Volkswagen Says Goodbye to the Touareg: The Last Gas-Powered SUV Bows Out as an Electric

Volkswagen has officially announced that the 2025 Touareg will mark the end of the line for the brand’s gas-powered flagship SUV. The decision closes nearly 25 years of Touareg history — a model that has sold more than 1.2 million units worldwide. The final version, aptly named the Touareg Final Edition, will be available across all trims, from the base model to the top-tier R Hybrid. Distinctive touches include exclusive badging, laser-engraved glass accents, special interior details, and an expanded list of standard features.

Standard equipment includes heated, multi-adjustable seats, a curved digital infotainment display, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a full suite of driver-assistance systems. Higher trims offer sportier body styling, premium materials, and even 22-inch wheels with blue brake calipers. Orders for the final Touareg will remain open through March 2026, with prices in Germany starting at around €75,000 ($87,000) and climbing to €103,000($120,000) for the 462-horsepower hybrid R version.

The Touareg has long been one of Volkswagen’s most ambitious projects — a model that not only pushed the brand into the premium SUV segment but also served as the technical foundation for the Porsche Cayenne. Over the years, the Touareg has made headlines for its remarkable feats: winning an autonomous desert challenge, towing a Boeing 747, and setting a record drive along the Pan-American Highway. It also claimed three Dakar Rally victories, cementing its reputation for performance and endurance.

While VW has not revealed specific details about what comes next for the Touareg nameplate, the company has hinted at a future all-electric successor. According to industry rumors, a fully electric Touareg built on Volkswagen’s next-generation SSP platform could debut by 2029, carrying the legendary name into the EV era.