Volkswagen Touareg R confirmed for Oz
First plug-in hybrid and new flagship for the Volkswagen brand in Australia locked in for 2022 launchThe first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) from Volkswagen in Australia is now locked in, with the German brand confirming today that the Volkswagen Touareg R will launch late next year.
The 2022 Volkswagen Touareg R has been at the top of VW’s hit list of green cars – which includes the ID electric vehicle range – and will serve as the new flagship for the brand in Australia.
By the time it arrives, the top-shelf Touareg will be the fifth R model in Volkswagen’s Aussie line-up, following the forthcoming new Golf R, Golf R Wagon and Tiguan R (all now due late in the first quarter of 2022) and the T-Roc R (third quarter 2022).
Effectively replacing the discontinued Touareg V8 turbo-diesel, the Touareg R combines a 250kW/450Nm 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol V6 with a 100kW/400Nm electric motor for sizeable 340kW and 700Nm total output.
The same powertrain does duty in the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid in Australia (priced from $147,400) and compares with 310kW/900Nm from the discontinued V8 TDI’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo diesel.
Volkswagen claims the Touareg R will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 5.1 seconds, while also offering a WLTP-verified electric range of 47km from its 14.3kWh battery mounted beneath the boot floor. Combined-cycle fuel consumption is listed at just 2.7L/100km.
Towing capacity for the Touareg R will be rated at 3500kg (braked) in Australia.
Volkswagen is expected to reveal pricing and specification details for the Touareg R next month, when it outlines plans for the broader R portfolio.
In Australia, the 2022 Volkswagen Touareg R will rival other large luxury plug-in hybrid SUVs including the Volvo XC90 Recharge (from $116,990) and the BMW X5 xDrive45e (from $135,400).
The Touareg R’s performance credentials will also place it loosely among established performance SUVs including the BMW X5 M50i and the Audi SQ7.
Volkswagen Australia passenger vehicle marketing general manager Ralph Beckmann said recent government policies were a major catalyst for the Touareg R’s Aussie inclusion.
“The Touareg R was not destined for Australia because Volkswagen PHEVs and EVs are naturally prioritised for markets with emissions targets,” he said.
“The Aussie appetite for the biggest and best Volkswagens combined with the overdue recognition on the part of government that Australians deserve the best quality petrol, and the progressive policies of NSW, all helped make the business case.
“We can’t at this point say that the Touareg R indicates that more affordable Volkswagen hybrids are coming to Australia, especially during a period of production issues related to the global semi-conductor shortage.
“We can say that despite formidable obstacles, we’re doing all that can be done to secure for Australian customers the same choices enjoyed by those elsewhere in the world.”
Volkswagen Group Australia is planning a broader PHEV arsenal next year with the arrival of the performance-oriented Cupra range, a move that is supported by rampant historical uptake of Volkswagen R models in Australia – which is third globally in annual sales behind Germany and the UK.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
