Volkswagen Pondering An Electric ID Touareg

Volkswagen is also considering a large electric SUV so that it can continue to offer the flagship SUV model to wealthier customers, confirmed sales chief Martin Sander.

The current Touareg with internal combustion engines will be phased out in just a few months as the company focuses on higher-volume, lower-cost models. However, Sander told Autocar that there is still a gap in the market for luxury cars that do not have a premium label.

Sander said, “We are a brand for people, and that’s what our name represents.” He added that the company’s “top priority” will remain “creating great vehicles” that are affordable to a wide range of consumers. However, he also said, “The Touareg is not big business, but it has its place, and that is why we are exploring opportunities for the next generation.” This market is somewhere between the high-volume market and the premium vehicle market and is aimed at customers who want a vehicle with great design and space, and a very high level of quality and sophistication, but, for whatever reason, do not want to be associated with a premium brand. This is the Touareg’s target group, and we are exploring opportunities to provide these customers with such a product.”

Sander pointed out that the Touareg’s customers are “affluent people who are in business, but they are inconspicuous.” They don’t want to show off. It’s not appropriate for them to stop in front of their customers or on a construction site with something like a Porsche Macan.”

He confirmed that the new model will remain a large SUV “because 80% of that market is SUVs” and that it will also be an all-electric offering.

The ID Touareg is likely to arrive after models like the Volkswagen ID Golf and could, like today’s Touareg, use technology from premium siblings Audi and Porsche.

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