Volkswagen is officially marking the end of its longest-running SUV model, the Touareg, with a special Final Edition set to launch in 2026. After nearly 24 years of production and over 1.2 million units sold, the flagship luxury SUV is bidding farewell to its combustion engine era, although the nameplate may return as a fully electric model in the future.
End Of Production & Final Edition Details
- Production Ceases: In 2026, with the Final Edition available for ordering until March 2026.
- Pricing in Europe: The Final Edition starts at approximately 87,500 euros, roughly 370,000 AED in the Middle East equivalent.
- Exclusive Features: All trims of the Final Edition feature laser-engraved “Final Edition” badges on the rear doors and dashboard, unique interior accents, and multi-color ambient lighting.
- Design: Maintains the same understated, muscular styling that debuted in 2002, with special badging, exclusive wheels, and design details across the range.
Heritage & Legacy
The Touareg was Volkswagen’s first SUV and played a key role in establishing the brand’s luxury and off-road credentials. Shared technology with Porsche Cayenne and Lamborghini Urus, it helped define the premium SUV segment. The V-10 TDI version, with over 300 HP and 550 NM Of Torque, became legendary, even towing a Boeing 747 in promotional stunts.
The model also was the foundation for luxury SUVs like the Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus, highlighting its engineering influence.
Future Outlook & Electrification
While the combustion engine version is ending in 2026, Volkswagen has hinted at a fully electric ID Touareg successor planned for 2029. This upcoming model will aim to blend luxury, off-road capability, and electrification as part of VW Group’s broader EV strategy, especially for markets like the Middle East where luxury and sustainability trends are rising.
Regional Impact & Buyer Considerations
For Middle Eastern markets, the Touareg has historically been a top-tier luxury SUV with strong off-road capabilities. Its discontinuation in 2026 will encourage buyers to shift toward either the new ID electric SUV or the more affordable VW Tiguan as an entry point.
Dealerships and owners should prepare for a transition period, but the “Final Edition” will mark a fitting farewell for this icon of Volkswagen’s history, making it a collector’s item and symbol of the brand’s legacy in the luxury SUV segment.
Conclusion
Volkswagen’s decision to retire the Touareg marks the end of an era for a vehicle that significantly elevated VW’s status in the luxury SUV market. The Final Edition pays homage to its storied past, while future models will focus on electric mobility, hinting at a new chapter in the brand’s SUV lineup.
In the Middle East, where the Touareg has been a symbol of capability and prestige, enthusiasts will cherish the Final Edition as a historic milestone, even as VW prepares to usher in the electric future.
