Volkswagen Touareg R plug-in hybrid review

Volkswagen has been on a plug-in hybrid drive, launching around 10 models in little more than a year that use electric power to boost performance and cut fuel consumption, while also being able to cover 50 to 60 km with zero emissions. The Touareg R is now the latest to receive these increasingly valued attributes among European buyers (see box), and we had the chance to test it in Hanover.

At first glance, Volkswagen’s large SUV is fairly understated, without extravagant spoilers or exhaust outlets at the rear. Yet, although typical Volkswagen R customers are, in Germany, roughly a decade older than AMG and M buyers, several visual details set it apart from its more restrained siblings.

These include a black radiator grille, numerous R badges around the bodywork, bespoke bumpers, larger 20-inch to 22-inch wheels, darkened LED rear light clusters and various black trim elements to increase its “dramatic effect”.

Inside, the Touareg R distinguishes itself from the rest of the line-up with sports seats carrying the R logo and special stitching, as well as a more extensive standard equipment list. It includes four-zone automatic climate control, the Innovision Cockpit - featuring a 12-inch digital instrument panel and the latest Discover Premium navigation system on the large 15-inch central display - a panoramic tilt-and-slide sunroof, and the advanced Matrix IQ Light lighting system.

The most powerful Volkswagen

As the new range-topping model, the Touareg R underlines both its sporting and environmental credentials through the combination of a 340 bhp 3.0-litre V6 TSI engine and a 100 kW/136 bhp electric motor, integrated into the gearbox connected to the V6. Volkswagen has derived two versions from this arrangement: the eHybrid, with a maximum system output of 381 bhp and 600 Nm, and the R tested here, delivering up to 462 bhp and 700 Nm.

This makes it the most powerful production Volkswagen to date. Despite weighing 2.5 tonnes - 500 kg more than the V6 Touareg without hybrid propulsion - it can reach 100 km/h in only 5.1 seconds before continuing to a top speed of 250 km/h.

The less powerful eHybrid completes the same sprint in 5.9 seconds, matching the non-plug-in V6 Touareg. This shows that the electric assistance can do no more than offset the additional mass of the complete hybrid system. Those familiar with the technical details will know that this is the same powertrain used by the plug-in hybrid Porsche Cayenne, Bentley Bentayga and Audi Q7, although calibrated according to the values of each premium and luxury brand.

No electronic anti-roll control or rear-wheel steering

From a technical perspective, the R is closely related to the non-hybrid Touareg V6. For instance, it uses a two-chamber air suspension system rather than the three-chamber setup fitted to the hybrid Cayenne.

That alone indicates the fundamental character of this Touareg R: it is a comfort king rather than a corner-carving machine. Add the considerable extra weight and the fact that the R cannot be specified with rear-wheel steering or active anti-roll bars, and it becomes clear that this is not the most agile or precise Touareg available.

Both systems would be very interesting, but there is simply no room for either because the plug-in hybrid hardware takes up substantial space.

That does not mean it lacks dynamic ability. The Touareg R counters its considerable mass with the strength of two power sources, aided by four-wheel drive. In both versions, the eight-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox and a transfer case send power to the front and rear axles through permanent 4Motion all-wheel drive. The Torsen centre differential lock, with asymmetric dynamic torque distribution, acts as a transfer case to exchange forces between the front and rear axles. Up to 70% of torque can be directed to the front wheels and as much as 80% to the rear.

Volkswagen Touareg R capability in every environment

Drivers can select a purely electric mode, available up to 135 km/h, or allow the system to choose the most appropriate propulsion method at any given moment in hybrid mode. It is also possible to set the battery charge level desired on arrival at the destination, perhaps for the final part of a journey ending in an urban area. If the battery level falls below that threshold, the petrol engine and recuperation system will ensure it is recharged while driving.

Even with the chassis set to its sportiest configuration, using Sport mode - selected via the rotary controller on the centre console, which also offers Off-road and Snow modes in addition to the usual settings - and with the SUV lowered by 15 mm using the right-hand rotary control, the Touareg R never rides in an uncomfortably “harsh” manner.

Throttle response becomes sharper, gear changes from the eight-speed automatic are quicker, and the steering adapts to the overall set-up by becoming heavier. Even then, however, it does not achieve the precision or communicative ability of the Porsche Cayenne. That is not its purpose.

The test programme included an off-road route, where it became apparent that the already highly capable Touareg feels entirely at home on demanding unpaved tracks. It climbed and descended loose or muddy surfaces, negotiated substantial axle articulation and left genuinely threatening holes and ridges behind thanks to the smoothness and immediate availability of electric torque.

The steep-slope descent control is also particularly useful and easy to operate: speed automatically increases when the accelerator is pressed, then remains unchanged until either the accelerator or brake pedal is pressed again.

There has been no low-range gearbox since the Touareg’s second generation, but it is not missed. Raising the suspension by 7 cm helps avoid contact with larger obstacles off-road, while lowering it by 4 cm makes it easier to get into and out of the huge SUV, or to load and unload luggage. The boot loses 200 litres of maximum capacity - falling from 810 litres to 610 litres - because the space beneath the floor is occupied by the 17.3 kWh battery, of which 14.1 kWh is usable.

Horse enthusiasts will be pleased to know that the Touareg R can tow 3.5 tonnes and features a trailer assist system that simplifies manoeuvres. Remote-controlled parking via smartphone can also be useful. AC charging is available at 2.3, 3.6 or 7.2 kW, with a full charge taking between 7 and 2.5 hours.

Use “defines” consumption

The driver always determines a significant part of the energy bill for using a vehicle, but this is even more evident with plug-in hybrids.

It can vary dramatically according to the distances travelled. On a 50 km route - electric range is 47 km - it is easy to achieve an average of 5 l/100 km, or even substantially less when driving solely on electric power. But on a longer journey including motorway sections, do not be surprised to use well over 10 l/100 km of petrol; in that situation, the officially declared 2.5 to 2.9 l/100 km becomes an unrealistic prospect.

There is no “B” mode to increase energy recuperated under braking or deceleration, because the plug-in hybrid system was developed by Audi, which is not a fan of this feature. Adding it would also be very expensive for Volkswagen, as an anonymous manufacturer engineer explained to me.

To some extent, this stronger recuperation function has to be handled by the navigation system’s predictive function, which slows the vehicle as it approaches a roundabout, a lower-speed zone or an obstacle further ahead on the road.

Technical specifications

Volkswagen Touareg R
ENGINE
Architecture	V6, 6 cylinders
Position	Front longitudinal
Capacity	2995 cm³
Valve gear	2xDOHC, 4 valves/cyl., 24 valves
Fuel system	Direct injection, turbo
Power	340 bhp between 5200-6400 rpm
Torque	450 Nm between 1340-5300 rpm
ELECTRIC MOTOR
Power	136 bhp (100 kW)
Torque	N/A
MAXIMUM COMBINED OUTPUT
Maximum combined power	462 bhp
Maximum combined torque	700 Nm
BATTERY
Position	Rear
Chemistry	Lithium-ion
Capacity	14.1 kWh
Charging	2.3 kW: 7h; 3.6 kW: 4.5h; 7.2 kW: 2.5h. Approximate times
TRANSMISSION
Drive	Four-wheel drive
Gearbox	8-speed automatic, torque converter
CHASSIS
Suspension	Front: independent MacPherson; rear: independent multi-link
Brakes	Front: ventilated discs; rear: ventilated discs
Steering	Electric assistance
DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Length x width x height	4.878 m x 1.984 m x 1.717 m
Wheelbase	2.904 m
Boot	610 l
Weight	2533 kg
PERFORMANCE, CONSUMPTION, EMISSIONS
Top speed	250 km/h
0-100 km/h	5.1s
Combined consumption	2.5-2.9 l/100 km
Combined CO₂ emissions	57-66 g/km