Volkswagen Touareg vs Audi Q7 vs BMW X5: here's our winner.

The Touareg is Volkswagen's flagship product within the local market, offering the latest technology from the German brand. Before the current model is replaced with an updated version, let's compare it with two rivals in the form of the Audi Q7 and the BMW X5 to determine which one we would choose. Our trio today are similar in terms of body style and what they offer.

But remember, before you search for new or used Volkswagen Touareg models on AutoTrader here, that you can quickly and easily sell your car here if you are going to need to put down a deposit for your next purchase.

Related: Volkswagen Touareg colour and price guide

Volkswagen Touareg

Powertrain and performance

Powering the Touareg is a 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine rated at 190kW and 600Nm, sent through all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. It will consume fuel at a claimed rate of 7.1 L/100km, and a 0-100km/h is not quoted.

Standard equipment

The flagship Touareg comes with Matrix LED headlights/ fog lamps, air suspension, six-way electrically adjustable heated/ventilated seats for the front occupants, ambient interior lighting, a panoramic roof, a wireless smartphone charger,  leather seats, a panoramic roof, colour screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, a digitised instrument cluster, climate control, rear window blinds,  adaptive cruise control, 21.0-inch alloy wheels, 8 Airbags, ISOFIX, keyless entry and start, front and rear PDC, a reverse camera, Park Assist and an electrically operated tailgate.

Safety

The Touareg received a 5-star safety rating from Euro NCAP in 2018.

Practicality

The Touareg boasts an 810-litre boot, seating for five occupants and a braked towing capacity of 3 500kg.

Price and value proposition

At R1 663 400, the Touareg is now the most expensive in this company, despite having the most standard features. 

The competition

Powertrain and performance

Powering the Q7 is a 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine with outputs of 183kW and 600Nm sent through all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Fuel consumption is claimed at 8.0 L/100km, and the 0-100km/h time is quoted at 6.9 seconds.

Standard equipment

The S line Q7 matches the specification of the Touareg in some areas but has six airbags, 20-inch wheels, and regular cruise control; the panoramic roof is an option, as are the heated seats and Matrix LED headlights.

Safety

The Q7 was crash-tested by Euro NCAP in 2019, achieving a 5-Star rating.

Practicality

The Q7 features seating for five (optional seven), an 865-litre boot and a braked towing capacity of 3500kg.

Price and value proposition

At R1 584 800, the Q7 offers relatively good value.

BMW X5 xDrive30d

Powertrain and performance

Powering the X5 is a 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine that features mild hybrid assistance that produces combined outputs of 219kW and 670Nm sent through all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Fuel consumption is claimed at 7.8 L/100km, and a 0-100km/h of 6.1 seconds is provided.

Standard equipment

In baseline specification, the X5 gets 20-inch wheels, six airbags, climate control, a digitised instrument cluster, a touchscreen infotainment system, a host of semiautonomous driver aids, keyless entry/start, multiple USB ports, heated artificial leather sport seats that are electrically adjustable up front, LED headlights and daytime running lights, front and rear PDC. and a surround-view camera.

Safety

The X5 was crash-tested by Euro NCAP in 2018, achieving a 5-Star rating.

Practicality

The X5 boasts five seats, 650-litres of boot space and a braked towing capacity of 3 500kg.

Price and value proposition

At R1 706 850 for the baseline model, the X5 appears expensive when looking at its specification; however, it is well-specified and is the most recently updated product in this comparison.