VW shows off go-fast hybrid SUV

Thursday, 27 February 2020

Volkswagen's new Touareg R is the first plug-in hybrid for the performance sub-brand.

Slowly but surely, vehicle manufacturers are embracing electrification in all forms. Plug-in hybrid powertrains are arguably the ideal middle ground, as they provide some pure-electric driving range but retain the peace of mind of a full tank of petrol.

They can also bring a hefty performance boost without increasing vehicle emissions, as evidenced by Volkswagen's new Touareg R SUV.

The Touareg R rides on the same architecture as the Audi Q7 60 TFSI e and the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid. VW's take on the matter blends a 3.0-litre petrol V6 with an electric motor to offer a total system output of 335kW and 700Nm of torque. That's more power than the V8 TDI model but less torque, with the latter coming in with 305kW and 900Nm.

The Touareg R is the first R model to get a plug-in hybrid powertrain and it won't be the last.

However, the plug-in part of the Touareg R's equation means it can run exclusively on volts at speeds of up to 140kmh. The instant torque of the electric motor also means the SUV can hit 100kmh in around five seconds.

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The range-topping SUV will sprint to 100kmh in five seconds, thanks to 700nm of torque. The electric motor means a good dollop of that will hit instantly.

* Volkswagen planning clean green sporty machine

* Ford Focus RS to embrace electricity

Volkswagen joins fellow stablemates Porsche and Audi in offering a large, eco-friendly, go-fast SUV. So, which would you have?

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* Volkswagen is said to be considering options for Lamborghini

* Ford's electric plans may not include Ranger**

Volkswagen has specified a 14.1kWh battery pack but, strangely, made no mention of the Touareg R's electric range. We'd expect it to come in around the 50km mark.

The Touareg R represents the first all-wheel drive PHEV for VW as well as the first R model to use such a powertrain. An eight-speed automatic transmission is bolted to the V6, sending power to all four wheels.

Volkswagen says up to 70 per cent of the power can be sent to the front wheels, depending on the situation, while as much as 80 per cent can go rearward.

As for styling, there are a few subtle changes to indicate this is a high-performance R model.

Dual angular exhaust tips are nestled in the rear bumper below the recently redesigned 'R' badge, 20-inch rims are standard (a larger 22-inch set is optionally available) while the interior features a black Puglia leather package exclusive to the Touareg R.

The Touareg R will debut in the metal at the Geneva Motor Show next week, where it will be joined by the Golf GTI and GTD models.

We've reached out to Volkswagen NZ and the local arm is working to secure the Touareg R for sale here. We should get an update in the near future on that front.