This being the flagship model in Volkswagen’s range, it gets an upmarket interior layout to suit. Now fitted with the larger 15in infotainment display as standard, the Touareg immediately feels more premium and high-tech. The digital instrument cluster looks better integrated than the curved screen in the BMW X5 and is clearer and less cluttered to boot.
Using the touch-operated central screen is straightforward, with the menus and applications well-configured for easy-use. The graphics are good, too, and it responds well to inputs.
However, as has become synonymous with Volkswagen’s electric range, the touchscreen has too much to do. The touch-operated sliders for the temperature control are annoying and make it near-impossible to adjust on the move.
And while the larger screen elevates the interior’s feel, the interface is so big there is nowhere to rest your thumb or hand when using it while driving – and it feels a little too far away from the driver for our liking.
Although Volkswagen has proclaimed it wants to move away again from haptic controls, things have to get worse before they get better, it appears, because the updated Touareg has gained the corporate VW steering wheel, complete with touch-sensitive controls.
Despite the usability issues, the cabin feels refined and reassuringly solid thanks to great use – and positioning – of soft-touch materials. The ‘Vienna’ leather on the dash and centre console accentuate the premium feel. There is plenty of head and leg room front and rear and a vast boot. The panoramic roof only adds to the roomy feel of the interior, too.
The seating position feels surprisingly car-like for a large SUV, but has a great level of adjustability to find your preferred spot. Higher might seem the natural direction for your seat considering the vastness of the dashboard which is orientated towards the driver.