Volkswagen Touareg 210TDI R-Line review

I am not sure if it's coincidence or not, but the day I drove the Touareg 210TDI R-Line home, my partner – out of nowhere! – began a conversation about needing a new car.

"We need more space, something safer," she said, glancing at the gleaming machine that was sitting out the front.

Now, while the Touareg 210TDI R-Line might be a touch out of our budget at $129,979 driveaway with the Oyster Silver Metallic paint, let me tell you – it set the bar stratospherically high for our search.

Because, we are now, of course, searching for a new car.

For those new to the fold, the Touareg has always been Volkswagen's flagship SUV. And in its 210TDI R-Line guise, it's akin to that overachieving sibling who seems to excel at everything.

How does the Volkswagen Touareg R-Line drive?

One of the standout features of the Touareg 210TDI R-Line is its adaptive air suspension. The ride quality is quite simply fantastic – there's a hint of firmness beneath, but primarily, it's like floating on a cloud. Road irregularities become minor inconveniences rather than jarring interruptions, ensuring a comfortable ride for everyone on board.

The 3-litre V6 turbo diesel engine is impressively refined as well. It's the strong, silent type. You would really be hard-pressed to know it was a diesel from the inside. Even under acceleration, it doesn't make much noise – there is none of that stereotypical truck knock or deep rumble, with only a slight murmur heard, and only if you're really listening.

It produces 210kW of power and 600Nm of torque. That's easily accessible too, with almost instant response, you'll be able to overtake without any hesitations. You're never really found wanting for power in any situation.

Volkswagen states that the 210TDI Touareg will consume 6.8 litres of diesel per 100km – which makes it fairly frugal – and it comes fitted with a 90-litre tank.

What's the 2023 VW Touareg interior like?

The interior of the Touareg 210TDI R-Line is nothing short of splendid. Volkswagen's team of designers have painstakingly curated every inch of the cabin to create something that is both functional and fairly luxurious.

The expansive infotainment display, for instance, is almost cinematic, due to both its size – measuring in at 15 inches – and offering crystal-clear visuals and responsiveness that would be hard to top.

Along with some solid software straight out of the gate, the system will run Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, but both do require a cable to connect.

In front of the driver is a crisp 12.3-inch digital driver's display that is easy to interact with and fully customisable. Above that, projected on to the windscreen is also a nice and sharp head-up display which can also be customised to a degree.

Seating all around is well padded and comfortable, with the front seats getting heating and ventilating functionality.

Space is another area where this SUV shines. It's generous and well thought out, ensuring everyone feels cocooned yet never claustrophobic. The second row has a generous amount of leg room too for those longer trips.

Adding to the premium feel of the interior is also the customisable ambient lighting that is spread along the dash and throughout the cabin.

A car of this calibre promises and delivers when it comes to boot space, offering up 810 litres of space with the rear seats in place (1,800 with them folded down).

Imagine a walk-in closet in a high-end suite, that's what the Touareg offers. Perfect for weekend getaways, shopping sprees or those adventurous road trips.

2023 VW Touareg R-Line servicing costs

Volkswagen offers a capped price servicing schedule over 5 years. The full breakdown is below, but ultimately will cost $3,948 in total:

Warranty insight

Diving into warranties, Volkswagen typically extends a 5-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty on its vehicles and the Touareg 210TDI R-Line follows suit.

This places it in line with many premium brands, assuring your prized possession remains safeguarded.

How safe is the VW Touareg R-Line?

The Volkswagen Touareg 210TDI R-Line doesn't just shine in the realms of luxury and performance, it's equally competent when it comes to keeping its occupants safe. Ensuring peace of mind on every journey, here are some of the standout safety systems onboard:

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Adjusts speed automatically to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
• Front Assist with City Emergency Braking: Helps to mitigate or avoid potential collisions with obstacles or pedestrians.
• Lane Assist: Detects lane markings and helps keep the vehicle centered.
• Park Assist: Automatically steers the car into parallel and bay parking spaces.
• Rear Traffic Alert: Assists when reversing out of parking spaces, detecting vehicles approaching from the side.
• Proactive Occupant Protection: In critical situations, the system takes measures to prepare the vehicle and its occupants for an impending collision.
• Dynamic Road Sign Display: Recognises traffic signs and displays them in the cockpit.

These are just the highlights. With Volkswagen's emphasis on safety, it's evident that the Touareg 210TDI R-Line is packed with numerous other protective features to ensure a secure drive.

2023 Volkswagen Touareg price comparison

When it comes to pricing, here's a breakdown for drive-away costs in Sydney (postcode 2000):

• Volkswagen Touareg 210TDI R-Line: $127,669
• Audi Q7 (equivalent 50 TDI / 210kW): $150,405.99
• Volvo XC90 (B6 MHEV / 220kW): $120,098

Keep in mind too that, if you don't want your VW Touareg dipped in plain white, you're looking at more than $1,600 for another colour.

While the Touareg is priced similarly to the equivalent Q7, which shares the same powerplant, it does come in a bit more expensive than competitors like the XC90.

The verdict on the Volkswagen Touareg 210TDI R-Line

The Volkswagen Touareg 210TDI R-Line is a combination of design, power and luxury.

Its pricing might make some ponder, but for those who prioritise quality and a sublime driving experience, it's worth every penny. As my partner and I continue our search for the next perfect car, there's an underlying realisation: any vehicle we consider now has to live up to the incredibly high standard set by this Touareg.

And believe me, that's a challenging act to follow.