We get behind the wheel of the big, performance-focused plug-in hybrid SUV from VW…
Volkswagen’s biggest SUV was originally launched in 2002, and is now in its third generation. During that time, well over a million have found homes around the world, including some 60,000 in the UK.
Recently treated to a facelift and updates, it’s the range-topping ‘R’ model that’s the subject of this week’s road test.
To be exact, it’s the Touareg R eHybrid 4MOTION, which means that it’s an all-wheel drive plug-in hybrid.
It’s not short of a few premium-badged rivals either. Take your pick from the likes of the BMW X5, Land Rover Discovery, Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz GLE and Porsche Cayenne.
The current Touareg model has been around since 2018, so the refresh is welcome.
Externally, there are new bumpers front and rear, new matrix headlights (which use no less than 38,432 micro LEDs), a new rear lightbar, plus new 20, 21 and 22-inch alloy wheel designs to sharpen up the overall look.
Inside, there’s an updated version of VW’s slick Innovision Cockpit including 15-inch touchscreen and 12-inch digital instrument cluster, improved voice control and wireless app integration.
Crucially, there are more soft-touch surfaces in the cabin – an essential when a car is priced from a very premium £80,710.
Touareg customers can choose from three models – Elegance, Black Edition or R.
The R gets 22-inch ‘Estoril Black’ alloy wheels, ‘Puglia’ leather trim with cooling seats up front, plus blue brake calipers with the ‘R’ logo. That logo makes other appearances, including the seats and sill panel mouldings (where it’s illuminated no less).
The R is fitted with air suspension as standard, Park Assist Pro with Area view, and plenty of other goodies. In fact, just about all the gadgets and safety/driver assistance features you’d expect of a car in this price range are included.
The Touareg R develops a mighty 456bhp from its twin-turbo 3.0-litre petrol V6, combined with electric motor and modest 17.9kWh lithium-ion battery.
VW claims it has a 31-mile electric-only range, which is a bit shorter than some rivals, but enough for most short commutes.
There’s a potential 121mpg, while CO2 emissions are a low 53g/km.
The battery takes around 2.5 hours to charge via a 7.2kW charger, or overnight using a 2.3kW connection.
And with a 155mph top speed (limited) and a 0-62mph sprint time of 5.2 seconds, it’s certainly no slouch.
Drive is sent through an eight-speed automatic gearbox with the option of steering wheel-mounted paddles for manual changes.
It’s practical too, with ample space for adults front and rear, and a useful 665 litres luggage capacity, rising to 1,675 litres with the rear seats down. But remember, it’s only available as a five-seater.
The Volkswagen Touareg R is impressive on the road. Yes, it’s substantial and weighs in at nearly 2.5 tonnes, but the engineers have done a pretty good job of disguising that bulk with impressive body control.
Obviously, it’s no Golf R, but it is surprisingly agile for a big SUV. The ride is on the firm side (not helped by the enormous 22-inch wheels), but it’s by no means uncomfortable. In fact, on cruises and in town, it floats over bumps and potholes.
The suspension can be tuned further by selecting Sport mode (in addition to Eco, Comfort, Normal, Individual, Off-Road, and Snow), which will also tweak other settings such as throttle response. Choose Individual and it allows you to customise most of the settings, including steering.
And just to give you a little more confidence, the brakes are progressive (not always the case with a PHEV) and effective.
The auto gearbox feels slick for the most part, only occasionally hesitating or holding a higher gear for a tad longer than necessary.
Sport mode dials up the V6 engine note, but it’s still understated, which is a shame because you’d expect more character.
In petrol mode it feels fast, but not blisteringly so, with electrical assistance for the initial getaway and plenty of mid-range grunt.
Of course, the Touareg R is at its smoothest and most refined when running in EV mode, though the real-world range is closer to 20 than 30 miles. It’s still a bonus, especially when the battery charge has been used up and economy for the petrol engine plummets to well below 30mpg – unless you really behave yourself.
On the plus side, the switch from petrol to EV – and vice versa – is seamless.
Ultimately, it’s a fast SUV with an environmentally-friendly side, set up more for comfort than sporty driving engagement.
We didn’t get to try the Touareg R off-road, but with its drive modes and air suspension, it should be capable of handling the kind of weather extremes we endure in the UK – or even the odd muddy festival car park.
Finally, it has a handy towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes, which is similar to other premium SUVs.
Verdict: The new-look Volkswagen Touareg R eHybrid is a swift, spacious, comfortable and well-equipped sporty SUV with off-road capability. And if most of your driving involves short commutes, the plug-in hybrid technology will slash your running costs.
