Segment:
Luxury SUV / Premium Mid-size SUV
Competitors:
BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Lexus RX, Porsche Cayenne (mechanical sibling)
Design Philosophy:
Blends SUV utility with premium luxury, robust build quality, advanced technology for its era.
Platform Sharing:
Shares its platform with the Porsche Cayenne and Lamborghini LM002, benefiting from shared engineering and development.
Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, and owners seeking to understand and maintain their vehicle.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, timing, lubrication, cooling, emission control systems
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection, ignition, turbocharging (if applicable), performance tuning diagnostics
Transmission:
Automatic Transmission (Tiptronic), manual transmission (if applicable), torque converter, transmission control module (TCM)
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (4MOTION) system, differentials, drive shafts, CV joints, hubs
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, anti-roll bars, air suspension system (if equipped)
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, steering angle sensor
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS, EBD, brake calipers, rotors, pads, brake lines, parking brake, trailer brake controller (if equipped)
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starter, ignition system, lighting, horn, power windows, mirrors, seats, wipers, fuses, relays
Climate Control:
HVAC system, A/C compressor, evaporator, condenser, climate control module, sensors
Body Exterior:
Body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, glass, seals, exterior trim
Body Interior:
Interior trim panels, seats, seat belts, airbags, dashboard, center console, headliner
Infotainment Navigation:
Radio, CD player, navigation system, speakers, antenna
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, seat belt pre-tensioners, crumple zones, rollover protection
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, belt inspection and replacement, spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair:
Component removal and installation, engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension and brake component replacement, electrical component repair
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system usage, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) lookups, system-specific diagnostic flowcharts
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all systems
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for all fasteners and critical components
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including in-depth diagnostics and electrical troubleshooting.
Engine 3.2 Vr6:
3.2L VR6 (10v/24v) Petrol - 220-240 hp, 300-325 Nm torque. (Specifications vary slightly by market and year)
Engine 4.2 V8:
4.2L V8 FSI Petrol - 310 hp, 410 Nm torque. (Introduced later in the generation, confirmed for some 2004+ models)
Engine 5.0 V10 Tdi:
5.0L V10 TDI Diesel - 313 hp, 750 Nm torque. (High-performance turbodiesel option)
Performance Characteristics
Acceleration 0 60 Mph 3.2:
Approx. 8.5 - 9.5 seconds (depending on configuration)
Acceleration 0 60 Mph 4.2:
Approx. 7.0 - 7.5 seconds
Acceleration 0 60 Mph V10 Tdi:
Approx. 7.0 - 7.3 seconds
Injection Type:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) or Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) for V8
Recommended Fuel:
Unleaded Petrol (RON 91 or higher for VR6/V8), Diesel fuel for V10 TDI
Length:
Approx. 188.8 inches (4795 mm)
Width:
Approx. 78.2 inches (1986 mm)
Height:
Approx. 69.3 inches (1760 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 113.8 inches (2890 mm)
Curb Weight 3.2:
Approx. 4,800 - 5,000 lbs (2177 - 2268 kg)
Curb Weight V10 Tdi:
Approx. 5,400 - 5,600 lbs (2449 - 2540 kg)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:
Approx. 30.0 - 35.0 cubic feet (850 - 991 liters)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:
Approx. 70.0 - 75.0 cubic feet (1981 - 2124 liters)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Test:
5-Star Driver, 4-Star Passenger (for models tested in its era, specific year testing may vary)
IIHS Crash Test Rating:
Good (for models tested, consistent with its class for the period)
Traction Control:
Standard
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard
Antilock Braking System:
Standard
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, available side curtain airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point front and rear seat belts, front seat belt pretensioners
Oil Change Interval Petrol:
Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (synthetic oil recommended)
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (diesel-specific synthetic oil)
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 - 40,000 miles or 3-4 years
Timing Belt Replacement:
N/A (VR6 and V8 engines use timing chains; V10 TDI also uses chains)
Engine Oil Specification Petrol:
VW 502 00 / 505 00 (e.g., 0W-30, 5W-30, 5W-40 synthetic)
Engine Oil Specification Diesel:
VW 504 00 / 507 00 (e.g., 5W-30 low SAPS synthetic)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
G 052 162 A1 (or equivalent approved ATF, refer to manual for exact type based on transmission code)
Air Suspension Leaks:
Common failure of air springs and compressor, leading to vehicle sagging.
Pcv System Clogging:
Can lead to oil leaks and rough running, especially on VR6 engines.
V10 Tdi Dpf Issues:
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) regeneration issues and potential clogging in urban driving conditions.
Water Pump Failures:
Can occur, especially on older models, leading to coolant loss.
ABS Sensor Failures:
Can trigger ABS and traction control warning lights.
