detuned from $86,790, and a top-spec, 340kW Touareg R plug-in petrol-electric hybrid from $129,990 (all excluding on-road costs).
The Touareg 210TDI Elegance is competitively priced among luxury titans like the Audi Q7, BMW X5, Lexus RX, Mercedes-Benz GLE, and Volvo XC90. When we look at the German diesel options, all are $17k-$35k more expensive. The mid-spec RX and XC90, with no diesel option, retail from $100k and $107k, respectively.
The Slovakian-built Touareg is backed by a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty and 12 months of complimentary roadside assistance. Services are set at every 12 months or 15,000km, costing $586, $941, $586, $1415, and $586 for the first five services when completed at a Volkswagen service centre. We think the fourth service is rather steep. Or you can pay upfront and save some dosh. A five-year service plan costs $3500 (saving $614), or a three-year plan costs $1900 (saving $211).
2024 Volkswagen Touareg 210TDI Elegance: Interior & packaging
Stepping into the Touareg is akin to entering a sanctuary of luxury, where glossy black and brushed metal surfaces shimmer under crisp ambient lighting. The black Varenna leather seats and open-cell fine grain ash ornamental wood trim panels enhance refinement levels considerably. You can also choose a half black, half beige ‘Grigio’ contrasting option.
Yet, the beauty of the interior goes beyond aesthetics. The design is highly functional, featuring spacious door pockets and big bottle holders for easy storage of essentials. The deep centre storage compartment is ideal for stowing away odds and ends, and a clever hideaway knee box keeps items neatly out of sight. Volkswagen excels at catering to our desire for organisation, and the Touareg does not disappoint.
Thoughtful touches abound, including double-layer sun visors, massaging heated and ventilated front seats, illuminated scuff plates, rear window blinds, and active tensioners for the seat belts. These, coupled with exceptionally low NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) levels, are just some of the thoughtful standard features that create a refined haven and driving experience.
With ample interior space, the Touareg easily accommodates five adults, offering generous dimensions that vastly surpass those of its predecessor. Rear seats also fold flat, slide on rails, and tilt for optimal comfort and versatility of the space.
Behind the second row, cargo space has expanded significantly from the previous generation, increasing from 580 to 810 litres. Fold down the rear seats and the capacity swells from 1642 to 1800 litres (from predecessor) – plenty of room for all your gear. While the space appears large enough to accommodate a third row, Volkswagen has opted not to pursue that option for the Touareg.
On the tech front, the Touareg boasts significant upgrades with its massive screens. The new 15-inch centre and 12-inch instrument displays are crisp, customisable, and offer a wealth of settings to adjust. However, be prepared for a learning curve as you navigate the menus – especially since the air-conditioning controls are integrated into the touch-screen without physical buttons.
This minimalist design is sleek, but it may take time to get accustomed to. The huge centre screen also causes the air vents to be located in an oddly low position on the dash. This seems to restrict airflow, which is most noticed on those hot Aussie days when you just want to be blasted with Arctic air.
The 210TDI Elegance comes standard with a decent eight-speaker sound system. Or you can opt for a brilliant Dynaudio 14-speaker premium sound system as part of the ‘Sound & Comfort’ package ($8500). All come with the full suite of wireless app connections, sat-nav, and wireless phone charging.
One tech caveat is the haptic steering wheel buttons. While they are modern, they can feel less intuitive than traditional buttons. They lack the satisfying click of physical buttons, which may lead to some frustration when you’re focussed on the road in front. This minor drawback is worth mentioning, especially as Volkswagen has admitted it is an area marked for improvement.
Safety features are in abundance in the Touareg 210TDI, with a comprehensive suite that includes dynamic road sign display, ‘IQ.LIGHT’ matrix LED headlights with adaptive high-beam, front and rear manoeuvre braking, adaptive cruise control with travel assist, lane assist, emergency assist, advanced driver attention and drowsiness monitor, proactive occupant protection, multi-angle surround-view cameras, and night vision with detection for humans and animals. Plus, much more.
Optional extras available on the 210TDI are a panoramic sunroof for $2538.46, and that Sound & Comfort package for $8500 – which rolls in four-zone climate control, an alarm, that premium 14-speaker Dynaudio sound system, head-up display, heated outer rear seats, seat and mirror memory, and powered door latching and steering column.
When it comes to exterior design, the Touareg opts for understated sophistication. Its clean lines and conservative proportions are refreshing, especially compared to some more flamboyant designs on the market. The 210TDI variant adds a touch of class with some chrome accents, striking ‘Braga’ 20-inch alloy wheels, and that sharp IQ.LIGHT LED matrix lighting with dynamic indicators.
2024 Volkswagen Touareg 210TDI Elegance: Powertrain & handling
Under the bonnet lies a hearty 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine. This unit has been widely used by other Volkswagen Group models, through many iterations now. Somehow, the company has managed to further refine it by extracting more power, increase fuel efficiency, and improve noise/vibration/harshness levels.
It delivers an impressive 210kW and 600Nm, which allows the Touareg to surge forward with unrelenting certainty, ensuring that take-offs, highway merges, steep inclines, and towing are effortlessly conquered. It is a marvellously confident engine to command, offering a sense that no task is too large.
That notion is helped along by a smooth and decisive eight-speed automatic transmission. It channels that abundance of grunt with finesse and speed when it matters under hard acceleration. Together, the engine and gearbox work to achieve a 0-100 km/h sprint in a claimed 6.0 seconds – which is remarkable for a large SUV that weighs 2.2 tonnes, and it is not even an R variant. We timed it in 6.09 seconds with a Vbox.
In our opinion, fuel efficiency is one of the Touareg’s standout feats. With an official combined consumption figure of 7.4L/100 km, it competes glowingly in its segment. Especially when you consider the weight, engine size, and amount of power you have at your disposal. Add to that, our real-world average was not far off, at 7.6L/100km. Who needs a hybrid? Though, it does require AdBlue additive. It uses about 1.5L per 1000km, depending on your driving style, with a 24L tank.
When it comes to driving mode offerings, the Touareg 210TDI offers more options than you’ll remember to use. You get Normal, Sport, Eco, Comfort, Off-road and Individual. Then the 4MOTION Active Control also provides four all-wheel drive modes; Snow, On-road, Off-road (automatic configuration), and Off-road individual, which offers unprecedented levels of customisation. An electronic diff lock is also thrown in there.
You can manually adjust the ride height for the standard air suspension more than any other SUV in this class (up to 70mm). This unmatched layer of versatility means the Touareg can be closer to the road when sporty cornering is desired, and higher off the ground when roughing it over unsealed roads. Though, the 20-inch wheels and a tyre repair kit instead of a full-size spare wheel will hold your Touareg back from any hardcore off-roading adventures.
Coming back to that air suspension system, it not only enables adjustments in ride height, but also ride stiffness. Whether you choose comfort for long-distance cruising or sport for a more engaging drive, the difference is palpable. This adaptability can make every journey feel unique, all in the same car.
Speaking of handling, the Touareg truly gleams. It does not feel like you’re driving a car as big as it is, as it feels composed and planted. It’s part thanks to a unique four-wheel steering setup that helps with stability when you’re travelling faster than 50km/h. Additionally, in tight spaces, a smaller turning circle can be achieved, increasing manoeuvrability. But a slight sense of connection to the road and predictability is lost in our opinion.
Towing capabilities also stand at the top of the class, with a 3500kg braked towing capacity. However, in the 210TDI, the maximum tow ball down weight is downgraded to 215kg. The base 170TDI accepts up to 280kg. Oddly, trailer sway control has also been deleted since the previous generation Touareg. A gross combination mass of 6350kg, minus 3500kg and minus the 2249kg vehicle weight leaves 601kg of payload, which is pretty good even compared with some heavy-duty 4×4 utes.
2024 Volkswagen Touareg 210TDI Elegance: Key attractions/reasons to buy
- Versatility: The Touareg is a true connoisseur of many traits, excelling in refinement, performance, fuel efficiency, practicality, and on-road and off-road preparation.
- Impressive diesel engine: 210kW/600Nm, 0-100km/h in 6.0 seconds, brilliant real-world fuel efficiency, and noise levels not dissimilar to petrol engines.
- Customisable driving experience: The level of personalisation in suspension stiffness, ride height, and driving profiles is unrivalled; and they actually make an impactful difference to the driving experience.
- All grown up: The increased dimensions over the previous generation means there is ample room for passengers and cargo, easily accommodating five adults.
2024 Volkswagen Touareg 210TDI Elegance: Key considerations before you buy
- Haptic controls and fewer physical buttons: The touch-sensitive, vibrative buttons on the steering wheel feel less intuitive than traditional buttons. Likewise, no physical air-con controls.
- No third-row: While the interior is big enough to fit one, the absence of a third row may be a deal breaker for families looking buy a large SUV.
- Some losses over the previous-gen Touareg: Trailer sway control and a reduced max tow ball down weight.
- Some advances diminish drivability: A huge touch-screen means the air vents are tucked away down in the dash and you don’t get that Arctic blast on a searing Aussie summer’s day; and all-wheel steering might diminish the raw connection with the vehicle for some.
2024 Volkswagen Touareg 210TDI Elegance: Video
How does it rate against its rivals?
Final word
The 2024 Volkswagen Touareg 210TDI Elegance is a luxury SUV that beautifully blends so many aspects we demand in our SUVs; refinement, multi-terrain capability, and practicality. This is also surprisingly efficient in the real world and it offers enjoyable performance.