Volkswagen AG has released official pictures of its all-new large 4WD ahead of its Geneva motor show debut next month. The next-generation Volkswagen Touareg soft-roader is lighter and more efficient than before, but hybrid version will only introduce at certain market.

The hybrid is the most powerful model in the new Touareg range, producing 285kW from its 3.3-litre supercharged V6 and electric motor, though it uses 10 per cent more fuel than the base model turbo-diesel V6 (8.2L/100km vs 7.4L/100km).

Volkswagen has yet to confirm whether the Touareg will use a new petrol V6 or retain the current 3.6-litre V6.

The 3.0-litre turbo-diesel carries over from the current model, with the V6 producing 180kW of power and 550Nm of torque.

The V8 diesel variant will be pitched as the city-friendly soft-roader in the range. It will replace the current V10 model, and despite offering a 800Nm of torque and 254kW.

As similar to BMW with its new X5, Volkswagen will offer an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard across the range, which also keeps fuel consumption down.

Both engines will also achieve lower carbon emissions compared with the current models, and Volkswagen will continue to offer the Touareg purely as an all-wheel-drive SUV, rather than the recent trend by many manufacturers to offer two-wheel-drive variants.

Volkswagen has also achieved improved consumption by shedding more than 200kg from the model’s kerb weight, despite the Touareg growing in size. The company says it achieved the weight loss through lighter body components and lighter high-strength metals.

The Touareg has expanded by 40mm (now 4758mm long) to improve interior space, both for passengers and luggage. The boot offers up to 70 litres more cargo space over the existing model.

The Touareg adopts Volkswagen’s new design language – notably the wide, horizontal grille like the sixth-generation Golf Mk-6.

In profile the second-generation Touareg looks less bulky than the outgoing model, with a lower, more arched roofline.

It’s not yet known if the new Cayenne – to be unveiled at next month’s Geneva motor show – will share doors and glass with the Touareg, as with the original versions of each.

On the safety front, Volkswagen will adopt a new quad-camera system called "Area View" – expected to be offered as an option – which can see the car’s surroundings from different angles, assisting in better vision to the driver.

The Touareg will feature nine airbags, adaptive cruise control, and “Side Assist”, which warns the driver of vehicles approaching from the rear when changing lanes. The Touareg also features stop-start technology, which shuts the engine down when the car is stationary, and restarts it when the brake is released.

Photo Gallery: