The hybrid-powerred Touareg R arrives to dethrone the 421-hp V8 TDI spec. What does it have on offer?
The luxury SUV comes powered by a turbocharged gasoline V6 rated at 340 hp (250 kW) and a single electric motor adding 136 hp (100 kW). The resulting output amounts to 462 hp (350 kW) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque. The top speed remains capped at 250 km/h (155 mph), and the sprint times remain to be announced.
The Hybrid spec uses an eight-speed automatic transmission and permanent AWD, with the ability to direct up to 70 percent of the torque to the front axle or up to 80 percent to the rear axle.
The battery holds 14.1 kilowatt-hours of power, and the Touareg R usually launches in electric mode. You can accelerate up to 140 km/h (87 mph) in this mode, and the gasoline engine will only fire up when hitting that speed or when you need to accelerate rapidly. In fact, there are only two driving modes available: Electric and Hybrid, with no gas-only option. Despite this, the SUV can haul a trailer attachment weighing up to 3.5 metric tons (7,700 lbs).
The standard feature list includes smart LED headlights and the Innovision Cockpit package with a 12-inch dash screen and a 15-inch multimedia screen. Options notably mention a trailer assist system and a Level II autopilot feature operational below 250 km/h (155 mph).
On the outside, the R makes itself known through its new body kit, 20-inch wheels (22-inch ones are optional), special paint schemes, sport seats, and a few purely decorative touches.
It remains unclear just whether the Volkswagen Touareg R will be present at the GIMS 2020. Sales will start in the second half of 2020.