2023-11-11 23:00:00
VW crowns the Touareg series with the R eHybrid. First test drive with the most powerful production Volkswagen of all time.
Since production of the Phaeton sedan ended in 2016, the Touareg has been the undisputed leader of the VW model range. After 21 years of construction and almost 1.2 million units sold, the almost five-meter-long off-road vehicle has now finally climbed to the performance throne: As an R Hybrid with a system output of an impressive 462 hp, the top model is even 12 hp more powerful than the Phaeton’s unforgettable W12 engine .
Talents as a towing vehicle are important in the Touareg R eHybrid
The fact that the almost two and a half ton off-road vehicle has actually long since taken over the role of the brand’s flagship is also shown by the fact that VW assumes that well over half of all new Touaregs will be sold as R models. It’s no big surprise that it’s less the sporting abilities of the four-wheeler that play an important role than its distinctive talents as a towing vehicle. With a system torque of 700 Newton meters and a trailer load of a whopping 3.5 tons, the R eHybrid plays in an extremely exclusive league.
The characteristics of the hybrid drive also fit in with this: the top Touareg starts in electric mode as standard, and if you want, you can easily cruise through the landscape up to a maximum of 135 km/h. However, the battery, which is comparatively small at 14.3 kWh, reaches its limits relatively quickly. After 47 purely electric kilometers at the latest, the electricity comes to an end and the system starts the three-liter six-cylinder gasoline engine. For those who often travel further afield, hybrid mode is the smarter choice from the start. The 136 hp electric motor then drives in addition to the petrol engine, superbly moderated by the smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission and of course with permanent all-wheel drive as standard.
VW has installed technical delights in the R model of the Touareg
Apart from the drive, the colleagues from the R department at VW have installed a few other technical goodies. The interaction of the all-wheel steering with the active roll compensation of the chassis is particularly impressive. When cornering faster, the Touareg easily feels a few hundred kilos lighter. The highlight, however, is the so-called roof load sensor, which automatically detects whether a roof box or other heavy loads are being transported and automatically adjusts the chassis accordingly. The new HD matrix light with its 38,000 LEDs is also a highlight in the truest sense of the word. If desired, it can even illuminate specific danger areas or obstacles.
Despite this technical overkill and the starting price of just under 95,000 euros, the Touareg R eHybrid remains visually pleasantly inconspicuous. The contrast between the new matt “Silicon Gray” paint and the bright VW logo on the rear of the vehicle is particularly successful.
NEW INTRODUCTION: VW Touareg R eHybrid
Five-seater off-road vehicle, six-cylinder petrol engine (250 kW/340 hp), electric motor (100 kW/136 hp), system output 340 kW/462 hp, 8-speed automatic, all-wheel drive. Battery 14.3 kWh, electric range max. 135 km, WLTP standard consumption. 2.1 l., 23.7 kWh/100 km. Weight 2481 kg, trunk 665-1675 l., Price: from 94,890 euros.
What likes:
That you don’t always have to see performance.
What you like less:
Less than 50 kilometers electrically is not enough.
What surprises:
Apart from the hybrids, only diesel engines.
Perfect for:
Horse and sailboat owners.
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