The 2004 Touareg looks like a Volkswagen with its smooth, arched surfaces. It has a Volkswagen face and rear end. Other Volkswagen cues can be seen in the jeweled headlamps, the design of the hood and other features. If that isn't enough, the prominent VW badges leave no doubt. Touareg looks brawny, though its true off-road capability isn't readily apparent. Its exterior styling is designed to make it look rugged yet refined, practical yet stylish. Its high ground clearance, large wheels, and the robust design of the wheel arches and bumpers are clues to its trail worthiness. Big air intakes in the lower bumper contrast with the upper radiator grille, which is shaped like that of a modern passenger car, contrast that hints at the Touareg's dual role as off-road vehicle and luxury car. In the same theme, smooth, elegant surfaces above the beltline contrast with broad, rugged-looking side sills. Big exterior door handles look functional and are well designed and easy to grab.
Touareg is built on a unit-body chassis, like a car. It was designed to be a highly rigid structure (40 Hz), so that it won't bend or twist even in the most tortuous off-road driving conditions. We were able to open and close the doors when the Touareg was teetering on two or three wheels, an impressive feat considering Volkswagen's tight fitment of body panels. This rigidity contributes to the Touareg's ride comfort and high-speed stability. The doors are completely sealed when closed, providing a quiet cabin and allowing the Touareg to ford up to 22 inches of standing water.