Volkswagen is undergoing a radical reshuffle in its product lineup. The company is preparing to discontinue the Touareg, which has been a key player in the luxury SUV segment for 24 years. In addition to the Touareg, production of the ID.5 electric coupe-SUV will also be discontinued. This decision is part of Volkswagen’s strategy to shift towards more accessible electric vehicles.
Volkswagen Touareg Being Shelved
The Touareg first launched in 2002. Developed on the same platform as the Porsche Cayenne, the model was positioned in the premium SUV segment from the outset. With its off-road capabilities, powerful engine options, and luxurious equipment, the vehicle has become a symbol of the company’s SUV offensive.
According to company insiders, production of the Touareg will end in 2026. While Volkswagen has successor plans for models like the Tiguan and Golf, no direct successor is envisioned for the Touareg.
The Touareg is not the only model the company will discontinue. Volkswagen will also discontinue production of the electric ID.5, which launched in 2021, by 2027. Launched as a coupe-style version of the ID.4, the model fell short of expectations. Despite sharing similar technical features, the ID.4 reached a wider audience, leaving the ID.5 in the shadow of its predecessor.
These decisions reflect a shift in Volkswagen’s product strategy. The company is focusing on entry-level models to reach a wider audience in the electric vehicle market. The ID.2 (likely called the ID.Polo) is expected to launch in 2026.
A follow-up SUV is also in the pipeline. The production version of the ID.1, a smaller and more economical model, is planned for 2027.
Volkswagen is also working on an electric MPV that could replace the current Touran. This concept, dubbed the “Mini Buzz,” has not yet been confirmed, but its evaluation process is ongoing within the company. Sources close to company executives indicate that this model has fallen behind in priority because Skoda is in the process of developing a similar vehicle.
Although Volkswagen ranked among the top 10 electric vehicle sales in Germany in the first half of 2025 with eight models, it has been unable to maintain similar success globally. The company appears to be aiming to strengthen its market position with more affordable and more user-friendly electric models. The discontinuation of the Touareg and ID.5 stands out as one of the most visible steps in this transformation process.
