The name may sound strange (say, "TOUR-egg") but it describes Volkswagen's not-so-strange new sport-utility vehicle. It's sleek and sophisticated in style, large in scale for the mid-size wagon class and it provides a big cabin fitted with seats for five and appointments skewed toward luxury mode with fixtures in wood and chrome and fine leather.

Sharing a structure with Porsche's new Cayenne SUV, the Touareg gets VW's new 4XMotion AWD traction device and an electronically-activated locking center
differential plus optional locking rear differential and air suspension

Engines for Touareg contain six, eight or even ten cylinders. First to arrive will be the Touareg with a 3.2-liter V6 rated at 220 hp and coupled to a six-speed
automatic transaxle with Tiptronic clutch-less shift mode. That one will be followed by an optional 4.2-liter V8 worth 310 hp or, later, a massive turbo-diesel 5.0-liter V10 good for 313 hp.