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2014 VW Touareg vs. 2014 BMW X5 Providence RI When you’re inching toward the upper reaches of SUV luxury, deciding between two of the finer available models may come down simply to a matter of taste. Perhaps more frequently, the decision may reflect an attraction to a few key factors that push one model ahead of the other. Debating the merits of these two--the 2014 VW Touareg and the 2014 BMW X5 --is certainly an exercise in hair-splitting, and hoping to declare a so-called “winner” at the expense of the other is pretty difficult. Under the hood, both the Touareg and the competing X5 feature a variety of powertrains that range from compelling to excellent in terms of quality. The most popular engine options for each get such recognition for a reason; in the 2014 VW Touareg, leading the way is a 3.0L TDI V6, paired with an eight-speed manual transmission to produce an excellent 29 mpg on the highway. The X5, meanwhile, tries a 3.0L Turbo Inline-6 to produce roughly 27 highway mpg. The well-crafted interior of the latest VW Touareg is spacious and inviting. The distinction between these vehicles, while appearing small on paper, belies a fundamental difference in mission between the two. The torque-heavy TDI engine of the Touareg shows a more obvious dedication to versatile performance; case in point, the Touareg is capable of towing nearly 2,000 pounds more than the X5 when both are properly equipped. This difference also makes the Touareg among the most confident entries in its class as an all-terrain performer, a factor that can’t be overlooked. Inside the two luxury crossover SUVs, drivers find a delectable mix of sophisticated features that clearly distinguish them from more mainstream competitors. That of the Touareg consistently ranks among the segment’s most popular, offering top-quality materials accentuated by Volkswagen’s famous craftsmanship. And while the Touareg is strictly offered in a two-row, five-passenger configuration, its passengers are afforded a wide variety of seating features to maximize comfort; the rear-seat offers reclining seatbacks and over 6 inches of fore/aft seat movement. Perhaps the most attractive difference between these two neck-and-neck SUVs, however, is in the price tag. Despite the iconic styling and engineering, as well as its sterling performance profile and higher fuel economy, the 2014 VW Touareg is available for thousands less than the BMW X5, a difference that is making Providence-area drivers stand up and take notice. The 2014 VW Touareg is now available at Speedcraft VW, located near Providence in Wakefield, RI. Schedule your test drive today!