In the vast landscape of luxury SUVs, it’s difficult to find one that not only ticks all the boxes, but ticks all the boxes superbly. We’re talking traits that often contradict each other – elegance, performance, economy, practicality, and off-road preparation – all converging into one super SUV. The 2024 Volkswagen Touareg R stands out like a peacock at a pigeon convention.
With a design that whispers sophistication and a powertrain that soars with authority, the new R aims to capture the hearts of both families and driving enthusiasts alike. Sales for the Touareg are slowly on the rise, with deliveries up 80 per cent in September compared with last September, according to VFACTS. It accounted for about 5.0 per cent of the large SUV market over $80k. Let’s dive into the details to see how this connoisseur of all trades pulls it all together.
2024 Volkswagen Touareg R: Specifications
Engine: 3.0-litre turbo-petrol V6 plug-in hybrid
Electrical: 14.3kWh battery, 100kW/400Nm e-motor
Output (combined): 340kW / 700Nm
Gearbox: Eight-speed auto
Drive type: Four-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 22×9.5, 285/35
ANCAP: Five stars
Tare weight: 2433kg
Power-to-weight: 7.15:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 3.3L/100km
Our consumption: 0-11.1L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 75L/98 RONPower efficiency: 103.03kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 2.55 seconds*
0-100km/h: 5.00 seconds (5.06s at 0% battery)*
0-200km/h: 18.05 seconds*
60-110km/h: 3.24 seconds*
1/4 mile: 13.31 seconds at 173.7km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.848g*
100-0km/h braking: 36.64m in 3.02 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.683g*
Decibel at idle: 38*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 75*
Starting price: $129,990
*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2024 Volkswagen Touareg R: How much does it cost?
Before we delve into the splendour that is the Touareg R, let’s talk about the elephant in the room, its price tag. Recent price reductions have the entry-level 170TDI retailing from $86,790. Then the 210TDI asks for $99,990, with the R-Line add-on requesting $10k more. At the top of the totem pole is the R we spent a week with, starting from $129,990 (all excluding on-roads).
At this price, it is positioned squarely against the likes of the Audi Q7, Lexus RX, and Volvo XC90. Specifically, the R’s price might sound steep, but you really need to look at what the Touareg R offers over and above the titans of the luxury SUV segment, including unique plug-in hybrid power.
The Slovakian-built Touareg is offered with a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty and 12 months of free roadside assistance. Services are required every 12 months or 15,000km. In terms of ongoing costs, a five-year service plan can be pre-purchased for $3400 (saving $668 without a plan), or a three-year plan for $2050 (saving $222 when not prepaying).
2024 Volkswagen Touareg R: Interior & packaging
Inside the Touareg R reveals a rich scene of luxury, featuring glossy black and brushed metal-look panels that gleam under a rich glow of ambient lighting. The contrasting double blue stitching throughout the cabin creates a regal touch, while the premium Puglia leather upholstery envelops you in comfort.
The design isn’t just for show. It’s highly functional, too. You’ll find massive door pockets and generous bottle holders that make storing everyday essentials easy. A deep centre storage compartment is perfect for hiding away your bits and bobs, while a clever hideaway knee box on the right side keeps everything neatly out of sight. Volkswagen knows how to cater to our desire for organisation. In terms of interior dimensions, the Touareg is huge – and bigger than the previous gen – easily accommodating five adults.
Volkswagen also considered the little details that make a big difference. Double-layer sun visors, close assist doors, an electronically adjustable steering wheel, massaging front seats, and seat belt active tensioners are just some of the thoughtful solutions that create a refined atmosphere. Bright interior lighting adds to the overall luxurious feel, making evening drives a pleasure rather than a chore.
Rear passengers are treated to their own slice of luxury as well. They benefit from independent climate control, rear window blinds, and heated outboard seats that slide and tilt for maximum comfort. It’s a thoughtful touch that ensures everyone aboard feels pampered.
As for the tech, the Touareg R boasts huge screens that have undergone a significant upgrade from previous models. The lower resolution fonts are a thing of the past; the new 15-inch centre and 12-inch instrument displays are crisp and highly customisable, offering a smorgasbord of settings to tweak to your heart’s content.
However, be prepared to dive deep into the menu to fully master all that customisation – especially since the air conditioning controls are integrated into the touch-screen with no physical buttons in sight. The menus take a bit longer than others to get used to, at first. But the payoff is a sleek, minimalist dashboard that exudes modern elegance. We also count five USB-C ports in total.
And let’s not forget about the 14-speaker Dynaudio sound system. This isn’t just any audio setup, it’s a full-bodied experience. With booming bass and crystal-clear sound, your favourite tracks come alive. Whether you’re a classical music aficionado or a rock ‘n’ roll enthusiast, the audio quality will enhance your driving experience.
One area where the Touareg R (and most current Volkswagens) falls short on is the haptic steering wheel buttons. While they add to the modern aesthetic, they feel less intuitive than traditional buttons. There is no physical click inward, rather a vibration of feedback. We often pressed them multiple times to get the desired response, which can be a bit frustrating when you’re focussed on the road ahead.
Behind the second row, boot space has vastly grown over the previous generation. From 580 litres to 810 litres. With the rear seats folded down, the volume also increases from 1642 litres to 1800 litres. There is enough room for a third row, but Volkswagen does not dare to take the Touareg near a seven-seat conversation.
The safety list is top of class, with too much to mention. Highlights include dynamic road sign display, ‘IQ.LIGHT’ matrix LED headlamps with adaptive high-beam, front and rear manoeuvre braking, adaptive cruise with travel assist, lane assist, emergency assist, proactive occupant protection, multi-angle surround-view cameras, side assist with front and rear cross-traffic alert, and night time vision with animal and human detection.
Judging the exterior and comparing to some out-there designs coming through lately, the Touareg’s overall design is understated in a good way. It looks refreshingly sophisticated with its neat contours and conservative proportions. Then the R adds a hint of devilish intention with glossy black highlights instead of chrome, huge 22-inch ‘Estoril’ alloy wheels, and sharp LED lighting that bridges the front and rear lights, and even an illuminated VW logo.
2024 Volkswagen Touareg R: Powertrain & handling
Now, let’s pop the bonnet and see what lies beneath. The Touareg R packs serious punch with a powertrain that thrusts this heavy beast forward. It’s impressive. You get a familiar 3.0-litre turbo-petrol V6 that works with a 14.3kWh battery pack and electric motor. Together, they grant you with access to 340kW and 700Nm. It covers 0-100km/h in a claimed 5.1 seconds, and we tested it with a Vbox in 5.00 seconds even (5.06 seconds with 0% battery level).
However, it’s worth noting that you won’t always have access to that full output unless the battery is charged to a certain level. Without electric power, the engine develops 250kW and 450Nm, while the electric side adds 100kW and 400Nm.
Some ‘R’ enthusiasts might say that 250kW is not enough to earn the true R badge, and the extra power gained from the electric side is a cheaters’ way out. Nonetheless, acceleration is nothing short of exhilarating, giving you the confidence to merge onto highways or tackle steep inclines with ease. If the batteries are low, don’t worry, it still launches confidently so you’re never left feeling underwhelmed.
The engine is matched to an eight-speed automatic that feels smooth and refined through the ratios when engine power is running through it. But we experienced some rough downshifts coming to a stop when the engine was off and the electric side had taken over. It felt like the gearbox did not know how to smooth out the change load during downshifts caused by the braking energy recharge process. We’re confident a programming update could fix this, which could be isolated to this test vehicle only.
Fuel consumption with the Touareg R varies significantly based on your driving habits. If you’re diligent about charging and typically drive less than 51 kilometres between charges, you could theoretically achieve 0L/100km. Sound too good to be true? In practice, it often is – especially considering the vast distances we cover in Australia.
Achieving that figure would require careful throttle management and a commitment to using only the 100kW of electric power to avoid the engine kicking in, which somewhat defeats the purpose of owning the R in the first place. We saw a maximum recharge rate of around 7.2kW using a 22kW three-phase AC home charger.
According to the official tests, the Touareg R offers an average consumption of 3.3L/100km. If you treat it more like a conventional hybrid and don’t regularly plug it in, you can expect fuel consumption closer to 11L/100km – still not bad for something with 340kW. It also demands the most premium petrol Australia sells; 98 RON. If charging is not going to be part of your routine, you might want to consider the 210TDI diesel variant instead, which, in our opinion, offers a lower overall consumption rate in the real world.
When it comes to driving modes, the Touareg R leaves no stone unturned. With more options than you’ll remember to use, the 4WD system allows for an unprecedented level of customisation, including adjustments for ride height. There’s an Individual mode as well so you can mix and match different settings.
Want a smooth, comfortable ride for those long-distance drives? Flip to Comfort mode. Looking for something more agile and firm for spirited driving? Sport mode is your friend. You can genuinely feel the difference as you toggle through the modes, which makes every journey feel tailored to your needs.
Those massive 22-inch wheels are also broad, wearing 285/35 tyres front and rear, giving ultimate grip for fast corners and take-off to channel all that weight and power. Slowing down capabilities are also matched with monstrous six-piston front brakes with 400mm rotors, and single-piston rears on 350mm rotors. To draw attention to them, the calipers are painted the traditional R blue.
Aside from those huge wheels and a tyre repair kit instead of a full-size spare wheel, the Touareg’s off-road abilities are certainly well-prepared; with its adjustable ground clearance, dedicated Offroad mode, and electronic diff lock, it does alright for a performance SUV.
Its 3500kg braked towing capacity is also a standout in its class. Though, in the R, the maximum tow ball down weight is downgraded to 220kg – the base 170TDI tolerates up to 280kg.
2024 Volkswagen Touareg R: Key attractions/reasons to buy
- A connoisseur of all trades: The Touareg R aces many SUV traits, where much of the competition only manages some.
- Impressive powertrain performance: 340kW and 700Nm is brutal. It feels like nothing could get in the way of the R. Even with its 2433kg tare weight.
- Customisations galore: The level of personalisation available in the suspension, ride height, and driving profile is very impressive. And each make a big impact on the driving feel.
- It is now bigger: Since the previous generation, the Touareg now offers true large SUV space that would be big enough for a third row.
- Feature list is endless: Everything comes standard in the R; night vision, close assist doors, massaging front seats, matrix headlights, air suspension.
2024 Volkswagen Touareg R: Key considerations before you buy
- Fuel consumption varies: If your lifestyle does not allow for regular charges, running the Touareg as a standard hybrid won’t get near the official consumption rate of 3.3L/100km.
- Haptic steering wheel buttons: The ‘buttons’ on the steering wheel just don’t feel as natural as regular buttons in our opinion.
- Room for a third row, but no third row: Maybe it keeps things more luxurious, but the lack of a third row will have the Touareg fall off the consideration list for some prospective buyers.
- Exhaust sound: It doesn’t bark like a traditional R model. Some more noise would be nice, even through a bi-modal setup to retain refinement when cruising.
2024 Volkswagen Touareg R: Key considerations before you buy
How does it rate against its rivals?
- Price
- Quality look & feel
- Interior tech
- Powertrain performance
- Ride & handling
- X-factor (does it stand out in its class?)
Final word
The 2024 Volkswagen Touareg R stands out in the luxury SUV market with its elegant design and powerful plug-in hybrid engine. It’s one of the few that succeeds in all aspects, rather than just a few. The spacious and luxurious interior is packed with advanced technology. Though, the lack of a third row may limit its appeal for larger families.
