In today’s Autogefühl's episode, Brian takes you on an in-depth tour of the all-new VW Touareg. Also, Brian goes on with interview and a Chinese market and SUV special. Interviews: Dr. Herbert Diess, VW CEO Jürgen Stackmann, VW head of marketing and sales Klaus Bischoff, VW head of design ►Compare the studio review from Thomas: ua-cam.com/video/Nn6qlGSrJZM/v-deo.html
I really wish this was coming to the US, such a clean nice design. I can understand why they wouldn’t sell it here though because they don’t want to step on the Audi Q7’s toes. No crazy scoops or edges like Lexus or Acura though. Reminds of a Volvo. Good job VW!
Brian told us no more, or less than Thomas's excellent recent static review of the Touareg. And we never found out anything about that yellow car with 'Advanced Mid-size SUV' on its number plate, parked between the T-Roc and the silver New Touareg - presumably destined for the Chinese market, but of interest to car enthusiasts. Excellent video work by Michel.
Steering wheel should be made better. It's roughly the same design as my 2013 VW Golf, which is some 6 years ago and this car launching date is 2019. The rest looks properly updated but that steering wheel...nah
Brian, I'm disappointed that you did not ask Klaus Bischoff why Volkswagen persist in using piano black trim in their cars. Like you, I hate the way it reflects light and attracts finger prints. It's enough to put me off buying one of their current vehicles, despite being a big VW fan. I drive a VW daily, but find it intensely annoying how parts become impossible to obtain after the model has been discontinued.
Too bad we won't get it in North America... I get it, you think we like big and cheap but there are still a lot of people who want true German quality. I know there's a smaller version of the Atlas coming, do you think it'll be the yellow one showed here? It has the same weird haunches on the wheel arches and in someways, looks like a cheaper Touareg.
Really love the new Touareg although is is almost 50% expensive than it's original manufacture place. That's what VW treats its biggest market customers.
one of the best VWs in their current line up...love that dashboard....but as many others have already commented that steering wheel let's the car down. Maybe Thomas, with his good conatcts at VW, can actually put the question forward as to why every single VW at the moment share the same steering wheel design.
Have anyone noticed that VW group does not fit their awesome 2.0 tdi in large SUVs. Mercedes do it with GLE 220 and 250 d. BMW X5 25d. Someone knows why? Despite that we all know that it is natural to have 3.0d in this heavy vehicles, X5 25d is going decently enough for most people.
Basically VW’s way of facing their diesel disaster, middle finger to USA and EU , we’ll take our toys to Asia.... well so far to brand loyalty... love the Touareg but VW ‘s management arrogance are steadily losing this customer , so I’ve owned 2 Touareg, MKVI golf, Jetta and a Lupo and I’m well within the 35-40 year range. Disappointing VW, disappointing.
Nice review I have to admit im jelaous China market gets realy nice looking SUV's especially the last one. It much more attractive looking than new Touareg! Than yellow car would be instant hit in Europe. T-Roc is in my opinion quite ugly.
I don’t understand USA 🇺🇸 is second biggest VW market and this car is not going to be sold there!?!?!? VW take Porsche Cayenne away and bring Toureg back!!! I’m European and very sad. Not everyone here wants big Autobus like ugly Atlas!!!!!
Ya lost me at the ridiculously giant grille. Is it a lory or is it a luxury suv? Is it a power ranger character or an upper class people mover? Is it a personification of a teenager with a particularly unflattering set of metal orthodontics or is it a very expensive premium German vehicle? VAG, please fire your heads of design immediately! They’ve simply lost there way with this current generation of chiseled mega brawn bricks married with American 3/4 ton pickup truck design.
I agree mostly. It seems Volvo, Alfa Romeo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes, have managed to restrain themselves. Unfortunately Audi and VW have been on this very huge grille and macho angular theme since the second generation Q7 (4M), which I feel detracts from otherwise excellent vehicles. I do believe the new Touareg's exterior, beyond the front cap, is a slight improvement over the Q7's, yet is still "lethargic" or "heavy" in the overall impression, where the prior generation appeared more "athletic" and "svelte" (as with the first gen Q7). The interior continues this theme, and unfortunately reminds more of a Chevy truck than a luxury Euro SUV. Too much blatant masculine design here, at the expense of class or taste. Of this platform, only the Cayenne's exterior can be described as attractive, though its latest interior design effort seems to have fallen prey to the blocky butch virus that has infected VAG design direction.
Yes, I too have done a fair amount of research into the ethical treatment of animals. I'm probably one the most soft hearted, and easily upset people you're likely to find when it comes to any mistreatment of any creature. in the event of a wreck. I'd rather be horribly disfigured and limbless after an accident, if it meant my mini schnauzer would be unscathed in return. when I was 7 years old, I threw such an unholy fit at my grandmothers cattle ranch one year after seeing the first calf get branded, that I grabbed my cousins pocketknife and threatened to slit my own throat if they tried that sh*t again. I'm a Pisces, and an only child, who grew up on working horse, and cattle ranches here in Southwestern Colorado. So I know the importance, and cost of raising some extremely well treated animals. The huge stock yards down in places like Huston Texas where their not free to eat grass, and clover but stuck wandering around in dirt and crap, eating mainly grain, is disgusting. That totally has to be addressed on so many levels for so many reasons, it's not even funny. But have you considered the chemicals needed to create these Faux Leathers, or what it takes to get rid of them when they don't breakdown without the help of other caustic chemicals, or fire which releases toxic fumes into the atmosphere? What about the process of mining the materials needed for the production of all the lithium ion batteries in vehicles right now. Tesla is the first all electric car company yes. But the first all electric vehicle was a Porsche, as I'm sure you know. Choosing to focus on, or bring up the leather issue on an automotive industry focused UA-cam channel, when practically everything else involved in the production of automobiles causes more harm than leather ever could, seems silly. Saying that leather isn't durable, and starts looking like an old couch, has to be one of the most ridiculous reasons to try and bolster your argument. If you care for it, just like anything, it too will last the life of the vehicle. Then it breaks down and biodegrades. just like all natural materials do and the circle continues. That's the kind of sustainability that nature likes. She can work with that. Does Alcantara not start to look like old sued leather like when a couch is covered with it, and not cared for? Of corse it does! Except synthetic materials never actually biodegrade. Microfiber is also causing serious problems in organic living tissue because it cant be filtered out of our wastewater. Have you considered mentioning the effects it has on our ecosystem on your videos? Everything is a tradeoff. Textile factories create more pollution than that of utilizing the hides of animals that are also a food source. Surely you can see how, no matter if it's raised mainly for its hide, or for food, as long as the creature is being totally consumed and not wasted. That is far better than only raising and killing it for just one part.
No. You chose to praise the more harmful, less biodegradable, more impossible to reuse without chemicals or other caustic processes that defeat the entire point of being environmentally conscious by choosing to only latch onto the places that mistreat some of these animals. Because it's fashionably easy to say "Killing for leather is wrong." After all, who wouldn't agree? But then again, who wants to think about what it takes to produce the alternatives, or admit that they would not be able to think of another organic material that's more well suited for this type of application than leather? Choosing to focus on this, in an industry that would not exist without our insatiable desire for more, new, and now, while playing a big part in perpetuating this cycle to the masses through the media on your channel is like buying carbon offsets. It's a way to appear like you care without actually having to inconvenience yourself or change how you live. But if it makes you feel better to say it, then that's what you're gonna do. But it doesn't make you any less hypocritical than anyone else is capable of being, when faced with a crisis of convenience.
Believe me, I have researched this one very thoroughly. Leather is not a natural product by any means. You did not understand yet, that you need more chemicals and more harmful stuff for leather then for a purely artificial seat. Plus, as I said, the long term goal should be the natural plant-based materials, as you also see in the extensive answer.
Leather is a natural material. The "tanning" can even be done using plant based processes to preserve and change its color. Audi has been utilizing this method for a while now. I've noticed leather shoes, gloves, watch bands, ect.... on presenters as they've pointed out the manufacturers use of animal skins in these vehicles. Kinda makes it difficult to know if you are serious about this issue, or selectively conscious about it. There is another issue with a purely artificial seat. How long does it take to biodegrade? Because Alcantara is a microfiber material, and Thomas really likes to mention it as a better alternative to leather. Have you considered the problems that microfibers, and full synthetic materials pose on our ecosystem? Then there is the issue of finding any other material that could be considered premium, or luxury, that doesn't trap dirt or bacteria which trap all kinds of unpleasant smells. Once you've figured all that out....... You have to prove it to the consumer as a better alternative to ethically sourced, and processed leather. Which is still lacking in ALL the info you sent to argue your point. Should the hides from the beef we consume be thrown away? Is that better than using it for other things, so artificial leather like materials don't have to be produced in the first place?
Check video description for shoes etc. I dont wear any leather, you might mistake it for good leatherette products. See, you can also have nice leatherette. We also have the CO2 values in comparison, here again our extensive resources: We have researched this issue for many years now so please take your time to go through our extensive resources stated below as they answer every single question we have yet received concerning this matter. At Autogefühl, we have already received several thousands (!) comments, messages and mails that more and more people want to combine enjoying their car with reducing the environmental impact at the same time. We believe that sustainable luxury is possible or at least we should do everything to support that. Those many thousand people confirming this trend, motivate us to give you the most authentic information and background on the product parts. It is not about what you bought in the past, and it is not about blaming anyone, it is about what you decide in the future and what you can decide and influence as a customer. So we want you to have all information that you need for a decision you later enjoy and like best yourself. In Summer 2017, Tesla motors has decided to be the first manufacturer to go all the way with sustainable seat materials, only offering fabric/cloth seats or leatherette seats in different colours. They have banned all real leather from the seating surface and at the steering wheel in the white trim or on demand. So Tesla shows where the industry will and must be heading, just like they went forward with electrification first. Check out our special video addressing car CEOs as a first summary and also see conditions of animal skin production: ua-cam.com/video/LNSUzZXzpdc/v-deo.html List of practical reasons against animal skin seats: 1. animal skin seats are often sold as an expensive option, by going for base trim level seats you can save a lot of money and get a better price-performance-deal (often the manufacturers claim that animal leather is top of luxury because they can earn the best money with it) 2. animal skin seats get hot in summer and you stick to the seat, probably you need seat cooling 3. they get very cold in winter and you need seat heating 4. on cloth or microfibre surfaces, you basically don’t need seat heating nor cooling 5. animal skin seats wear out very fast and look like an old sofa 6. if you want leather look or need seats that can be wiped clean easier, the leatherette (faux leather) surfaces are meanwhile highly evolved and it is possible that it feels even softer and better than anything else (See our Tesla Model X review ua-cam.com/video/y2wNGFKa4M0/v-deo.html) So Tesla shows a good example for that and as described, non-leather materials are now standard for ALL Tesla 7. More manufacturer names for their good alternatives: Mercedes MBTex/Artico for leatherette, Dinamica for microfibre. BMW Sensatec, Toyota Sof-Tex, Lexus Nu-Luxe (all faux leather) To the environmental reasons: 1. The way the cows and other intelligent and social animals are raised and held are not according to the basic values that we all share (also see videos below) 2. The factory farming industry can be accounted for at least 40 % of climate emissions and thus is (according to numerous sources you can look up) the number one reason for climate change and environmental destruction. It is the number one reason for deforestation, two thirds of all agricultural land on earth is used for growing animal food crops. If you would feed humans directly by using the agricultural land, you could produce much more food for everyone. See this interesting essay for more on climate emissions background: www.worldwatch.org/files/pdf/Livestock%20and%20Climate%20Change.pdf 3. It is not only cows who are suffering, but also the environment and to a big part also humans. Think of slavery-like working conditions in slaughterhouses (there are plenty of documentaries about this) or think of chemically altered drinking water in animal skin production villages as also seen in the video footage. 4. The discussion, for which body part the cow is killed first, is very patronizing. But if you really think it would be important why someone gets killed in first place: There are many productions where the cow is killed for the skin first, sometimes even while still being (part-)alive, the skin is the most profitable single part of the body. 5. So even if a cow gets theoretically killed for meat first, in every case you give additional money to an industry that relies on killing, pollutes the environment and harms people with chemicals. Let's say you are standing at the meat counter. And you ask for the leg of the cow. The butcher tells you: "You can eat that without worrying, the cow was slaughtered for the neck first". The next customer demands the neck. The butcher tells him: "It's not your fault, the cow was slaughtered for the belly". A the next customer demands the hide, what answer does he get? You see, that argument of "byproduct" comes from the meat and leather industry to cover up that you contribute to killing no matter which part of the body you buy. 6. To the often said argument, animal skin would just be a byproduct, please google/youtube "leather is not a byproduct" you will find plenty of information. A good overview on all those issues can also be found here: adaptt.org/ To “But leatherette is not sustainable due to petrochemical production” 1. Indeed some fabrics and micro fibres are oil based, however most oil is spent on energy production, heating and fuel. The share of oil used for artificial cloth etc. is very very small. 2. If you look at the whole production process, the leatherette is way more sustainable than the leather produce. Even if you leave the ethical aspect aside, here is the official calculation of the CO2-Output animal skin vs leatherette (different kinds of leatherette): Leather 17 kg CO2/m² PVC leatherette 10 kg CO2/m² Acella Eco natural leatherette 8,5 kg CO2/m² Benova (PUR leatherette): 8 kg CO2/m² So by using the latest high-tech leatherette, you even the CO2-emissions are cut in half! 3. The best to-come solution are indeed plant-based materials like Pinatex (based on pineapple leaves) or new materials based on mycelia (roots of mushrooms) or other innovative natural products. That’s the future. More special video episodes: 1. A initial special video from Autogefühl considering the use of leather can be found here: ua-cam.com/video/8f91KgbVbJQ/v-deo.html 2. And another one right here: ua-cam.com/video/tMNgcLE0LDU/v-deo.html 3. Furthermore, you’ll find the footage of leather production also here, where people are walking in chemicals etc. and animals have to watch their friends being slaughtered in front of their eyes: ua-cam.com/video/JipYvuDsI6s/v-deo.html timecode starting 27:46 4. This is another video which very well summarizes the torture of leather production, shots taken at big farms which directly produce for the automotive industry: ua-cam.com/video/OgHs239bAnE/v-deo.html 5. Please note that those videos are made by well-known journalists and cameramen who were not influenced by any animal welfare organisation, they supply their footage to the animal rights groups of course. I partly know the creators of the video footage personally and they are all authentic. You don’t have to search long to find cruel production environments anyway. Manufacturers reactions: We started the very first inquiry years ago, with the result that car manufacturers do not reveal their sources of animal skin AT ALL. If it all would be clean and happening without harm, why don’t they show it to us whereas they are showing us every other detail of their products? They have good reason not to, because there is no such thing as a clean animal skin production without harming cows, humans and the environment. The only thing a manufacturer can do is increase their effort for a better future, and we are helping with in-depth talks and interviews by presenting the increasing customer demand for sustainable luxury. Tesla was the first one to react in a major way now. So meanwhile, we more often also get feedback that a lot of manufacturers are working on leather-free interiors and are aware of the situation. E.g. Bentley, Mini and Kia have started vegan car interior programmes. Besides Tesla, Mercedes already shows major choices for sustainable interiors, you always have to pay attention to the details when ordering, of course - and we are happy to give advice. However, much has to be done still and the Autogefuehl community is massively helping in boosting the positive change! Help to raise awareness on this subject. Thanks!
Brian, you obviously need to dig even deeper into the English dictionary to stump Jurgen Stackmann!! Dichotomy, and diametrically opposed; he didn't even blink! But did he answer the question? Or was it a politicians side step? Mmm? Try some slang words instead, stonkingly good, mate.
Seems like a mild reskin with most attention given to a new interior.. Don't get me wrong it's a 'nice' car with intriguing premium interior style but overall it is mindnumbingly boring.
Why are you guys so opposed to leather? If the treatment of these creatures is taken into consideration from birth, clear through until they give their lives for us to consume. Then I believe we owe it to them to utilize everything, and waste nothing. Leather is durable, biodegradable, and easily maintained compared to vinyl or woven synthetic interior fabrics, which trap smells from occupants, and cause adverse skin reactions to a large number of people.
We have researched this issue for many years now so please take your time to go through our extensive resources stated below as they answer every single question we have yet received concerning this matter. At Autogefühl, we have already received several thousands (!) comments, messages and mails that more and more people want to combine enjoying their car with reducing the environmental impact at the same time. We believe that sustainable luxury is possible or at least we should do everything to support that. Those many thousand people confirming this trend, motivate us to give you the most authentic information and background on the product parts. It is not about what you bought in the past, and it is not about blaming anyone, it is about what you decide in the future and what you can decide and influence as a customer. So we want you to have all information that you need for a decision you later enjoy and like best yourself. In Summer 2017, Tesla motors has decided to be the first manufacturer to go all the way with sustainable seat materials, only offering fabric/cloth seats or leatherette seats in different colours. They have banned all real leather from the seating surface and at the steering wheel in the white trim or on demand. So Tesla shows where the industry will and must be heading, just like they went forward with electrification first. Check out our special video addressing car CEOs as a first summary and also see conditions of animal skin production: ua-cam.com/video/LNSUzZXzpdc/v-deo.html List of practical reasons against animal skin seats: 1. animal skin seats are often sold as an expensive option, by going for base trim level seats you can save a lot of money and get a better price-performance-deal (often the manufacturers claim that animal leather is top of luxury because they can earn the best money with it) 2. animal skin seats get hot in summer and you stick to the seat, probably you need seat cooling 3. they get very cold in winter and you need seat heating 4. on cloth or microfibre surfaces, you basically don’t need seat heating nor cooling 5. animal skin seats wear out very fast and look like an old sofa 6. if you want leather look or need seats that can be wiped clean easier, the leatherette (faux leather) surfaces are meanwhile highly evolved and it is possible that it feels even softer and better than anything else (See our Tesla Model X review ua-cam.com/video/y2wNGFKa4M0/v-deo.html) So Tesla shows a good example for that and as described, non-leather materials are now standard for ALL Tesla 7. More manufacturer names for their good alternatives: Mercedes MBTex/Artico for leatherette, Dinamica for microfibre. BMW Sensatec, Toyota Sof-Tex, Lexus Nu-Luxe (all faux leather) To the environmental reasons: 1. The way the cows and other intelligent and social animals are raised and held are not according to the basic values that we all share (also see videos below) 2. The factory farming industry can be accounted for at least 40 % of climate emissions and thus is (according to numerous sources you can look up) the number one reason for climate change and environmental destruction. It is the number one reason for deforestation, two thirds of all agricultural land on earth is used for growing animal food crops. If you would feed humans directly by using the agricultural land, you could produce much more food for everyone. See this interesting essay for more on climate emissions background: www.worldwatch.org/files/pdf/Livestock%20and%20Climate%20Change.pdf 3. It is not only cows who are suffering, but also the environment and to a big part also humans. Think of slavery-like working conditions in slaughterhouses (there are plenty of documentaries about this) or think of chemically altered drinking water in animal skin production villages as also seen in the video footage. 4. The discussion, for which body part the cow is killed first, is very patronizing. But if you really think it would be important why someone gets killed in first place: There are many productions where the cow is killed for the skin first, sometimes even while still being (part-)alive, the skin is the most profitable single part of the body. 5. So even if a cow gets theoretically killed for meat first, in every case you give additional money to an industry that relies on killing, pollutes the environment and harms people with chemicals. Let's say you are standing at the meat counter. And you ask for the leg of the cow. The butcher tells you: "You can eat that without worrying, the cow was slaughtered for the neck first". The next customer demands the neck. The butcher tells him: "It's not your fault, the cow was slaughtered for the belly". A the next customer demands the hide, what answer does he get? You see, that argument of "byproduct" comes from the meat and leather industry to cover up that you contribute to killing no matter which part of the body you buy. 6. To the often said argument, animal skin would just be a byproduct, please google/youtube "leather is not a byproduct" you will find plenty of information. A good overview on all those issues can also be found here: adaptt.org/ To “But leatherette is not sustainable due to petrochemical production” 1. Indeed some fabrics and micro fibres are oil based, however most oil is spent on energy production, heating and fuel. The share of oil used for artificial cloth etc. is very very small. 2. If you look at the whole production process, the leatherette is way more sustainable than the leather produce. Even if you leave the ethical aspect aside, here is the official calculation of the CO2-Output animal skin vs leatherette (different kinds of leatherette): Leather 17 kg CO2/m² PVC leatherette 10 kg CO2/m² Acella Eco natural leatherette 8,5 kg CO2/m² Benova (PUR leatherette): 8 kg CO2/m² So by using the latest high-tech leatherette, you even the CO2-emissions are cut in half! 3. The best to-come solution are indeed plant-based materials like Pinatex (based on pineapple leaves) or new materials based on mycelia (roots of mushrooms) or other innovative natural products. That’s the future. More special video episodes: 1. A initial special video from Autogefühl considering the use of leather can be found here: ua-cam.com/video/8f91KgbVbJQ/v-deo.html 2. And another one right here: ua-cam.com/video/tMNgcLE0LDU/v-deo.html 3. Furthermore, you’ll find the footage of leather production also here, where people are walking in chemicals etc. and animals have to watch their friends being slaughtered in front of their eyes: ua-cam.com/video/JipYvuDsI6s/v-deo.html timecode starting 27:46 4. This is another video which very well summarizes the torture of leather production, shots taken at big farms which directly produce for the automotive industry: ua-cam.com/video/OgHs239bAnE/v-deo.html 5. Please note that those videos are made by well-known journalists and cameramen who were not influenced by any animal welfare organisation, they supply their footage to the animal rights groups of course. I partly know the creators of the video footage personally and they are all authentic. You don’t have to search long to find cruel production environments anyway. Manufacturers reactions: We started the very first inquiry years ago, with the result that car manufacturers do not reveal their sources of animal skin AT ALL. If it all would be clean and happening without harm, why don’t they show it to us whereas they are showing us every other detail of their products? They have good reason not to, because there is no such thing as a clean animal skin production without harming cows, humans and the environment. The only thing a manufacturer can do is increase their effort for a better future, and we are helping with in-depth talks and interviews by presenting the increasing customer demand for sustainable luxury. Tesla was the first one to react in a major way now. So meanwhile, we more often also get feedback that a lot of manufacturers are working on leather-free interiors and are aware of the situation. E.g. Bentley, Mini and Kia have started vegan car interior programmes. Besides Tesla, Mercedes already shows major choices for sustainable interiors, you always have to pay attention to the details when ordering, of course - and we are happy to give advice. However, much has to be done still and the Autogefuehl community is massively helping in boosting the positive change! Help to raise awareness on this subject. Thanks!
Please make an effort to dress correctly for a video presentation - good reporter but not a snappy dress sense. Think smart but casual - only decent clothing please.
Driving review all-new Touareg 3: ua-cam.com/video/0SS5vg07paw/v-deo.html
In today’s Autogefühl's episode, Brian takes you on an in-depth tour of the all-new VW Touareg. Also, Brian goes on with interview and a Chinese market and SUV special.
Interviews:
Dr. Herbert Diess, VW CEO
Jürgen Stackmann, VW head of marketing and sales
Klaus Bischoff, VW head of design
►Compare the studio review from Thomas: ua-cam.com/video/Nn6qlGSrJZM/v-deo.html
Autogefühl 5
haha I love how Brian always teases Michel off camera ;-) Such a great team those 2
Autogefühl True Great team
I really wish this was coming to the US, such a clean nice design. I can understand why they wouldn’t sell it here though because they don’t want to step on the Audi Q7’s toes. No crazy scoops or edges like Lexus or Acura though. Reminds of a Volvo. Good job VW!
The new Touareg looks indeed very premium both inside and out!
Stunning design! I love my 2017 Touareg Wolfsburg Edition and can see this as replacement in a few years!
Brian told us no more, or less than Thomas's excellent recent static review of the Touareg. And we never found out anything about that yellow car with 'Advanced Mid-size SUV' on its number plate, parked between the T-Roc and the silver New Touareg - presumably destined for the Chinese market, but of interest to car enthusiasts. Excellent video work by Michel.
Whats the yellow car??
Steering wheel should be made better. It's roughly the same design as my 2013 VW Golf, which is some 6 years ago and this car launching date is 2019. The rest looks properly updated but that steering wheel...nah
Touareg 2018 is really great premium SUV! Nice job VW!
This can certainly compete with the premium brands.
Brian, I'm disappointed that you did not ask Klaus Bischoff why Volkswagen persist in using piano black trim in their cars. Like you, I hate the way it reflects light and attracts finger prints. It's enough to put me off buying one of their current vehicles, despite being a big VW fan. I drive a VW daily, but find it intensely annoying how parts become impossible to obtain after the model has been discontinued.
agree there with you, they also scratch very easy
Too bad we won't get it in North America... I get it, you think we like big and cheap but there are still a lot of people who want true German quality. I know there's a smaller version of the Atlas coming, do you think it'll be the yellow one showed here? It has the same weird haunches on the wheel arches and in someways, looks like a cheaper Touareg.
Really love the new Touareg although is is almost 50% expensive than it's original manufacture place. That's what VW treats its biggest market customers.
Nice review Brian. When will u get your hands on wheel?
one of the best VWs in their current line up...love that dashboard....but as many others have already commented that steering wheel let's the car down.
Maybe Thomas, with his good conatcts at VW, can actually put the question forward as to why every single VW at the moment share the same steering wheel design.
Cost savings!
Good car, good job, good team then good weekend after busy and patient weekdays,Thank you Brian, Thank you Michel.
Great review, what is the yellow car next to the T-roc?
cheers
Only negative for me in the interior is the steering wheel, they should bring the "R" steering wheel as an option
Very nice review. Will this car come with 7 seats? Thanks
thanks! no
Nice car. Side and rear profile is very similar to the Tiguan.
Have anyone noticed that VW group does not fit their awesome 2.0 tdi in large SUVs.
Mercedes do it with GLE 220 and 250 d.
BMW X5 25d.
Someone knows why?
Despite that we all know that it is natural to have 3.0d in this heavy vehicles, X5 25d is going decently enough for most people.
Can get genuine new rims and wheels for Touareg 2015 from China ?
Whats' going on with the yellow one? Does it have 7 seats?
Brilliant as normal, I reckon I could work for Autogefuhl as being a perfectionist.
I would get this over an Audi counterpart.
Endlich ist der Touareg richtig schön, gefällt mir ausgezeichnet gut👍 Und euer video ist sehr gut geworden. Wie auch alle anderen videos
And the star in this video is: MICHEL!!!
=)
Nice review, as Thomas’s
cheers m8 !
Will the 2019 Touareg be released to Canada?
Afaik no
Autogefühl ☹ thank you for response. Great review.
Bravo Brian!
thank you !
Confused, cloth or leather ( faux artico ) trim? Looks like cloth maybe suede alcantara??????
Where exactly do you mean ?
Hi, upon the light driver's seat initial door open... first glance look part cloth part alcantara, from the passenger side they look more leather
timecode please ?
As far as I know, VW offers fabric base seats (at least in Europe), and above that only animal skin :/
5:50 thanks Dan
unfortunately, all animal skin.
VW is widely ignoring this issue in the Touareg
Grey, germany's favorite colour.
Basically VW’s way of facing their diesel disaster, middle finger to USA and EU , we’ll take our toys to Asia.... well so far to brand loyalty... love the Touareg but VW ‘s management arrogance are steadily losing this customer , so I’ve owned 2 Touareg, MKVI golf, Jetta and a Lupo and I’m well within the 35-40 year range. Disappointing VW, disappointing.
Nice review I have to admit im jelaous China market gets realy nice looking SUV's especially the last one. It much more attractive looking than new Touareg! Than yellow car would be instant hit in Europe. T-Roc is in my opinion quite ugly.
I hope this car comes to india!!!!
I don’t understand USA 🇺🇸 is second biggest VW market and this car is not going to be sold there!?!?!? VW take Porsche Cayenne away and bring Toureg back!!! I’m European and very sad. Not everyone here wants big Autobus like ugly Atlas!!!!!
European 1. Is it really not gonna be sold here in the USA?
Élom Aéro dynamique. No 😔
European 1 aw man
Is this presenter the brother of comedian Jack Dee by any chance?
Sounds and look like Jack.......
hate how he says 'outogefuhl' instead of AUTO
where is the german guy ?
here: ua-cam.com/video/Nn6qlGSrJZM/v-deo.html
brian, tokyo is almost twice in population. beijing actually has close to 4 million people.
tiguan+ Q3
Very similar to Audi Q7.
Martin Lang Interior and exterior design is much better here.
MrCarGuy20 Perhaps, perhaps not. I call it inventing the wheel.
VW needs to make a JEEP.
Likes me some full caboose ;-)
Everything is nice except for the steering wheel
ich hoffe diesen schrecklichen pianolack kann man durch holzzierelemente ersetzen.ansontsen ein super nicer wagen.
Ya lost me at the ridiculously giant grille. Is it a lory or is it a luxury suv? Is it a power ranger character or an upper class people mover? Is it a personification of a teenager with a particularly unflattering set of metal orthodontics or is it a very expensive premium German vehicle? VAG, please fire your heads of design immediately! They’ve simply lost there way with this current generation of chiseled mega brawn bricks married with American 3/4 ton pickup truck design.
Pete Jr every car now have bigger grills. This helps them to feel more modern... But I agree they are ugly.
I agree mostly. It seems Volvo, Alfa Romeo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes, have managed to restrain themselves. Unfortunately Audi and VW have been on this very huge grille and macho angular theme since the second generation Q7 (4M), which I feel detracts from otherwise excellent vehicles.
I do believe the new Touareg's exterior, beyond the front cap, is a slight improvement over the Q7's, yet is still "lethargic" or "heavy" in the overall impression, where the prior generation appeared more "athletic" and "svelte" (as with the first gen Q7).
The interior continues this theme, and unfortunately reminds more of a Chevy truck than a luxury Euro SUV. Too much blatant masculine design here, at the expense of class or taste. Of this platform, only the Cayenne's exterior can be described as attractive, though its latest interior design effort seems to have fallen prey to the blocky butch virus that has infected VAG design direction.
Yes, I too have done a fair amount of research into the ethical treatment of animals. I'm probably one the most soft hearted, and easily upset people you're likely to find when it comes to any mistreatment of any creature. in the event of a wreck. I'd rather be horribly disfigured and limbless after an accident, if it meant my mini schnauzer would be unscathed in return. when I was 7 years old, I threw such an unholy fit at my grandmothers cattle ranch one year after seeing the first calf get branded, that I grabbed my cousins pocketknife and threatened to slit my own throat if they tried that sh*t again. I'm a Pisces, and an only child, who grew up on working horse, and cattle ranches here in Southwestern Colorado. So I know the importance, and cost of raising some extremely well treated animals. The huge stock yards down in places like Huston Texas where their not free to eat grass, and clover but stuck wandering around in dirt and crap, eating mainly grain, is disgusting.
That totally has to be addressed on so many levels for so many reasons, it's not even funny.
But have you considered the chemicals needed to create these Faux Leathers, or what it takes to get rid of them when they don't breakdown without the help of other caustic chemicals, or fire which releases toxic fumes into the atmosphere? What about the process of mining the materials needed for the production of all the lithium ion batteries in vehicles right now. Tesla is the first all electric car company yes. But the first all electric vehicle was a Porsche, as I'm sure you know.
Choosing to focus on, or bring up the leather issue on an automotive industry focused UA-cam channel, when practically everything else involved in the production of automobiles causes more harm than leather ever could, seems silly. Saying that leather isn't durable, and starts looking like an old couch, has to be one of the most ridiculous reasons to try and bolster your argument. If you care for it, just like anything, it too will last the life of the vehicle. Then it breaks down and biodegrades. just like all natural materials do and the circle continues. That's the kind of sustainability that nature likes. She can work with that. Does Alcantara not start to look like old sued leather like when a couch is covered with it, and not cared for? Of corse it does! Except synthetic materials never actually biodegrade. Microfiber is also causing serious problems in organic living tissue because it cant be filtered out of our wastewater. Have you considered mentioning the effects it has on our ecosystem on your videos? Everything is a tradeoff. Textile factories create more pollution than that of utilizing the hides of animals that are also a food source. Surely you can see how, no matter if it's raised mainly for its hide, or for food, as long as the creature is being totally consumed and not wasted. That is far better than only raising and killing it for just one part.
The alternative would be just to praise leather like everyone else, so I found the more critical approach more sense full
No. You chose to praise the more harmful, less biodegradable, more impossible to reuse without chemicals or other caustic processes that defeat the entire point of being environmentally conscious by choosing to only latch onto the places that mistreat some of these animals. Because it's fashionably easy to say "Killing for leather is wrong."
After all, who wouldn't agree?
But then again, who wants to think about what it takes to produce the alternatives, or admit that they would not be able to think of another organic material that's more well suited for this type of application than leather?
Choosing to focus on this, in an industry that would not exist without our insatiable desire for more, new, and now, while playing a big part in perpetuating this cycle to the masses through the media on your channel is like buying carbon offsets. It's a way to appear like you care without actually having to inconvenience yourself or change how you live. But if it makes you feel better to say it, then that's what you're gonna do. But it doesn't make you any less hypocritical than anyone else is capable of being, when faced with a crisis of convenience.
Believe me, I have researched this one very thoroughly. Leather is not a natural product by any means. You did not understand yet, that you need more chemicals and more harmful stuff for leather then for a purely artificial seat. Plus, as I said, the long term goal should be the natural plant-based materials, as you also see in the extensive answer.
Leather is a natural material. The "tanning" can even be done using plant based processes to preserve and change its color. Audi has been utilizing this method for a while now. I've noticed leather shoes, gloves, watch bands, ect.... on presenters as they've pointed out the manufacturers use of animal skins in these vehicles. Kinda makes it difficult to know if you are serious about this issue, or selectively conscious about it. There is another issue with a purely artificial seat. How long does it take to biodegrade? Because Alcantara is a microfiber material, and Thomas really likes to mention it as a better alternative to leather. Have you considered the problems that microfibers, and full synthetic materials pose on our ecosystem? Then there is the issue of finding any other material that could be considered premium, or luxury, that doesn't trap dirt or bacteria which trap all kinds of unpleasant smells. Once you've figured all that out....... You have to prove it to the consumer as a better alternative to ethically sourced, and processed leather. Which is still lacking in ALL the info you sent to argue your point. Should the hides from the beef we consume be thrown away? Is that better than using it for other things, so artificial leather like materials don't have to be produced in the first place?
Check video description for shoes etc.
I dont wear any leather, you might mistake it for good leatherette products. See, you can also have nice leatherette.
We also have the CO2 values in comparison, here again our extensive resources:
We have researched this issue for many years now so please take your time to go through our extensive resources stated below as they answer every single question we have yet received concerning this matter.
At Autogefühl, we have already received several thousands (!) comments, messages and mails that more and more people want to combine enjoying their car with reducing the environmental impact at the same time. We believe that sustainable luxury is possible or at least we should do everything to support that. Those many thousand people confirming this trend, motivate us to give you the most authentic information and background on the product parts. It is not about what you bought in the past, and it is not about blaming anyone, it is about what you decide in the future and what you can decide and influence as a customer. So we want you to have all information that you need for a decision you later enjoy and like best yourself.
In Summer 2017, Tesla motors has decided to be the first manufacturer to go all the way with sustainable seat materials, only offering fabric/cloth seats or leatherette seats in different colours. They have banned all real leather from the seating surface and at the steering wheel in the white trim or on demand. So Tesla shows where the industry will and must be heading, just like they went forward with electrification first.
Check out our special video addressing car CEOs as a first summary and also see conditions of animal skin production:
ua-cam.com/video/LNSUzZXzpdc/v-deo.html
List of practical reasons against animal skin seats:
1. animal skin seats are often sold as an expensive option, by going for base trim level seats you can save a lot of money and get a better price-performance-deal (often the manufacturers claim that animal leather is top of luxury because they can earn the best money with it)
2. animal skin seats get hot in summer and you stick to the seat, probably you need seat cooling
3. they get very cold in winter and you need seat heating
4. on cloth or microfibre surfaces, you basically don’t need seat heating nor cooling
5. animal skin seats wear out very fast and look like an old sofa
6. if you want leather look or need seats that can be wiped clean easier, the leatherette (faux leather) surfaces are meanwhile highly evolved and it is possible that it feels even softer and better than anything else (See our Tesla Model X review ua-cam.com/video/y2wNGFKa4M0/v-deo.html) So Tesla shows a good example for that and as described, non-leather materials are now standard for ALL Tesla
7. More manufacturer names for their good alternatives: Mercedes MBTex/Artico for leatherette, Dinamica for microfibre. BMW Sensatec, Toyota Sof-Tex, Lexus Nu-Luxe (all faux leather)
To the environmental reasons:
1. The way the cows and other intelligent and social animals are raised and held are not according to the basic values that we all share (also see videos below)
2. The factory farming industry can be accounted for at least 40 % of climate emissions and thus is (according to numerous sources you can look up) the number one reason for climate change and environmental destruction. It is the number one reason for deforestation, two thirds of all agricultural land on earth is used for growing animal food crops. If you would feed humans directly by using the agricultural land, you could produce much more food for everyone. See this interesting essay for more on climate emissions background: www.worldwatch.org/files/pdf/Livestock%20and%20Climate%20Change.pdf
3. It is not only cows who are suffering, but also the environment and to a big part also humans. Think of slavery-like working conditions in slaughterhouses (there are plenty of documentaries about this) or think of chemically altered drinking water in animal skin production villages as also seen in the video footage.
4. The discussion, for which body part the cow is killed first, is very patronizing. But if you really think it would be important why someone gets killed in first place: There are many productions where the cow is killed for the skin first, sometimes even while still being (part-)alive, the skin is the most profitable single part of the body.
5. So even if a cow gets theoretically killed for meat first, in every case you give additional money to an industry that relies on killing, pollutes the environment and harms people with chemicals. Let's say you are standing at the meat counter. And you ask for the leg of the cow. The butcher tells you: "You can eat that without worrying, the cow was slaughtered for the neck first". The next customer demands the neck. The butcher tells him: "It's not your fault, the cow was slaughtered for the belly". A the next customer demands the hide, what answer does he get? You see, that argument of "byproduct" comes from the meat and leather industry to cover up that you contribute to killing no matter which part of the body you buy.
6. To the often said argument, animal skin would just be a byproduct, please google/youtube "leather is not a byproduct" you will find plenty of information. A good overview on all those issues can also be found here: adaptt.org/
To “But leatherette is not sustainable due to petrochemical production”
1. Indeed some fabrics and micro fibres are oil based, however most oil is spent on energy production, heating and fuel. The share of oil used for artificial cloth etc. is very very small.
2. If you look at the whole production process, the leatherette is way more sustainable than the leather produce. Even if you leave the ethical aspect aside, here is the official calculation of the CO2-Output animal skin vs leatherette (different kinds of leatherette):
Leather 17 kg CO2/m²
PVC leatherette 10 kg CO2/m²
Acella Eco natural leatherette 8,5 kg CO2/m²
Benova (PUR leatherette): 8 kg CO2/m²
So by using the latest high-tech leatherette, you even the CO2-emissions are cut in half!
3. The best to-come solution are indeed plant-based materials like Pinatex (based on pineapple leaves) or new materials based on mycelia (roots of mushrooms) or other innovative natural products. That’s the future.
More special video episodes:
1. A initial special video from Autogefühl considering the use of leather can be found here: ua-cam.com/video/8f91KgbVbJQ/v-deo.html
2. And another one right here: ua-cam.com/video/tMNgcLE0LDU/v-deo.html
3. Furthermore, you’ll find the footage of leather production also here, where people are walking in chemicals etc. and animals have to watch their friends being slaughtered in front of their eyes: ua-cam.com/video/JipYvuDsI6s/v-deo.html
timecode starting 27:46
4. This is another video which very well summarizes the torture of leather production, shots taken at big farms which directly produce for the automotive industry: ua-cam.com/video/OgHs239bAnE/v-deo.html
5. Please note that those videos are made by well-known journalists and cameramen who were not influenced by any animal welfare organisation, they supply their footage to the animal rights groups of course. I partly know the creators of the video footage personally and they are all authentic. You don’t have to search long to find cruel production environments anyway.
Manufacturers reactions:
We started the very first inquiry years ago, with the result that car manufacturers do not reveal their sources of animal skin AT ALL. If it all would be clean and happening without harm, why don’t they show it to us whereas they are showing us every other detail of their products? They have good reason not to, because there is no such thing as a clean animal skin production without harming cows, humans and the environment. The only thing a manufacturer can do is increase their effort for a better future, and we are helping with in-depth talks and interviews by presenting the increasing customer demand for sustainable luxury. Tesla was the first one to react in a major way now.
So meanwhile, we more often also get feedback that a lot of manufacturers are working on leather-free interiors and are aware of the situation. E.g. Bentley, Mini and Kia have started vegan car interior programmes. Besides Tesla, Mercedes already shows major choices for sustainable interiors, you always have to pay attention to the details when ordering, of course - and we are happy to give advice. However, much has to be done still and the Autogefuehl community is massively helping in boosting the positive change!
Help to raise awareness on this subject. Thanks!
Brian, you obviously need to dig even deeper into the English dictionary to stump Jurgen Stackmann!! Dichotomy, and diametrically opposed; he didn't even blink! But did he answer the question? Or was it a politicians side step? Mmm? Try some slang words instead, stonkingly good, mate.
Seems like a mild reskin with most attention given to a new interior.. Don't get me wrong it's a 'nice' car with intriguing premium interior style but overall it is mindnumbingly boring.
I would't call it a re-skin, its using a completely different platform than before. Essentially its a cheaper Bentayga.
Why are you guys so opposed to leather? If the treatment of these creatures is taken into consideration from birth, clear through until they give their lives for us to consume. Then I believe we owe it to them to utilize everything, and waste nothing. Leather is durable, biodegradable, and easily maintained compared to vinyl or woven synthetic interior fabrics, which trap smells from occupants, and cause adverse skin reactions to a large number of people.
We have researched this issue for many years now so please take your time to go through our extensive resources stated below as they answer every single question we have yet received concerning this matter.
At Autogefühl, we have already received several thousands (!) comments, messages and mails that more and more people want to combine enjoying their car with reducing the environmental impact at the same time. We believe that sustainable luxury is possible or at least we should do everything to support that. Those many thousand people confirming this trend, motivate us to give you the most authentic information and background on the product parts. It is not about what you bought in the past, and it is not about blaming anyone, it is about what you decide in the future and what you can decide and influence as a customer. So we want you to have all information that you need for a decision you later enjoy and like best yourself.
In Summer 2017, Tesla motors has decided to be the first manufacturer to go all the way with sustainable seat materials, only offering fabric/cloth seats or leatherette seats in different colours. They have banned all real leather from the seating surface and at the steering wheel in the white trim or on demand. So Tesla shows where the industry will and must be heading, just like they went forward with electrification first.
Check out our special video addressing car CEOs as a first summary and also see conditions of animal skin production:
ua-cam.com/video/LNSUzZXzpdc/v-deo.html
List of practical reasons against animal skin seats:
1. animal skin seats are often sold as an expensive option, by going for base trim level seats you can save a lot of money and get a better price-performance-deal (often the manufacturers claim that animal leather is top of luxury because they can earn the best money with it)
2. animal skin seats get hot in summer and you stick to the seat, probably you need seat cooling
3. they get very cold in winter and you need seat heating
4. on cloth or microfibre surfaces, you basically don’t need seat heating nor cooling
5. animal skin seats wear out very fast and look like an old sofa
6. if you want leather look or need seats that can be wiped clean easier, the leatherette (faux leather) surfaces are meanwhile highly evolved and it is possible that it feels even softer and better than anything else (See our Tesla Model X review ua-cam.com/video/y2wNGFKa4M0/v-deo.html) So Tesla shows a good example for that and as described, non-leather materials are now standard for ALL Tesla
7. More manufacturer names for their good alternatives: Mercedes MBTex/Artico for leatherette, Dinamica for microfibre. BMW Sensatec, Toyota Sof-Tex, Lexus Nu-Luxe (all faux leather)
To the environmental reasons:
1. The way the cows and other intelligent and social animals are raised and held are not according to the basic values that we all share (also see videos below)
2. The factory farming industry can be accounted for at least 40 % of climate emissions and thus is (according to numerous sources you can look up) the number one reason for climate change and environmental destruction. It is the number one reason for deforestation, two thirds of all agricultural land on earth is used for growing animal food crops. If you would feed humans directly by using the agricultural land, you could produce much more food for everyone. See this interesting essay for more on climate emissions background: www.worldwatch.org/files/pdf/Livestock%20and%20Climate%20Change.pdf
3. It is not only cows who are suffering, but also the environment and to a big part also humans. Think of slavery-like working conditions in slaughterhouses (there are plenty of documentaries about this) or think of chemically altered drinking water in animal skin production villages as also seen in the video footage.
4. The discussion, for which body part the cow is killed first, is very patronizing. But if you really think it would be important why someone gets killed in first place: There are many productions where the cow is killed for the skin first, sometimes even while still being (part-)alive, the skin is the most profitable single part of the body.
5. So even if a cow gets theoretically killed for meat first, in every case you give additional money to an industry that relies on killing, pollutes the environment and harms people with chemicals. Let's say you are standing at the meat counter. And you ask for the leg of the cow. The butcher tells you: "You can eat that without worrying, the cow was slaughtered for the neck first". The next customer demands the neck. The butcher tells him: "It's not your fault, the cow was slaughtered for the belly". A the next customer demands the hide, what answer does he get? You see, that argument of "byproduct" comes from the meat and leather industry to cover up that you contribute to killing no matter which part of the body you buy.
6. To the often said argument, animal skin would just be a byproduct, please google/youtube "leather is not a byproduct" you will find plenty of information. A good overview on all those issues can also be found here: adaptt.org/
To “But leatherette is not sustainable due to petrochemical production”
1. Indeed some fabrics and micro fibres are oil based, however most oil is spent on energy production, heating and fuel. The share of oil used for artificial cloth etc. is very very small.
2. If you look at the whole production process, the leatherette is way more sustainable than the leather produce. Even if you leave the ethical aspect aside, here is the official calculation of the CO2-Output animal skin vs leatherette (different kinds of leatherette):
Leather 17 kg CO2/m²
PVC leatherette 10 kg CO2/m²
Acella Eco natural leatherette 8,5 kg CO2/m²
Benova (PUR leatherette): 8 kg CO2/m²
So by using the latest high-tech leatherette, you even the CO2-emissions are cut in half!
3. The best to-come solution are indeed plant-based materials like Pinatex (based on pineapple leaves) or new materials based on mycelia (roots of mushrooms) or other innovative natural products. That’s the future.
More special video episodes:
1. A initial special video from Autogefühl considering the use of leather can be found here: ua-cam.com/video/8f91KgbVbJQ/v-deo.html
2. And another one right here: ua-cam.com/video/tMNgcLE0LDU/v-deo.html
3. Furthermore, you’ll find the footage of leather production also here, where people are walking in chemicals etc. and animals have to watch their friends being slaughtered in front of their eyes: ua-cam.com/video/JipYvuDsI6s/v-deo.html
timecode starting 27:46
4. This is another video which very well summarizes the torture of leather production, shots taken at big farms which directly produce for the automotive industry: ua-cam.com/video/OgHs239bAnE/v-deo.html
5. Please note that those videos are made by well-known journalists and cameramen who were not influenced by any animal welfare organisation, they supply their footage to the animal rights groups of course. I partly know the creators of the video footage personally and they are all authentic. You don’t have to search long to find cruel production environments anyway.
Manufacturers reactions:
We started the very first inquiry years ago, with the result that car manufacturers do not reveal their sources of animal skin AT ALL. If it all would be clean and happening without harm, why don’t they show it to us whereas they are showing us every other detail of their products? They have good reason not to, because there is no such thing as a clean animal skin production without harming cows, humans and the environment. The only thing a manufacturer can do is increase their effort for a better future, and we are helping with in-depth talks and interviews by presenting the increasing customer demand for sustainable luxury. Tesla was the first one to react in a major way now.
So meanwhile, we more often also get feedback that a lot of manufacturers are working on leather-free interiors and are aware of the situation. E.g. Bentley, Mini and Kia have started vegan car interior programmes. Besides Tesla, Mercedes already shows major choices for sustainable interiors, you always have to pay attention to the details when ordering, of course - and we are happy to give advice. However, much has to be done still and the Autogefuehl community is massively helping in boosting the positive change!
Help to raise awareness on this subject. Thanks!
Please make an effort to dress correctly for a video presentation - good reporter but not a snappy dress sense. Think smart but casual - only decent clothing please.
for as much as I want to like that car, the front-end is ugly. Really really ugly.
A slightly cheaper Cayenne
Golf V, especially the GTI, looked great, Golf VI was ok , the new Volkswagen design is ugly, nothing rounds, sharp lines, don't like it.
You should get other shoes, these are ugly.
boring and ugly = Volkswagen + SUV
Diesel gate