Volkswagen Touareg R 2024: pricing confirmed for hot plug-in hybrid SUV

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After first reporting its confirmation for Australian release over two years ago, the long-awaited plug-in hybrid R version of Volkswagen’s Touareg will launch locally in conjunction with the rest of facelifted large SUV range in March or April 2024.

Volkswagen Australia has revealed that the first-ever plug-in hybrid model to be offered locally will be priced from $129,990 before options and on-road costs. 

Touted to become the most powerful production Volkswagen ever according to its importer, the R – also dubbed ‘R eHybrid’ in some official literature – outputs 340kW and 700Nm from a powertrain system that combines a 250kW/450Nm 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol V6 with a 100kW and 400Nm electric motor.

As reported prior, the facelifted version of Touareg R is claimed to offer 5.1-second 0-100km/h performance. 

By way of its 14.3kWh battery, the performance SUV is claimed to offer up to 52 kilometres of all-electric range, while combined fuel consumption is currently rated at 3.3L/100kms, though both of these figures are European WLTP and could vary somewhat with Australian homologation.  

Australian specifications confirmed

The Touareg R lands in Australia with a single powertrain specification that backs the hybrid system with an eight-speed automatic transmission and permanent all-wheel drive.

Volkswagen Australia has also revealed a number of the key highlight features of the Australian specification Touareg R, which include:

• 22-inch Estoril wheels
• Air suspension
• Signature Lapiz Blue metallic paintwork option
• Black exterior highlights and exhaust tips
• Blue ‘R logo’ brakes
• R logo puddle lights
• Power latching doors
• Electric tailgate
• Panoramic glass roof
• R-specific interior wheel
• Pantera Black Puglia leather sports seats
• 12-inch digital cockpit with Night Vision
• 15-inch Discover Premium multimedia 
• Dynaudio sound system
• Wireless App-Connect
• Dynamic road sign display
• Head-up display
• Inductive charging
• Four-zone climate control
• Front and outboard rear seat heating
• Brushed dark aluminium decor

The R version also sports other updates shared with other Touareg facelift variants, including a fresh front end with a more hexagonal grille treatment, larger lower intakes, a continuous light strip, ID-esque horizontal tail light signature and illuminated VW badging.

The upcoming Touareg also debuts Volkswagen-first IQ Light HD LED Matrix headlights that can ostensibly project a ‘carpet’ of light ahead of the vehicle.     

Volkswagen Australia trusts that the Touareg R will be hot property once it arrives around March/April 2024 in a market that ranks number one globally for R (and Amarok) volume sales. 

Volkswagen Touareg R: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• Touareg R: $129,990