Volkswagen Touareg gets three new trim levels

• SE trim is the new entry point to the range• Starting price for the Touareg lower by around £4k• All new trims are available to order now

The Volkswagen Touareg has three new trim levels to choose from, bringing the total available to six. A new entry-level SE trim means the starting point to the Touareg range is lower, at £45,445, while a Black Edition trim offers extra kit and a black styling pack at the top of the range.

As Volkswagen’s flagship SUV, the Touareg is luxurious and very well-equipped, and even the new cheaper SE trim comes with a 9.2-inch sat nav screen, 19-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats and gesture control. Two versions of a 3.0-litre V6 diesel are offered, with either 228bhp or 282bhp.

The best large SUV to buy

SEL Tech sits above SE and SEL in the middle of the Touareg hierarchy, and starts from £50,995. It features a power tailgate, heat insulating glass and a different wheel design. The screen size increases to 15 inches, and VW’s 12.3-inch Active Info digital instrument cluster comes as standard. You can spec either of the two diesel engines, or a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine with 335bhp.

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Not only is there a new, cheaper Touareg at the entry point of the range, but the new Black Edition trim level represents the highest rung of the ladder. Costing from £58,745 and based on the R-Line Tech trim, the Black Edition gets 21-inch alloys and a host of exterior trim pieces in black. It also has a panoramic sunroof and Volkswagen’s IQ. Light technology, which gives full-beam power while avoiding dazzling other drivers. Air suspension with automatic self-levelling is also standard on the range-topper, alongside parking assistance and a hands-free opening bootlid.

The Touareg remains a strict five-seater, albeit a very spacious one, with a large boot. Its rivals include the Mercedes GLE, Volvo XC90 and Range Rover Sport, while you’ll be better off looking at an Audi Q7 or Land Rover Discovery if you need seven seats.

Read our Touareg review, or see where it places on our list of the cars with the biggest boots.