Volkswagen Australia has announced the introduction of the 2024 Volkswagen Touareg R, its first plug-in hybrid model in the Australian market. Scheduled for release in March next year, the Touareg R is priced at $129,990 before on-road costs, marking Volkswagen's entry into the hybrid sector.

The vehicle is equipped with a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 plug-in hybrid drivetrain, offering system outputs of 340kW and 700Nm. This setup enables the Touareg R to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 5.1 seconds, with an electric driving range of 51km according to the WLTP combined cycle.

In the Australian market, the Touareg R will be competing against similar plug-in hybrid models such as the Audi Q8 60 TFSI e, Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid, Range Rover Sport PHEV, and Volvo XC90 Recharge. The Touareg R's drivetrain includes a 250kW and 450Nm torque petrol engine, combined with a 100kW/400Nm electric motor, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and an all-wheel drive system.

Volkswagen Australia claims the Touareg R has a combined fuel consumption of 3.3L/100km. The model offers AC charging through a Type 2 charge port, with specific details about charge capacity and timings not disclosed yet.

For safety, the Volkswagen Touareg received a five-star ANCAP rating based on 2018 Euro NCAP testing. While specific safety features for the 2024 Touareg R are not yet fully detailed, it is expected to include Adaptive High Beam, Travel Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Assist, and additional safety technologies.

The 2024 Touareg R will come with features such as 22-inch Estoril alloy wheels, a 15-inch infotainment display, IQ.Light Matrix LED headlights, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility, and Pantera Black Puglia leather upholstery. Practical elements include air suspension, 360 cameras, a handsfree electric tailgate, and a panoramic sunroof.

Volkswagen's official website allows potential buyers to configure the Touareg R to their preferences. The warranty for Volkswagen Australia's models includes a five-year unlimited-kilometre coverage, with roadside assist for one year. However, the warranty specifics for the high-voltage battery and electric motor of the Touareg R remain unspecified.

The arrival of the 2024 Volkswagen Touareg R in Australia signifies Volkswagen's expansion into hybrid technology, offering an alternative option in the high-performance vehicle segment.

Volkswagen Touareg R Price and Specifications:

Price: $129,990*

Engine and Performance:

• 340kW/700Nm 3.0L turbocharged petrol V6 and electric motor
• Eight-speed automatic transmission
• 4MOTION permanent all-wheel drive
• 52km EV-only driving range**
• Combined fuel consumption of 3.3L/100km**

Charging:

• Mode 2 charging cable (Type 2 to Australian powerpoint)
• Mode 3 charging cable (Type 2 to Type 2)

Suspension and Wheels:

• Air suspension system
• 22-inch Estoril alloy wheels in glossy black
• Direct tyre pressure monitoring system

Brakes:

• 19-inch front and 18-inch rear ventilated disc brakes
• Blue calipers with R logo

Exterior Features:

• High gloss black roof rails and window surrounds
• Black exterior mirror shells
• Blacked-out front grille and rear apron
• Black sports exhaust system
• 'R' logo projection from the front mirrors

Convenience and Safety:

• Power latching doors
• Easy Open&Close electric tailgate
• Panoramic sunroof with electric blind
• Night Vision feature
• Dynamic Road Sign Display
• IQ.LIGHT Matrix LED headlamps with adaptive high-beam
• Manoeuvre Braking front and rear
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Travel Assist
• Lane Assist
• Emergency Assist
• Proactive Occupant Protection
• Side Assist with Front and Rear Cross Traffic Alert

Interior and Technology:

• Innovision cockpit (15" Discover Premium & 12" Digital Cockpit Pro)
• Wireless App-Connect
• Wireless smartphone charging
• Dynaudio premium sound system
• 5x USB-C ports between front and rear
• Pantera Black Puglia leather seat upholstery
• Front seats with memory settings
• Heated front and outboard rear seats
• R sports steering wheel
• Quad-zone climate control
• Windshield projected head-up display
• Illuminated front scuff plates with R logo
• Power adjustable steering column with memory
• Brushed aluminium decorative inserts

*Note: Pricing excludes on-road costs.

**EV-only range and fuel consumption are based on WLTP data.