VW Touareg also comes as a plug-in hybrid.

The Touareg eHybrid utilizes the well-known powertrain from the Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7/Q8 but starts at a lower price: The 280 kW version begins at just under 62,400 euros net, while the stronger 340 kW version starts at just under 73,000 euros net. Both versions of the VW use the 250 kW V6 turbo gasoline engine, which is paired with an electric motor integrated into the housing of the eight-speed automatic transmission. This electric motor delivers up to 100 kW at peak. An interesting feature is the high towing capacity: With the 100 kW electric motor delivering 400 Nm of torque, the Touareg is said to be able to pull the maximum towing capacity of 3.5 tons (braked) even in pure electric mode. However, the 47 kilometers of electric range then become an illusion. For trailer operation, the Touareg also features VW's typical "Trailer Assist," which significantly simplifies reversing with a trailer. The folks from Niedersachsen have added another feature when it comes to parking: According to VW, the Touareg is the first model that can be automatically parked in and out using the new "Park Assist Plus with remote control" via a smartphone app - the PHEV versions can do this either with the V6 gasoline engine or, quieter, more elegantly, and easier to control, in pure electric mode.

Ranges of up to 810 kilometers

The battery also offers 17.9 kWh gross capacity (which is 14.3 kWh net) and should provide an electric range of 47 kilometers for both versions of the Touareg PHEV according to WLTP. This is remarkable, as the Touareg R uses different tires, which usually can quickly reduce the range by several kilometers depending on their width. VW states the standard consumption as 2.6 liters and 24.2 kWh/100km, while for the Touareg R, it's 2.7 liters and 24.4 kWh/100km. The battery is continuously recharged a bit during driving via recuperation. This energy should suffice for the Touareg eHybrid and the Touareg R to completely shut off the V6 engine during deceleration and on downhill sections, allowing them to "sail" locally emission-free. Additionally, there's the "anticipatory hybrid strategy": Both Touareg models use GPS and the navigation system's map data to achieve the most economical consumption values even on medium and long-distance trips. The SUVs integrate route data into the hybrid control system. According to VW, this enables the Touareg eHybrid and the Touareg R to achieve total ranges of up to 810 kilometers.

Also with the Touareg, the different system outputs result from the different tuning of the electric motors, but VW differentiates the models more strongly: The Touareg eHybrid is more geared towards high travel comfort, while the Touareg R presents itself as sportier and is available with a tighter tuning and sporty design accents. The "standard version," on the other hand, showcases "Atmosphere" and "Elegance." Even the base equipment is extensive: All versions come with four-zone climate control, the large navigation system "Discover Premium," as well as a panoramic sliding/tilting roof. The Touareg R also comes standard with the interactive "IQ.Light-LED matrix headlights."

What does this mean?

The Touareg was once VW's bestseller and a veritable alternative in the upper premium mid-class SUV sector. However, it has recently come under significant pressure, both internally and externally. This is because Audi, Porsche, BMW, Daimler, Land Rover, and Volvo launched plug-in hybrids in this segment earlier, which have been very popular. Hence, the engine update for the top VW was urgently needed. It's great that there are no concessions when it comes to the large towing capacity!