Volkswagen Launches Most Powerful Model Yet

Volkswagen is poised to release its most powerful model, the 340kW Touareg R, that will arrive in March with a $129,990 (plus costs) price tag.

The Touareg R mirrors the performance impact of one of its forebearers, the Touareg R50 V10 diesel of 2008 that had 258kW (and a monster 850Nm of torque) and was launched at $129,990 plus on-road costs.

Volkswagen will launch the Touareg R as a fully equipped version with plug-in hybrid (PHEV) drivetrain and with the only option being paint.

The Touareg R combines a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine with 250kW and 450Nm of torque mated to a 100kW electric motor with 400Nm of torque. The maximum combined output is 340kW and maximum torque is 700Nm.

Volkswagen said that this combination makes the Touareg R the most powerful series production Volkswagen of all time.

The technology combines to make it rapid for an SUV. The kickdown function activates the V6 engine which is then additionally boosted by full electric power, allowing it to accelerate to 100km/h in only 5.1 seconds.

It comes with both a Mode 2 charging cable (Type 2 to Australian powerpoint) and Mode 3 charging cable (Type 2 to Type 2) as standard, providing at-home and on-road charging flexibility for a claimed 51km of EV-only driving range.

Volkswagen further claims a combined cycle fuel consumption of 3.3 litres per 100 kilometres and adds that “customers could theoretically get lower – or close to zero petrol – usage with regular charging.”

When the EV-only driving range concludes, the Touareg R operates as an 'e-hybrid' that still remains more efficient than previous V8 and V10 models.

The Touareg R comes standard with 22-inch Estoril alloys in glossy black, 19-inch front and 18-inch rear ventilated disc brakes with blue calipers and R logo, air suspension, high

gloss black roof rails and window surrounds, black exterior mirror shells, blacked-out front grille and rear apron, black sports exhaust, 'R' logo projection from the front mirrors, direct tyre pressure monitoring, power latching doors, electric tailgate and a panoramic sunroof with electric blind.

Night Vision is standard on the Touareg R and is an R-exclusive feature in the range, incorporating a thermal imaging camera to more visibly detect humans and wildlife via a ‘digital cockpit pro’ display to improve night driving safety.

There is also a first for a Volkswagen passenger vehicle with the standard fitment in the Touareg R of ‘dynamic road sign display’ along with IQ.LIGHT matrix LED headlamps with adaptive high-beam, ‘maneuver braking’ front and rear, adaptive cruise control with ‘travel assist’, lane assist, emergency assist, ‘proactive occupant protection’ and side assist with front and rear cross-traffic alert.

Cabin features include Volkswagen’s Innovision cockpit (15-inch Discover Premium and 12-inch Digital Cockpit Pro), wireless app-connect, wireless smartphone charging, Dynaudio premium sound system and five USB-C ports between front and rear seats.

The SUV also gets Pantera Black Puglia leather seat upholstery, front seats with memory settings, heated front and outboard rear seats, R sports steering wheel, quad-zone climate control, windshield projected head-up display, illuminated front scuff plates with R logo, power adjustable steering column with memory, plus brushed aluminium decorative inserts complete comprehensive specification.

Volkswagen passenger vehicles director Michal Szaniecki said the Touareg R is an R product first and foremost, as well as being one that happens to offer the emissions-reduction technology and flexibility afforded by PHEVs.

“The Touareg R delivers the performance, the handling and the options-free appeal expected of our popular R division, while providing flagship SUV customers with greater choice and flexibility than ever,” Mr Szaniecki said.

“We know most of our Touareg customers have garages at home, and they will be able to plug their vehicle in at night as they would their smartphone, and drive with zero or close to zero emissions for their everyday driving.

“When they want to take the family on a road trip, or even join driving enthusiast friends on a driving trip, they will have the power, the dynamics and the sophistication for which the R division is renowned – because the Touareg R is more of a driver's car than any electric SUV at this price.”