Volkswagen has opened order books for its new Touareg R – the first electrified ‘R’ model and also the German brand’s most powerful road car to date.
Joining the firm’s growing range of plug-in models, the Touareg R combines a 3.0-litre TSI petrol engine with an electric motor to produce 456bhp and 700Nm of torque. That allows this large SUV to sprint to 60mph in just five seconds and is limited to a top speed of 155mph.
A 14.3kWh battery is also used, which when put into ‘E-Mode’ can unlock an electric range of 28 miles, allowing for impressive claimed efficiency figures, with Volkswagen saying it will return 94.2mpg, with CO2 emissions of 67g/km. Volkswagen says the battery can be charged in two and a half hours using a 7.2kW wallbox.
Signalled out from the standard Touareg model by its new bumpers, gloss black styling and 22-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, it also comes with darkened rear lights and a black grille. Inside it benefits from black diamond-quilted leather seats, a heated sports steering wheel and 30-colour ambient lighting, with a special blue theme running throughout – this being the trademark ‘R’ colour.
It also comes with a generous amount of standard kit elsewhere, with highlights including Matrix LED headlights, a 360-degree camera system and self-levelling adaptive air suspension.
Sarah Cox, Head of Marketing at Volkswagen UK, said: “The Touareg is yet another example of Volkswagen’s multi-talented range of SUVs. The model is practical, versatile, capable, comfortable and luxurious, and now it has a performance-oriented R variant that’s not only fast and fun to drive, but also capable of ultra-low emissions in everyday situations. In fact – as a latest-generation plug-in hybrid – its battery capacity allows enough electric-only range to cover the entire daily commute for many drivers.
“The Touareg R represents Volkswagen versatility at its finest – possessing numerous class-leading qualities, an incredible amount of standard equipment, and all the luxuries customers could wish for.”
Prices for the new Touareg R start from £71,995, with models set to arrive shortly in the UK.
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