FACT spent the day in Volkswagen’s Touareg, an impressive luxury SUV housing several innovations.

This month, FACT experienced Volkswagen’s (VW) premium class construction capabilities in the form of the Touareg, compliments of Behbehani Brothers. We were pleasantly surprised to discover this dynamic SUV is jampacked with the latest high-end technology and equipped with the most convenience and comfort features ever integrated within a VW vehicle.

Exterior

The Touareg we experienced was no less than the fullyloaded R-Line model. Starting at the front end, we appreciated numerous features emphasising the dynamic character of this luxury SUV. These included the wide, assertive chrome grille, complete with ‘R-Line’ badging, that effortlessly extends into the LED matrix headlights. Adding further touches of class are the Gloss Black front air intake and the R-specific body-coloured bumper.

At the flanks, our eyes were drawn to the distinctive 21-inch, R-Line alloy wheels protected by R-specific wheel-arch trims. We found the crisp lines of the Touareg’s exterior to flow seamlessly from bonnet to boot, endowing the vehicle with a unique, sporty yet distinguished style. Sleek silver roof rails add to the capable character of this attractive SUV.

The athletic and elegant nature of our Touareg was underscored at the back end through the inclusion of a stylish R-specific diffuser, dynamic LED combination rear taillamps, a roof spoiler and chrome trapezoid tailpipes located on both sides above the R-specific body-coloured rear bumper.

Interior

As we slipped inside the cockpit, the sporty and dynamic attitude of the exterior gave way to the calm and relaxing feel of the interior. This serene space is made possible through the ample room, meticulous craftsmanship and the technologically advanced comfort.

One of our favourite internal features was the 14-way active, front, climate-controlled seats. This uber-comfy seating provides electric adjustment for the seat height, seat length, seat cushion angle and backrest angle, along with four-way electrically adjustable lumbar support. Also included are a memory function option for the driver’s seat and door mirror, along with an optional massage function that provides the choice of eight independently, pneumatically controlled settings via air cushions. From this supportive and elevated front seating, we admired the ergonomically designed, driver-orientated cockpit, with all the vehicle’s advanced technology perfectly placed for ultimate convenience.

The exclusive Touareg R-Line-specific interior styling means extra attention to detail with high-quality materials and finishes present throughout. The multifunction steering wheel features the R-Line logo, complemented by stainless steel pedals and ‘Wave’ aluminium decorative inlays in the dash and doors. ‘Soul’ black roof lining and R-Line stainless steel front-door sill protectors provide the finishing touches.

With ample rear room for three passengers, reclining rear seats that split and fold in a 40:20:40 ratio and a luggage compartment capacity of 810-litres, we found the generous proportions of VW’s Touareg to ensure flexibility and everyday functionality.

Infotainment

The 2023 Touareg features a pioneering first for Volkswagen, namely its Discover Premium high-resolution, 15-inch touchscreen infotainment system that merges seamlessly into the high-resolution 12-inch Digital Cockpit. VW have removed almost all protruding buttons, knobs and dials from the setup, meaning we effortlessly accessed and controlled the functions and systems by touch, gesture and voice. The home screen offers smartphone-like customisation, with all operating systems controlled through the central interface.

A must-mention feature is the Head-up Display projected directly onto the front windscreen through the touch of a button. This display provides information in the driver’s primary field of vision, meaning eyes can remain on the road ahead.

“The Touareg is powered by a capable 3.0-litre V6 TFSI engine that produces 450Nm of torque and an overall power output of 340hp.”

Power, Performance & Safety

The Touareg is powered by a capable 3.0-litre V6 TFSI engine that produces 450Nm of torque and an overall power output of 340hp. These figures translate to a respectable 0-100km/h time of 5.9 seconds.

The Touareg comes with an off-road driving mode and felt at home on virtually all terrain types displaying exceptional stability on unstable surfaces.

We appreciated many aspects of the Touareg’s performance capabilities, including the all-wheel steering that ensures tricky cornering and parking is much easier. We loved how the air suspension adapts the car height to the terrain, always ensuring a high level of comfort. Providing further precision and agility to the driving experience is the electromechanical active roll stabilisation. We found it to react quicker at lower speeds than conventional stabilisers, even when tackling rougher terrain.

To ensure the well-being of all occupants, VW has included a full suite of safety and driver-assistance features. This extensive list includes an optional innovative Night Vision System that uses infrared beams to scan an area up to 130 metres ahead, detecting thermal radiation and projecting an image onto your Digital Cockpit or Head-up Display.

The Touareg is now on offer, starting from BD21,999 with three years’/45,000km service, three years’ roadside assistance and five years’ / 200,000km extended warranty. ✤

GO: CALL BEHBEHANI BROTHERS ON 1745 9977 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK A LUXURY TEST DRIVE OF YOUR OWN.