Vehicle Segment:
Luxury SUV / Mid-size SUV
Target Audience:
Premium SUV buyers seeking a blend of off-road capability and on-road comfort
Key Competitors:
BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Lexus RX, Land Rover Discovery
Platform Sharing:
Shares platform with Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7 (first generation)
Off Road Capability:
Advanced 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, available adjustable air suspension, locking center differential
Powertrain Options:
Wide range including V6, V8 gasoline, and V10 TDI diesel engines
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, lubrication, cooling, exhaust, engine management, transmission (automatic and manual), drivetrain components (differentials, axles, driveshafts)
Chassis:
Suspension (including air suspension), steering system, braking system (including ABS, ESP), wheels and tires, chassis frame/unibody
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments and gauges, body electricals (wipers, washers, power accessories), HVAC controls, infotainment system wiring, engine control module (ECM) and transmission control module (TCM) wiring diagrams
Bodywork:
Exterior body panels, doors, windows, glass, sunroof, interior trim, seats, body sealing, collision repair information (structural components)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, inspection routines
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, assembly, and installation
Adjustments:
Precise settings and calibration procedures for various systems (e.g., suspension height, engine timing, steering alignment)
Depth Level:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete overhaul and diagnostics
Diagnostic Tools:
Reference to specific Volkswagen diagnostic tools and procedures
Service Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, wear limits
Illustrations:
Pictorial diagrams, exploded views, detailed drawings, and photographs for clarity
Engine Options:
3.2L VR6 (220 hp), 4.2L V8 (310 hp), 5.0L V10 TDI (313 hp)
Horsepower Range:
220 hp - 313 hp
Torque Range:
221 lb-ft - 553 lb-ft (V10 TDI)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) / Direct Injection (TDI)
Emission Control:
Catalytic converters, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) for diesel variants
Transmission Type:
6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission (standard on most models)
Optional Transmission:
6-speed manual transmission (limited availability, primarily on earlier 3.2L models)
Transfer Case:
Two-speed transfer case with center differential lock (standard with 4Motion)
Transmission Fluid:
Specific ATF required (e.g., G 055 005)
Length:
Approx. 4754 mm (187.2 in)
Width:
Approx. 1928 mm (75.9 in)
Height:
Approx. 1777 mm (69.9 in) with standard suspension
Curb Weight:
Varies by engine, approx. 2000 kg - 2400 kg (4400 lbs - 5290 lbs)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 3500 kg (7716 lbs) (often requires specific towing package)
NHTSA Ratings:
Frontal crash: 4 stars, Side crash: 5 stars (for driver and front passenger - vary by testing year and specific configuration)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Esp:
Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP), including Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) and Traction Control System (TCS)
Desc:
Standard Downhill Assist Control
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side airbags, available front and rear curtain airbags
Audio System:
Factory premium audio systems available, often with CD player and navigation (depending on trim and options)
Parking Sensors:
Optional front and rear parking sensors
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Optional Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on some models
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free connectivity on higher trims or via accessory modules
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first (subject to driving conditions)
Timing Belt Chain:
VR6 and V8 engines use timing chains, V10 TDI uses timing chains. These are generally designed for the life of the engine, but regular inspections are recommended by the manual.
Engine Oil:
Refer to manual for specific viscosity (e.g., 5W-30, 5W-40) and API/ACEA specifications (e.g., VW 502 00, VW 505 00)
Coolant:
G12 or G12+ coolant (pink) - consult manual for exact specification
Common Problems:
Air suspension compressor failures, ignition coil issues (older models), oil cooler leaks, potential for turbocharger issues on TDI models, water pump failures
Recommended Checks:
Regular inspection of air suspension lines and components, checking for oil leaks, verifying coolant levels and condition.
Volkswagen SUV Lineage:
First full-size SUV from Volkswagen, designed for premium market and off-road capability
First Generation Introduction:
Introduced in 2002 (2003 model year in North America)
Design Philosophy:
Blend of luxury, comfort, and robust off-road prowess, emphasizing German engineering
Manufacturing Location:
Bratislava, Slovakia (Volkswagen Slovakia, a.s.)
