Engine: 4.2-liter dohc 32-valve V8

Engine Options: 280-hp 3.6-liter V6; 350-hp 4.2-liter V8; 310-hp 4.9-liter V10 turbodiesel

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Transmission Options: 6-speed automatic

Standard Safety Equipment: frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, curtain airbags; electronic stability control, ABS Plus, EBD, Brake Assist, TPMS, HDA/HSC, all-wheel drive

Optional Safety Equipment: none

Basic Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles

Assembled In: Bratislava, Slovakia

Model Tested: Volkswagen Touareg 2 V8 FSI ($48,320)

Standard Equipment: leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control; power steering/brakes; power windows/locks/hatch; power synchronized, heated, auto-dimming outside mirrors with right side park tilt and power fold; power heated front seats; three-position driver memory; dynamic bi-xenon headlamps w/washers; fog lamps; sunroof; rain-sensing wipers w/heated washer nozzles; tilt/telescope steering column; cruise control; trip computer; 10-speaker sound system; 60/40 split-fold rear seat; rear seat sunshades

Options as Tested: Technologie package--navigation, upgraded sound system, rear view camera, 6CD, aux input ($3350); tow hitch ($500)

Destination Charge: 680

Gas Guzzler Tax:

Layout: four-wheel drive

Horsepower: 350 @ 6700

Torque: 324 @ 3500

Miles Per Gallon in the City/Highway: 12/17

Wheelbase: 112.4 inches

Length/Width/Height in Inches: 187.2/75.9/68.0 inches

Track Front/Rear: 65.2/65.7 inches

Turning Cycle: 38.1 feet

Seating Capacity: 5 people

Head/Hip/Leg Room, f: 38.7/55.8/41.3 inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, m: inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, r: 38.3/55.3/35.6 inches

Trunk Volume: 71 cubic feet

Payload:

Suspension, f: independent, coil springs, antiroll bar

Ground Clearance: 8.3 inches

Curb Weight: 5300 pounds

Towing Capacity: 7716 pounds

Tires: 275/40VR19

Brakes: vented disc/vented disc with ABSPlus, EBD, Brake Assist

Fuel Capacity: 26.4 Gallons