VOLKSWAGEN Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has officially launched the Volkswagen Touareg R-Line, marking the re-entry of the flagship SUV into the local market after more than a decade.

We’re getting the facelifted third-generation model introduced globally in May of last year, in a sole R-Line variant.

The Touareg R-Line is locally assembled in Pekan, Pahang, and comes with a rather hefty price tag of RM469,990, including the Volkswagen Assurance Package (VAP).

The Touareg has a more aggressive look thanks to the R-Line package, redesigned front section, ‘R’ insignias on the doors and grille, and 20-inch Braga alloy wheels.

The design of the rear end is also sharper with its continuous horizontal LED strip for the taillight clusters. The rear VW logo is now illuminated in red, a first as this was previously only available in markets such as China and the US.

There are also new IQ.Light HD Matrix headlights, which have more than 38,000 interactive micro-LEDs to illuminate the road more precisely than ever before. In addition, entry and exit puddle lighting illuminates the ground by the doors with the Volkswagen logo.

Taking centrestage inside is the Innovision Cockpit, which consists of a 12.3-inch Digital Cockpit instrument display in front of the driver and a 15-inch touchscreen featuring the Discover Pro Max infotainment system and Wireless App-Connect.

Other creature comforts include wireless charging, five USB-C Type C ports with 45W capacity, four-zone air conditioning, Active Climate seats for the driver and front passenger, and the 730W Dynaudio Consequence audio system with an 80W amplifier and 13 speakers including a subwoofer.

The Touareg R-Line is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 TSI engine producing a respectable 340 PS and 450 Nm, delivered to the wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission and the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system.

Air suspension with Automatic Self-Levelling is standard. Aside from providing comfort, it automatically adapts the vehicle height to match terrain conditions and can lower the ride height by 40 mm for easier loading or unloading of cargo. Wading level is an impressive 550 mm.

Safety-wise, the Touareg comes equipped with the IQ.Drive system offering features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking Front Assist, Automatic Post-Collision Braking, Lane Assist, Lane Keeping, Park Assist, Front Cross Traffic Assist, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

Also included is Night Vision, which provides uses an infrared sensor in the camera to detect thermal signatures from humans or animals up to 130 metres ahead to keep the driver aware of potential collision.

The Touareg is available in five exterior colours, namely Lapiz Blue, Silicon Gray, Grenadilla Black, Oryx White and Dolomite Silver.

The aforementioned Volkswagen Assurance Package includes five years free maintenance, five years unlimited mileage warranty, and five years complimentary roadside assistance.