Volkswagen has showcased the all-new Touareg in China, ahead of its European debut later this year.

The new flagship SUV will be available with a choice of two V6 diesel engines when it goes on sale.

A hybrid version will also be offered but has not yet been confirmed for the UK.

Volkswagen says the new flagship takes a top position in the premium class SUV segment and boasts high quality materials and craftsmanship.

It is longer and wider than before and boot volume has grown to more than 800 litres.

The use of aluminium means the new model is lighter than before too, despite its extra size it tips the scales at more than 100Kg less which should help boost efficiency.

Inside the brand presents its new fully digitalised Innovision Cockpit for the first time in the new Touareg. Here the digital instruments  and the top Discover Premium infotainment system merge to form a digital operating, information, communication and entertainment unit that hardly needs any conventional buttons or switches.

Drivers can use the Innovision Cockpit to adapt the assistance, handling and comfort systems specifically to their personal tastes.

The Touareg will launch with the largest range of assistance, handling and comfort systems ever to be integrated into a Volkswagen. Technologies include: Night Vision assistance system (detects people and animals in darkness via a thermal imaging camera), Roadwork Lane Assist (semi-automated steering and lane keeping, accelerating and braking up to 35MPH), Front Cross Traffic Assist, active all-wheel steering, new roll stabilisation with electromechanically controlled anti-roll bars, LED matrix headlights and a  head-up display.

A launch date has not been confirmed but prices and technical data is expected to be released when the car is officially launched in the UK.