As previously mentioned, I was absolutely awestruck by the intelligent layout and beautiful finishing work inside. The quality of materials, including real burled walnut plus brushed aluminum and chrome inserts, is worthy of Volkswagen's "luxury-class estate car" claim. Volkswagen has certainly met the benchmark in terms of appealing, high quality interior designs.
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| Quality materials, an intelligent layout and beautifully finishing appointments make the interior of the Touareg stand out in the luxury SUV class. (Photo: Volkswagen AG) |
The beautifully detailed, circular analog speedo, tachometer, fuel and temperature gauges are ringed with chrome bezels that impart a look of old world craftsmanship and quality, like a hidden antique Swiss timepiece discovered decades after the digital revolution. Of course the Touareg has not entirely escaped the LCD craze, as a CD based GPS navigational system with voice prompts is optional, and definitely a useful device when exploring the outback or just trying to find the soccer pitch on a Saturday morning.
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| The unique and stylish layout of controls along the center console will no doubt me copied by other manufacturers. (Photo: Volkswagen AG) |
The center console of Touareg is also classically inspired in design and execution. Many controls are located along the wood surface of the console, fore and aft of the gearshift. This arrangement will certainly be copied by other manufacturers hoping to 'up scale' their products.
Seating in touring vehicles, especially those designed for off-road excursions, ought to be supportive and fatigue free. Although I haven't crossed the Sahara in a Touareg as of yet, I can verify from the short placement of my butt in its 8-way power leather seats, that incidentally feature a very effective power lumbar support, that they're heaven-sent. The Germans have always manufactured rock-solid seats and that envelope is pushed even further with the Touareg's optional 12-way power adjustable seats.