The 2020 Volkswagen Touareg R is the first hybrid or plug-in hybrid to wear the company’s R badge, and it’s a less pretentious way to be a Porsche driver.
If you live in Europe, that is. The latest Touareg (R or no R) isn’t coming to the US because we’ll just buy a billion Atlases instead.
The Touareg R is the most powerful car in Volkswagen’s global range, and it has a 3L turbo V6 plug-in hybrid powertrain with 340kW (456hp) and 700Nm (516 lb-ft), 8-speed automatic, and AWD. This is the same powertrain as the more expensive (and better looking but more conspicuous) Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid.
The 0-100km/h hasn’t been revealed, but the Porsche has a 0-60mph time of 4.7s. Touareg R can operate as an EV up to 140km/h (87mph). Overall top speed is 250km/h (155mph).
Range hasn’t been confirmed, but the Touareg R’s 14.1kWh battery is the same as the Cayenne E-Hybrid, and that has a NEDC range of 44km (27mi).
Other standard features of the Touareg R include a Torsen center differential that can send up up to 70% of drive to the front wheels or 80% to the rear, 20″ Braga wheels, 12″ digital instrument screen, 15″ touchscreen infotainment system, IQ Light matrix headlamps, and 4-zone air conditioner.
There’s also black grille, mirrors and trim, darkened LED taillights, Vienna leather with gray stitching, high gloss black and silver cabin trim, illuminated stainless steel sill panel trim, and brushed stainless steel pedals.
The options list includes 21″ and 22″ wheels, a 780W Dynaudio sound system, night vision, and partial automated steering and lane departure assist system known as Travel Assist.
