V8-like efficiency with EV effectivity: that’s the gross sales pitch for Volkswagen’s Touareg R, the model’s first plug-in hybrid in Australia.
The brand new flagship mannequin combines a turbocharged V6 and an electrical motor to ship the kind of thrust as soon as reserved for efficiency automobiles. The hybrid system has a formidable pedigree: it’s equivalent to that after discovered within the Porsche Cayenne.
On faucet is a mixed 340kW of energy and 700Nm of torque, sufficient to propel the R to 100km/h in 5.1 seconds. That’s not unhealthy for a sizeable SUV that comfortably seats 5 adults and comes lavishly appointed.
Peer previous the badge and it’s pure luxurious inside, with plush leather-based seats, high quality finishes, adjustable ambient lighting and an enormous glass roof. A mass of pixels throughout the sprint reinforces the hi-tech really feel. The worth tag is steep at about $140,000 drive-away however the Touareg R is brimming with trinkets.
As with different Touaregs it has a powered tailgate, electrical entrance seats, a 12-inch digital drive show and a vibrant 15-inch central touchscreen with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Different goodies embody 22-inch alloy wheels, quad-zone air flow, a heated steering wheel with energy adjustment, evening imaginative and prescient, heated rear seats and the next grade of leather-based.
The 14-speaker Dynaudio sound system is an enormous enchancment over the lower-level Touaregs.
The R stands out visually, too, with distinctive bumpers, black design parts and blue highlights in and out, from brake calipers to seat stitching. The metallic pedals and illuminated “R” scuff plates on the doorways are a pleasant contact. Driving on air suspension the Touareg R is cosseting over bumps, not less than in its most snug drive modes.
The cabin hushes exterior noise, delivering a serene surroundings in step with the luxurious positioning.
Pushed in EV mode it’s quiet and clean, though it doesn’t supply the thrust of the hybrid set-up.
There’s a extra modest 100kW and 400Nm to play with, which works wonderful for trundling across the suburbs however doesn’t depart a lot in reserve at nation highway speeds.
It pays to be light on the suitable pedal to keep away from waking the petrol engine if gas effectivity is your mission, though that’s simpler stated than accomplished when a good hill enters the equation.
Claimed EV vary is 51km however 40-45km appears extra practical. That’ll suffice for most individuals’s on a regular basis working, when you’re blissful to do with out the hybrid efficiency.
As soon as the battery is depleted the miraculous claimed fuel-use figures (simply 3.3 litres per 100km) disappear into the rear imaginative and prescient mirror.
The Touareg’s gas use can simply head into double figures when you’re commonly having fun with the complete 340kW.
It’s a brisk system and one hardly ever left wanting for additional pull.
Activate Sport mode and the suspension tightens for sharper responses and higher physique management by corners, whereas low-profile tyres present prodigious grip.
The brakes are highly effective, too, aided by the regenerative operate of the electrical motor.
It’s deceptively succesful, though you’re continuously reminded of its dimension and weight when altering path in a rush.
It achieves this spectacular poise with out the rear steering system and energetic stabiliser bars of the lesser R-Line Touareg (they have been omitted as a consequence of area consumed by the hybrid system).
When it comes time to recharge, the 17.9kWh battery takes as little as 2.5 hours by a wallbox charger. A regular energy level takes roughly eight hours.
As with all PHEVs, the Touareg R doesn’t ship on the most effective of each worlds gross sales pitch.
It additionally doesn’t sit comfortably within the R efficiency vary occupied by quick Golfs and Tiguans.
However it’s a formidable luxurious SUV that may additionally ship driving tempo and pampering that luxurious rivals cost hundreds extra for.
Volkswagen Touareg R
PRICE: From about $140,000 drive-away
WARRANTY/SERVICING: 5 yrs/limitless km, $3400 for 5 yrs/75,000km
SAFETY: Eight airbags, auto emergency braking, blind-spot and lane-keep help, rear cross-traffic alert with braking, fatigue detection, speed-sign recognition
ENGINE: 3.0-litre V6 turbo hybrid, 340kW/700Nm
THIRST: 3.3L/100km
SPARE: Restore equipment
LUGGAGE: 810 litres
VERDICT
Three and a half stars
Doesn’t fairly ship the most effective of each worlds however this lavishly appointed SUV flagship has tempo and charm.
