History repeats itself. If in 2019, at the Geneva Motor Show, we got to know the most powerful of the Touareg — 421 hp extracted from a substantial V8 TDI —, in 2020, at the same show, we will meet a Touareg… even more powerful. The new Volkswagen Touareg R see the 421 hp of the V8 TDI and "bet more", rising to the 462 hp
To supplant its “brother”, it uses a smaller V6 TSI with 2.9 l, gasoline, with 340 hp assisted by an electric motor with 136 hp. If the maximum combined power fixed at 462 hp (340 kW) surpasses the V8 TDI, the maximum combined torque of 700 Nm is (a lot) below the “fat” 900 Nm of the Diesel unit.
The new Touareg R is thus Volkswagen's first electrified “R” model. It is a plug-in hybrid, and this means that it can travel in pure electric mode (E-Mode), although a final value for maximum autonomy has not yet been advanced. The battery is lithium ion, has a capacity of 14.1 kWh and is positioned under the trunk.
We don't know how far you can travel in electric mode, but we know how fast: up to 140 km/h. From that speed on, the V6 TSI goes into action (or sooner, if necessary), being able to take the “family size” SUV up to a maximum speed of 250 km/h.
Capacity for everything
It may be a plug-in hybrid, but capacity doesn't seem to lack the new Volkswagen Touareg R, just like the other Touareg. The transmission is carried out through an automatic eight-speed gearbox with four wheels (4Motion) and it is possible to lock the central differential. This can transmit up to 70% of the force to the front axle and up to 80% to the rear axle.
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Yes, Volkswagen says we can take the new Touareg R down "bad paths" — maybe it's not the best Touareg to do that when it comes with standard 20″ (Braga) and optionally 21″ (Suzuka) wheels and 22″ (Estoril), and high-performance rubber… for asphalt.
But in case we decide to do so, the SUV has Offroad and Snow (snow) driving modes available, which complement the better known Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport and Individual. An optional off-road equipment package is also available which includes, in addition to protection plates, two additional modes: Gravel (gravel) and Sand (sand).
Another feature that Touareg owners appreciate is its towing capability and the new Volkswagen Touareg R, even though it is a plug-in hybrid — electric and electrified vehicles are not the most suitable for this type of work —, it is not far behind.
According to the Wolfsburg brand, around 40% of Touareg owners in Europe (60% in Germany) make use of its towing capacity — a high figure. The advertised towing capacity for the R is 3.5 t, even when in E-Mode. To help with parking maneuvers, it is also equipped with Trailer Assist.
Own style
On the outside, the new Volkswagen Touareg R stands out for its black wheels, and for the exclusive and optional Lapiz Blue color of the bodywork that you can see in the images. In contrast, the grille and other elements are painted in glossy black, as well as the rear lights are darkened. The stylized “R” logo that identifies the version is highlighted.
Inside we also see the “R” logo on the leather seats, and the glossy black is also present throughout the dashboard. The heated, multifunction steering wheel with integrated paddles (to change gear) is new; and the threshold of the doors, with the “R” illuminated, is in stainless steel.
The interior of the Volkswagen Touareg R comes as standard with the Innovision Cockpit, comprising the 12″ digital instrument panel (Digital Cockpit) and the 15″ info-entertainment system display (Discover Premium). Also standard are the IQ.Light LED matrix headlamps, the panoramic roof and the four-zone climate system.
Optionally available is a 780 W Dynaudio sound system and Night Vision, but the highlight goes to the Travel Assist , available for the first time on Touareg. The semi-autonomous driving system (level 2) has also increased its capabilities, and can be used up to 250 km/h (until now it was only possible to use it up to 210 km/h).
When arrives?
For now, it is only known that the new Volkswagen Touareg R will be publicly presented at the Geneva Motor Show, which opens its doors as early as next week. The German brand did not advance with prices or a date for its arrival on the market.
