The chassis features active roll bars for better ride quality and better dynamics on the road, while VW also offer an air suspension as an option. The all-wheel drive system comes with a lockable center differential and five standard drive modes, with the optional off-road package adding a further four driving modes, while rear-wheel steering is standard.

Tell me about the powertrains

The engine range will include petrol, diesel and eventually plug-in hybrid powertrains, all mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The sole petrol available at launch is a 3.0-liter V6 with 335hp and 332lb-ft of torque.

Diesel engines include a 3.0-liter V6 offered in 228hp and 282hp versions, with VW to add a range-topping 4.0-liter V8 that produces 417hp and 664lb-ft of peak torque. A plug-in hybrid powertrain with 362hp and 58km (36 miles) of EV range will arrive in late 2019 in China, with VW not announcing a debut date for Europe just yet.

The new VW Touareg also features new LED Matrix headlights, traffic jam assist, lane keep assist, autonomous emergency braking, a night vision camera and more safety and driver assist systems.

What is that I hear – no availability in North America?

Sales of the all-new, third-generation Touareg in Europe are expected to start this summer, with prices expected to be increased due to the significant boost in on-board technologies and more premium market placement.

However, as a VW spokesman told Carscoops, the company doesn’t plan to offer its new full-size SUV in North America, so customers will have to make do with the Atlas that’ll soon get a sportier-looking, 5-seat version that will be unveiled next week at the 2018 New York Auto Show.

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