After 24 years of remarkable presence and over 1.2 million units sold worldwide, the current iteration of the Volkswagen Touareg is set to conclude its production run. To commemorate this significant milestone, Volkswagen has introduced a distinctive 'Final Edition' model. While subtle in its enhancements, this special edition marks the farewell of a vehicle that garnered substantial success, particularly in the European market. Despite its earlier departure from the American market in 2017, the narrative of the Touareg is far from over, with strong suggestions pointing towards a potential resurgence as an all-electric SUV, leveraging Volkswagen's advanced Scalable Systems Platform (SSP).
Volkswagen Touareg Bids Adieu with a 'Final Edition' While Eyeing an Electric Comeback
Wolfsburg, Germany – October 16, 2025 – The revered Volkswagen Touareg, a prominent luxury SUV that first graced the roads in 2002 (2004 in North America), is entering its concluding production phase. With a proud legacy of more than 1.2 million vehicles sold across the globe, Volkswagen has formally unveiled a 'Final Edition' for the current generation, destined to be its last. This celebratory model incorporates a series of exclusive, albeit understated, upgrades, designed to distinguish it from its predecessors. These enhancements include refined laser-engraved insignia on the C-pillars, elegant script on the door sill plaques, and a tasteful 'Final Edition' embossing on the leather-clad gear lever. Furthermore, higher trim levels such as the Elegance will feature ambient lighting within the cabin, subtly reminding occupants of the vehicle's unique status. In Europe, this commemorative edition carries a price tag of €75,025, approximately equivalent to $87,400 USD.
In the United States, the Touareg's journey concluded after the 2017 model year, making way for the larger, three-row Atlas. During its tenure in America, approximately 121,385 units found homes. Sharing its robust MLB Evo platform with luxury counterparts like the Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne, the Touareg offered a compelling blend of performance and opulence at a competitive price point. However, as Volkswagen shifts its strategic focus towards streamlining its global product portfolio and maximizing returns, the Touareg, having evolved into a niche offering, no longer aligned with these objectives. Its role will now effectively be assumed by the MQB-based Tayron SUV, a versatile vehicle available in both five and seven-seat configurations, designed to cater to a broader international audience.
Intriguingly, official announcements from Volkswagen regarding this 'runout model' have deliberately used phrasing such as the “current Touareg generation ends with a Final Edition” and that “production of the Touareg combustion engine model ends in 2026.” Such nuanced language strongly suggests that the Touareg nameplate might not be disappearing permanently. This speculation gains further traction from recent reports by German automotive publication 'Automobilwoche', which indicates that Volkswagen is actively contemplating the return of the Touareg as an all-electric SUV. Should these reports prove accurate, this future electric Touareg would potentially be the inaugural model to utilize Volkswagen's innovative Scalable Systems Platform (SSP) architecture, a foundation also slated for the upcoming electric Golf. The prospect of a premium, three-row electric SUV from Volkswagen in the American market raises an important question: would there be sufficient demand for such a sophisticated electric offering?
The announcement of the Touareg 'Final Edition' serves as a poignant reminder of the relentless march of automotive innovation and shifting market demands. While we bid farewell to a generation of internal combustion excellence, the subtle hints at an all-electric future spark excitement and underscore Volkswagen's commitment to electrification. This transition not only signifies an evolution in vehicle technology but also a re-evaluation of brand strategy, posing intriguing questions about the potential for familiar nameplates to re-emerge in entirely new, sustainable forms. For enthusiasts and industry observers alike, the prospect of an electric Touareg challenges perceptions and ignites anticipation for what could be a bold new chapter for Volkswagen's iconic SUV.