Volkswagen adds for the first time in years a sporty top version to the delivery range of the Touareg. The largest SUV that the brand sells in Europe is now available as Touareg R, and it is also a plug-in hybrid!
The first generation Touareg benefited briefly from the bizarre period in which Volkswagen had blocks such as the W8, W12 and V10 and V12 TDIs in its warehouse. The primal Touareg became available with a 6.0-W12 and you could also get it as a 5.0 TDI, with and without R50 addition. Of the current third generation Touareg, the 422 hp 4.0 V8 TDI was the strongest power station, but that has changed with the arrival of this Touareg R.
The Touareg R is the new top version of the Touareg range and it is also a plug-in hybrid. The combustion engine is a 340 hp 3.0 V6 TSI that is supported by a 136 hp electric motor. The system power of the four-wheel drive Touareg R is 462 hp and 700 Nm. Switching is with an eight-speed automatic. Up to 70 percent of the power finds its way to the front axle, while – depending on the circumstances and the chosen driving mode – up to 80 percent of the power is sent to the rear axle. The battery pack placed under the load floor of the luggage compartment has a capacity of 14.1 kWh, but the number of kilometers that you can use to cover it electrically keeps Volkswagen under control. The top speed in electrical mode is 140 km / h, while the regular top speed is limited to 250 km / h. The Touareg R is the first Volkswagen that can use Travel Assist up to a speed of 250 km / h, a system that combines adaptive cruise control with Lane Assist.
On the outside, the Touareg R can be recognized by its 20-inch light-alloy wheels and the R-Line package with black accents, which includes sporty-looking bumpers. Inside, the Touareg R is decorated with items such as aluminum, silver-colored details and gray stitching.
Information regarding a Dutch market introduction is not yet available.