If you’re in the market for a large, plush, capable SUV and have the bank account to shop for something European, then perhaps the 2022 Volkswagen Touareg 210TDI R-Line is for you. This variant is the range’s top spec and starts at $112,690 plus on-roads.
The R-Line is right up there as far as pricing is concerned when you compare it to the entry-level 170TDI’s $94,990 (plus on-road). They’re both still close to a deposit on a house. Our tester came in a pretty Antimonial Silver Metallic paint.
It also came with an optional tow ball/tow bar. Both features add a total of $3,310 to the price tag. Outside the Touareg, you’ll notice that it is large, very large. Not only is it wide but it’s also very long, measuring 4,878mm in length and 1,984mm width.
With dimensions like these, it’s quite hard to fit into a standard garage, especially when you add the extra length the towing kit adds. Inside though, you’re greeted by comfort and luxury worthy of the price tag. R-Line leather seats kick things off.
Those feature 18-way adjustment with massage and memory functions on the front row, and powered second row seats. There are also haptic touch buttons everywhere that have a nice little buzz and vibrate function when touched.
The centre console is taken up by a massive 15.0-inch multimedia system equipped with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This is seamlessly attached to the 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster.
If you like mucking around with vehicle settings, it can all be found in both the multimedia unit and instrument cluster. But be warned, there are menus upon menus of settings and sorting through them all will probably consume half a business day.
There’s plenty of cabin space, so much that it feels like the driver’s seat is worlds apart from the passenger seat thanks to the massive centre console and transmission tunnel. The second row will easily fit three adults, regardless of height.
We were able to fit an infant’s seat in without compromising the front row passenger seat’s comfort too. The rear cargo area allows for 810-litres of volume, which can be expanded to 1,800-litres with the second row folded down.
The Touareg is only a five-seater, but the rears split into a 40/20/40 configuration. There’s an optional Sound & Comfort package and Panoramic Glass Sunroof you can add for those extra flex points. Fully optioned, the 210TDI R-Line approaches the $130,000 mark.
Under the bonnet, you’ll find a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine (also found in the Audi SQ5), producing 210kW of power, sent to all four wheels thanks to VW’s 4Motion AWD. There’s 600Nm of torque, and an 8-speed conventional automatic transmission.
Engine and transmission mapping is controlled via a dial near the shifter, with an array of modes, such as Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Individual, Off-Road and Snow. Each one adjusts the handling and driving dynamics of the car.
For such a massive SUV, the Touareg 210TDI R-Line handles exceptionally well. Thanks to the Pirelli P Zero tyres, which you’ll usually find on very sporty cars, the Touareg is glued to the road. As it’s a large SUV, there is a bit of body-roll and general boatiness.
The turbocharged V6 is excellent, carrying a lovely sound regardless of the fact that it is diesel-fuelled. A caveat though, the turbo is a little bit laggy, so you’ll find yourself applying a bit more throttle on take off, just to get it moving.
This is most likely also owing to the weight and size of the Touareg. Once it gets going however, it’s a lot less clumsy and much more dynamic, especially in the Sport mode. Drive it there all the time though and it will punish you with horrid fuel economy.
Volkswagen claims a combined consumption figure of 6.8-litres/100km. We weren’t anywhere near that figure, with final consumption at 11.4-litres/100km. There’s a 90-litre tank and 24-litre Adblue tank though, so you’ll still get plenty of mileage.
There’s three top-tether anchor points as well as ISOFIX points on both outboard rear seats. The Touareg carries a 5-star ANCAP safety rating and has a wide range of safety features.
Lane keep and departure assist, parking assist, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, autonomous emergency braking and hill descent control are just a few. Some are automatic, but can be turned off for convenience at the touch of a button.
Volkswagen offers a 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty, which includes a year of 24-hour roadside assistance. Assured servicing pricing applies for the first five years of ownership too. Overall, it’s a comfortable and luxurious large SUV with some off-road capability.
The airbag suspension is a nice little convenience for when you’re getting in or loading up the rear cargo area. It’s sporty yet refined thanks to the R-Line badge, and is an SUV that will make you feel like it’s almost too good for you, even before you get in.
If you can stomach the price point, then you’ll be able to enjoy all the luxuries and pleasures the 2022 Volkswagen Touareg 210TDI R-Line will provide on each drive. Build your own on the Volkswagen Australia website.
If you’re keen on one and need finance, CreditOne can help you out.
Our 2022 Volkswagen Touareg 210TDI R-Line was supplied by Volkswagen Australia. To find out more, contact your local Volkswagen dealer. Pictures courtesy of Brakefast Media.
