VW Touareg R eHybrid 4MOTION: Luxury, Power, and a Hint of Bentley
The Touareg R eHybrid's interior exhibits a level of refinement and attention to detail that evokes the premium feel of its Volkswagen Group stablemates, particularly those from Bentley.
VW Touareg R eHybrid 4MOTION
Touring in the Touareg, a pleasing bit of alliteration, is surprisingly comfortable. However, one cannot help but raise a quizzical eyebrow. It is undeniably striking, possessing a visual gravitas that rivals the Audi I recently reviewed. Has Volkswagen, in its apparent wisdom, decided to engage in a form of sibling rivalry? As if the automotive landscape were not already a complex tapestry of challenges. After all, it is well-known that the technological advancements pioneered by Bentley tend to trickle down through the Volkswagen Group, eventually finding their way into Audi and, indeed, Volkswagen models. The Touareg R, it seems, embodies more than a mere hint of Bentayga DNA, and frankly, that influence is palpable.
Adding to the intrigue, the Touareg R shares its V6 engine and electric motor with the Porsche Cayenne eHybrid, thus claiming the title of the most powerful production Volkswagen to date. And, spoiler alert: the R variant is unequivocally the one to covet.
To truly experience this Teutonic titan, we embarked on a historical tour to Norwich, a city steeped in charm and character. Our base was the St. Giles Hotel, a marvellous boutique, family-run B&B that exudes the warmth of a private apartment, complete with a breakfast that would make a seasoned gourmand swoon.
Under the Hood: Technical Prowess
The Touareg R combines a turbocharged 2,995 cc V6 petrol engine with an electric motor, producing a formidable 462 PS. Power is sent through an eight-speed automatic gearbox to a permanent all-wheel-drive system, launching this 2.5-tonne beast from 0 to 62 mph in just 5.1 seconds. Top speed? A respectable 155 mph.
The 14.3 kWh battery claims an impressive 122.8 MPG, but let’s be real—once the battery runs out, you’re looking at more like 30 MPG.
This is a vehicle of considerable stature: 4.9 meters in length, just under two meters in width, and 1.4 meters in height. The boot offers a generous 655 litres of space, expanding to a cavernous 1,675 litres with the rear seats folded. And, at a hefty 2.5 tonnes, one might want to exercise a degree of caution when traversing those quaint, but structurally delicate, historical bridges.
Exterior
The Touareg R makes a statement. Finished in a moody gunmetal grey, its aggressive front grille is flanked by an illuminated horizontal strip. The LED headlights—38,432 of them, to be exact—are brilliant but still a bit much, despite the ‘lane of light’ glare-reducing feature. That said, you’ll have no issues spotting potholes at midnight.
From the side, the fluted waistline, gloss black window trims, and matte paintwork create a sleek and commanding presence.
At the rear, it’s all about sharp angles and a glowing VW badge—just in case anyone was unsure whether this was the flagship model. And those 22-inch Estoril diamond-turned alloys with silver R-branded blue brake callipers? They give it the presence of an SUV that costs twice as much.
If I had one gripe, it’d be the wing mirrors. They could do with being more recessed—unless, of course, you enjoy peering through a kaleidoscope of raindrops.
Interior
Step inside, and you can tell VW has pulled out all the stops. The cabin is a masterclass in modern luxury, blending technology with high-end materials. The control panel to the left of the steering wheel handles lane assist and adaptive cruise control, and it’s one of the most intuitive systems out there.
The infotainment system, however, is both brilliant and infuriating. The huge touchscreen is sharp and perfectly angled towards the driver, but the map display? Less than ideal. The blue-on-blue colour scheme makes navigation harder than it needs to be, and the front distance warning system loves to interrupt at the worst possible moments—usually when you’re trying to make a last-minute turn at a roundabout.
The centre console features two robust rotary dials for drive modes, letting you switch between electric, hybrid, eco, comfort, normal, sport, individual, off-road, and snow settings. You can even adjust the ride height—handy for when you’re venturing off the beaten track.
As for the rest of the interior, it’s a stunner. The grey Puglia leather, detailed with blue contrast stitching and diamond quilting, gives the cabin an ultra-modern feel. Ambient LED lighting flows seamlessly across the dashboard and doors, adding to the sense of space. The front seats are fully electric with three memory settings, while rear passengers get plenty of legroom—making this a true luxury SUV for three full-size adults.
A full glass roof panel floods the cabin with light, with an electric cover available for when the sun gets a bit too enthusiastic. The attention to detail extends to the cool, ridged metal scrolling button in the centre console and the satisfyingly chunky gearstick—both of which feel properly premium.
Technological Sophistication & Creature Comforts
Imagine, if you will, the sheer convenience of commanding your sizeable Touareg R into a tight parking spot from the comfort of your smartphone. Park Assist Pro, you see, allows for precisely that. A boon, especially when navigating those enthusiastically designed multi-storey car parks. And should you decide to adorn your roof with a box for your weekend adventures, the Touareg R's sensors will politely inform the Electronic Stability Control, ensuring everything remains shipshape.
The cockpit is a digital symphony, a 12-inch instrument cluster waltzing in harmony with a 15-inch Discover Premium infotainment system. Crisp visuals and controls that respond with the alacrity of a well-trained butler. Travel Assist, your ever-vigilant co-pilot, manages assisted driving at any speed, while Area View grants you a regal, 360-degree bird’s-eye perspective. Trailer Assist gracefully mitigates the stress of towing, and Night Vision pierces the gloom like a well-aimed spotlight.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity comes as standard, now with upgraded, faster charging via USB-C at 45 watts. Safety features are comprehensive, including a curtain airbag system for both front and rear passengers, side-impact airbags for the front seats, an automatic dimming interior rear-view mirror, and keyless entry.
Performance: A Refined Powerhouse
The Touareg R's start is a study in quiet confidence, gliding forth on electric power with the immediacy of instant torque. As the V6 engine joins the ensemble, the combined 456 bhp propels you forward with an effortless surge, a blend of smooth sophistication and exhilarating performance that's rather like a well-mannered athlete.
The eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox, while favouring comfort over outright aggression, possesses a surprising turn of speed in sport mode. Enough, dare I say, to give a few unsuspecting Subarus a mild existential crisis at the lights. The elevated ride height and expansive windows provide a commanding view, making long journeys a pleasure rather than a chore.
Volkswagen, drawing on its Bentley pedigree, has masterfully tuned the air suspension. The ride is impeccably smooth, a veritable magic carpet gliding over any surface. The cabin, a haven of tranquillity, remains whisper-quiet even at speed. Body roll is well controlled in normal mode and impressively minimised in sport mode, making it possible to push this SUV with confidence.
Yes, the 2.5-tonne kerb weight makes its presence known in the corners, but the steering is so light and precise that the vehicle feels remarkably agile and balanced. With the optional all-wheel steering, the handling reaches a new level of finesse. On the motorway, it cruises with serene composure, while on country roads, its agility and 0–62 mph time of 5.1 seconds demonstrates its surprising athleticism.
Fuel economy, as ever, is a tale of two halves. If you diligently charge the electric motor, expect to see figures that would make a Prius blush (up to 120 MPG). However, rely solely on the V6, and you’ll find yourself closer to 30 MPG. The 30-mile electric range is sufficient for most daily commutes, and a 2.5-hour recharge time from a home charger keeps running costs pleasantly manageable. After all, even luxury should be sensible.
A Triumph of Engineering and Comfort
I'm delighted that Volkswagen has graced us with such a splendid touring SUV. My own venerable 1983 Mk1 Golf convertible, a beloved relic, still occupies a cherished corner of my garage. To witness the Volkswagen badge adorning a vehicle of this calibre, a paragon of modern automotive prowess, is a source of genuine warmth. This Touareg R is, in essence, a masterclass in automotive engineering: fast, powerful, safe, confident, and supremely comfortable.
The only potential stumbling block, as it were, is the matter of perception. At a touch over £80,000, some discerning buyers might find themselves swayed by the siren call of a more, shall we say, ostentatious badge. But, as the saying goes, more fool them. They'd be overlooking an outstanding vehicle, a testament to Volkswagen's ingenuity, and a model that has garnered considerable success for good reason.
Yes, the map graphics could be better, and the wing mirrors might collect raindrops like they’re part of some obscure water-harvesting project, but these are minor niggles in an otherwise outstanding SUV.
For those who require concrete evidence of Volkswagen’s long-distance pedigree, consider this: in 2015, a Touareg V6 undertook the monumental 19,000 km journey from Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of Africa, to the North Cape of Norway, achieving a world record time of 9 days, 4 hours, 9 minutes, and 27 seconds. That kind of epic adventure, a testament to resilience and engineering excellence, resonates deeply with the spirit of exploration we love at International Excellence Magazine.
The VW Touareg R is priced from: £80,510.
