By Breda Corrigan
The new Touareg ‘R’ eHybrid is the hottest version of Volkswagen’s large, all-wheel drive SUV, and it is currently the most powerful Volkswagen ever made. Producing a hefty 462bhp and 700Nm of torque, it is capable of sprinting from 0-100km/h in just 5.2-seconds, on its way to a top speed of 250km/h (where permitted). By selecting ‘E mode’, drivers can experience all-electric driving at speeds of up to 140km/h with a sufficiently-charged battery, and the 14.3kWh battery provides the electric motor with enough power to cover up to 50km on electric power alone. Now in its third-generation, the new version of VW’s high-tech flagship SUV represents the continuation of a now tried, tested and proven concept, and it represents the symbiosis of high performance and electric efficiency.
Sporty, Understated Design.
The new Touareg R eHybrid version takes the elegant look of its predecessor and enhances it even further, as the iconic appearance of the new model is extended with carefully selected design elements. Additionally, the standard ‘Black Style’ design package affords the Touareg a stylish presence in a premium, understated look. Exterior highlights include IQ.Light HD matrix headlights in a new 6-lens design with a new signature light element, a new front grille with a horizontal light strip, new boot lid with LED light design with dynamic indicators, an illuminated rear Volkswagen logo, R-specific blue brake callipers with ‘R’ logo, a ‘Black Style’ exterior package, and the choice of two new colours: Chili Red and Silicone Grey Matt. Cabin occupants will appreciate the upgraded interior equipment with R-specific differentiation, along with soft door trims for a higher quality look and feel, atmospheric ambient light with individual lighting options, and an Innovision Cockpit with a large 15-inch display that features a new infotainment system as standard. The navigation system has also been updated with more detailed maps and more conversational voice control. The most obvious change inside the cabin is the new steering wheel, complete with touch-sensitive controls. The high-quality cabin is refined and reassuringly solid, with lots of soft-touch materials used throughout. There is plenty of room for front and rear seat passengers, and the boot has a cargo capacity of 665-litres behind the rear seats, with this figure increasing to 1,675-litres with the rear seats folded.
Five-Star Safety.
The new Touareg gets more standard safety systems than any other VW product, with cutting-edge sensors and safety features ready to protect occupants in the event of a crash, as well as systems designed to stop a crash happening in the first place. The regular Volkswagen Touareg achieved a full five-star safety rating when it was tested by Euro NCAP.
Test Car Details.
My test car was a Touareg ‘R’ eHybrid, which was finished in Grenadilla Black Metallic paintwork, with optional 21-inch ‘Leeds’ diamond-turned black alloy wheels, and it looked stunning in the Autumnal sunshine. The mighty 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine works in conjunction with the electric motor and battery pack to produce outstanding performance and, whether driving around town or cruising along a motorway, driver enjoyment is guaranteed. When driving on electric power alone, the result is smooth and silent progression and, even when the petrol engine cuts in, the silence isn’t spoiled. However, under harsh acceleration, the engine becomes vaguely vocal, but the beautiful sound of the 3.0-litre engine is pleasingly addictive. The Touareg ‘R’ eHybrid comes with self-levelling, height-adjustable air suspension, and it proves truly beneficial when it comes to overall ride comfort. Road surface imperfections and speed ramps can be tackled with ease, and even larger potholes are isolated with incredible composure. Tight body control ensures minimal body roll through sharp bends, and the nicely-weighted steering is accurate and responsive. For such a large SUV, the Touareg handles neatly and it feels well connected to the road at all times. The high-set driving position (with multiple electric-adjustment options) provides terrific all-round visibility, and the standard front and rear parking sensors, along with front and rear cameras, make parking a doddle. The 3.0-litre TFSI petrol engine in union with the Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) system has a combined emission figure of 48g/km, and this results in annual road tax of just €140. Similarly impressive is the official combined fuel consumption figure of 2.3l/100km, but this greatly depends on a number of factors, such as whether every journey is undertaken with a fully-charged battery, along with road conditions, weather conditions and individual driving style. As the flagship model in Volkswagen’s passenger car line-up, the regular Touareg literally wants for nothing in terms of comfort, convenience, safety, security, connectivity and infotainment features, but the additional sporty design elements and standard equipment found in the ‘R’ eHybrid make it extra-special in every way.
Verdict & Pricing.
The new Volkswagen Touareg ‘R’ eHybrid is a highly commendable large SUV that provides drivers with sports car-rivalling performance, impressive cabin and boot space, an outstanding array of standard features, and the realistic running costs associated with an advanced petrol/electric hybrid powertrain. The Touareg ‘R’ eHybrid is priced from €103,050 (ex-delivery).
