The Volkswagen Touareg, with 500 CV thanks to ABT, aims to overshadow the Audi SQ8

Rumours suggest that Volkswagen is about to unveil a big brother to the T-Roc R based on the Touareg. However, ABT could not contain its eagerness and has decided to get ahead of the German brand with an exuberant version of the most exclusive SUV from Wolfsburg. It is true that it is still premature to predict details about the future Touareg R, but the German tuner has managed to give us a reliable idea of what this vehicle could be, thanks to significant mechanical upgrades and various aesthetic touch-ups that accentuate its latent sportiness.

ABT’s famous impatience has produced charismatic vehicles such as this Volkswagen Touareg we are looking at today. And indeed, we are facing a worthy rival to the Audi SQ8 and Audi SQ7, the only two diesel sports SUVs available among all the brands within the Volkswagen Group and which will soon be challenged by the production Touareg R.

Meanwhile, ABT has given the German SUV a spark in every sense. Anticipating the new character of the Touareg, we find a more aggressive look, a sensation generated by the presence of 22-inch wheels with a specific design, an aerodynamic kit exclusive to this variant, and an attractive contrast between the grey body colour and various black elements.

A more prominent rear spoiler and the projected ABT logo when we open the doors are the latest delights included in this souped-up Volkswagen Touareg. Not without reason, the mechanical section is where the novelties take on greater significance. The German tuner offers upgrades for three versions of the Volkswagen SUV, which increases the range of options available to its customers.

For now, there is no official information about upgrades for the most modest version, which produces 231 CV as standard. However, it is with the intermediate option that ABT begins to unlock the German SUV’s potential, raising its total output to 330 CV and 650 Nm of torque.

But both ABT and Volkswagen have decided to save the highlight for the most extreme version of the Touareg, which is powered by a powerful V8 TDI engine. Thanks to the tuner’s intervention, the Touareg is set to deliver 500 CV and 970 Nm of torque, figures that make it a high-flying SUV capable of competing head-to-head with models such as the BMW X5 M50d.

Technical specifications of this car

Off-RoadVolkswagen Touareg5 versions · from 73,265 €