Volkswagen is betting big on hybrid technology as it aims to become a global leader in electric vehicles. The German automaker has started advance sales for its new Volkswagen Touareg R eHybrid, the most powerful model in its flagship SUV lineup.
The Volkswagen Touareg R eHybrid combines a 3.0-liter V6 turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor, delivering a total system output of 462 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. The plug-in hybrid can drive up to 28 miles on electric power alone, according to the European WLTP cycle, and has a top speed of 155 mph.
The Touareg R eHybrid is also the first R model from Volkswagen to feature a hybrid powertrain, marking a new direction for the performance-oriented sub-brand. R models are known for their sporty design, dynamic handling, and exclusive features.
A premium hybrid SUV with a hefty price tag
The Volkswagen Touareg R eHybrid is not a cheap vehicle by any means. It starts at €84,660 ($100,000) in Germany, making it one of the most expensive models in Volkswagen’s portfolio. For comparison, the base VW Touareg with a diesel engine costs €59,290 ($70,000) in Germany.
However, Volkswagen claims that the Touareg R eHybrid offers a lot of value for money, as it comes with a high level of standard equipment and a generous warranty. Some of the features included are:
- A 15-inch Innovision Cockpit with digital instruments
- A head-up display that projects key information onto the windshield
- A panoramic sunroof that spans almost the entire roof area
- A four-zone automatic climate control system
- A premium sound system by Dynaudio with 14 speakers and a subwoofer
- A Night Vision system that detects pedestrians and animals in the dark
- A Travel Assist system that enables semi-autonomous driving up to 130 mph
- An IQ.Light LED matrix headlights that adapt to different traffic situations
- A Trailer Assist system that helps with reversing maneuvers with a trailer
- A seven-year warranty or 150,000 kilometers (93,000 miles), whichever comes first
A hybrid SUV that can handle any terrain
The Volkswagen Touareg R eHybrid is not only a powerful and luxurious SUV, but also a versatile one that can tackle any terrain. It comes with a standard all-wheel-drive system that distributes power between the front and rear axles depending on the driving situation. It also has an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and an adaptive air suspension that can adjust the ride height and damping.
The Touareg R eHybrid has four driving modes: E-Mode, Hybrid, Sport, and Individual. In E-Mode, the vehicle runs purely on electric power until the battery is depleted or the driver presses the accelerator pedal beyond a certain point. In Hybrid mode, the vehicle automatically switches between electric and gasoline power depending on the driving conditions. In Sport mode, the vehicle uses both power sources for maximum performance and responsiveness. In Individual mode, the driver can customize various settings such as steering, suspension, engine sound, and climate control.
The Volkswagen Touareg R eHybrid also has an optional Offroad package that adds more features for off-road driving, such as:
- An additional off-road driving mode with hill descent control and hill start assist
- An underbody protection that covers the engine, gearbox, fuel tank, and exhaust system
- A reinforced spare wheel well
- An increased wading depth of 580 millimeters (23 inches)
- An off-road navigation system that shows altitude, compass, steering angle, and slope angle
A hybrid SUV that competes with other luxury brands
The Volkswagen Touareg R eHybrid is Volkswagen’s answer to other luxury hybrid SUVs in the market, such as:
- The BMW X5 xDrive45e ($66,000), which has a 3.0-liter inline-six engine and an electric motor that produce 389 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. It can drive up to 30 miles on electric power and has a top speed of 130 mph.
- The Mercedes-Benz GLE 580 4MATIC ($78,000), which has a 4.0-liter V8 engine and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that produces 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. It can drive up to 2 miles on electric power and has a top speed of 155 mph.
- The Volvo XC90 Recharge ($64,000), has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that produce 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. It can drive up to 18 miles on electric power and has a top speed of 140 mph.
The Volkswagen Touareg R eHybrid is expected to arrive in European dealerships in the third quarter of 2023. Volkswagen has not announced any plans to bring the model to the U.S. market, where the VW Touareg was discontinued in 2017.
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