2024 Volkswagen Touareg R First Review

Volkswagen Australia are celebrating their 70th Anniversary in Australia, and what better way to do that then gifting our market with the most powerful production Volkswagen ever.

Enter the 2024 Volkswagen Touareg R, which has just received a major facelift along with the rest of the Touareg range, and boasts a lot of kit, a Turbo V6 with Plug-In Hybrid Technology all for a rather competitive price of $129,990.

But does that mean you should buy one as they begin to roll into dealerships? Let's talk about that!

How much does it cost?

It's easy to remember the price of the Touareg R, because there is only one price - $129,990 before on-road costs.

Although that certainly is not "cheap", the standard list of equipment for the Touareg R, and the fact it shares the same basic underpinnings as a Porsche Cayenne, Bentley Bentayga and Lambourghini Urus, should indicate its rather luxury underpinnings.

What do you get?

The 2024 Touareg R comes with a very comprehensive set of features:

• 340kW/700Nm 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol V6 with electric motor
• Mode 2 and Mode 3 charging cables
• 22-inch Estoril gloss black alloy wheels
• Air suspension
• R performance brakes with blue calipers
• Black exterior accents (mirror caps, grille, bumper inserts, window surrounds, roof rails, sports exhaust tips)
• Matrix LED headlights with adaptive high beam
• 15-inch infotainment touchscreen, 12-inch digital instrument display
• Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
• Wireless smartphone charging
• Dynaudio premium sound system
• 'Puglia' black leather upholstery
• Power-adjustable heated front seats with memory
• Heated rear seats
• R sports steering wheel
• Power-adjustable steering column with memory
• Quad-zone climate control
• Head-up display
• Hands-free power tailgate
• Panoramic sunroof with electric blind
• Night vision
• R logo puddle light projection
• Five USB-C ports
• Illuminated sill plates with R logo
• Brushed aluminium interior inserts
• Power-latching doors
• 360-degree camera
• Autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control
• Blind-spot monitoring, rear and front cross-traffic alert
• Dynamic Road Sign Display, tyre pressure monitoring
• Emergency assist, proactive occupant protection, manoeuvre braking
• 19-inch front, 18-inch rear ventilated disc brakes
• eHybrid badge

What's new for the exterior of the facelifted Touareg R?

Visually, the Touareg R flaunts several upgrades that enhance its appeal over the pre-facelift.

The headlights have evolved into what we've dubbed the "Mega Matrix LED" with an astounding 19,800 pixels, promising unparalleled clarity and visibility.

A signature light bar and minimalist yet oversized Volkswagen badge adorn the front and do look very good indeed. The vehicle is coated in a stunning Lapiz Blue color, which is the signature 'R' brand colour.

The exterior also benefits from increased airflow facilitated by an expanded grille area with blacked-out accents, a necessity given the powerful three-litre turbocharged V6 engine paired with a robust electric motor beneath its hood.

Side profiles reveal 22-inch wheels and massive brakes. Although we are yet to drive the facelifted Touareg (coming soon!), the standard air-suspension should counteract harshness often found in large diameter wheels.

Keyless entry, blacked-out mirror caps, and very tinted privacy glass round out the side features, alongside a fuel cap and electric charging port that hints at the vehicle's plug-in hybrid nature.

It's a very nice update indeed, and adds a new aire of premium to the Touareg's pallete.

How is the interior?

The interior of the 2024 Volkswagen Touareg R reflects a significant leap forward in terms of design and technology, blending functionality with upscale materials to create a space that is both inviting and advanced.

The centerpiece is the updated 15-inch infotainment display, which has received a notable improvement in user interface design and responsiveness.

This display serves as the hub for the vehicle’s connectivity features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The digital instrument cluster in front of the driver is customisable and displays a comprehensive range of vehicle information, accessible through touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel.

Although these touch capacitive buttons may not be everyone's favourite due to their sensitivity and the odd accidental click, they function adequately in the Touareg R, allowing the driver to easily navigate through different displays and settings without taking their hands off the wheel.

Volkswagen has made efforts to improve accessibility within the infotainment system, particularly with the air conditioning controls now being more user-friendly.

The attention to detail in the cabin's design is evident, with high-quality materials used throughout. Soft-touch surfaces, leather accents, and comfortable seating contribute to an overall sense of luxury.

The seats are particularly commendable, offering heating, cooling, and massage features, enhancing comfort for both driver and passengers on long journeys.

Moreover, the Touareg R boasts an impressive array of technology and luxury features uncommon in its price range, such as a night vision camera.

Practicality is also a strong point, with ample storage solutions including a large glovebox, cup holders designed for various sizes, USB-C ports, and a wireless charger, ensuring that both the driver and passengers have everything they need within reach.

A panoramic sunroof adds to the sense of openness and luxury, flooding the cabin with natural light and providing passengers with a view of the sky above.

In all, it's a very nice interior space and arguably punches up a class above.

What are the back seats like?

The rear passenger area of the 2024 Volkswagen Touareg R is designed with a focus on space, comfort, and utility.

For my height of 5'11", the legroom in the back is ample, though the headroom can be somewhat limited, particularly when the panoramic sunroof is factored in.

Material quality in the rear maintains consistency with the rest of the cabin, featuring leather upholstery that contributes to the vehicle's premium positioning.

The back seats are equipped with a fold-down center armrest with cupholders and quad-zone climate control.

The Touareg R also includes heated seats at the outboard positions and map pockets for additional storage. Manual sunshades are provided for occupants to adjust their exposure to sunlight, a practical addition for varying light conditions.

What is boot space like?

The 2024 Volkswagen Touareg R provides a boot space of 610 litres, a figure that, while substantial, is slightly reduced due to the integration of its hybrid system's battery cells.

This positioning of the battery pack impacts the available cargo area, resulting in a loss of a few hundred litres compared to non-hybrid models.

Despite this, the Touareg R retains a versatile cargo area. The rear seats can be folded down to expand this space, accommodating larger items or increasing storage capacity for longer journeys.

The inclusion of air suspension is a practical feature, allowing the rear of the vehicle to be lowered for more convenient loading and unloading of heavy or bulky items.

What's under the bonnet?

Under the hood of the 2024 Volkswagen Touareg R, a hybrid powertrain combines a three-liter turbocharged V6 engine with an electric motor.

The V6 delivers 250 kilowatts of power and 450 Newton meters of torque, while the electric addition offers 100 kilowatts and 400 Newton meters.

Combined, these elements generate a system output of 340 kilowatts and 700 Newton meters of torque.

This power configuration allows for acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds, as specified by Volkswagen.

Integrating a plug-in hybrid system aims not just at enhancing driving performance but also at increasing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions relative to conventional combustion engines.

Equipped with a 14.3kWh battery, the Touareg R provides an electric-only driving range of 51km (WLTP), potentially covering daily commuting distances on electric power alone.

Its ADR combined fuel consumption is noted at 3.3L/100km, showcasing its efficiency when leveraging both power sources.

Although we'll have to reserve judgement on how the Touareg R drives when we can drive it around Saucey Corner, based on these outputs, the adaptive air suspension and a host of other mechanical upgrades, the Touareg R should be quite a potent luxury performance SUV.

Final Thoughts

The 2024 Volkswagen Touareg R encapsulates the shift towards integrating electrification in the luxury SUV market, offering a blend of performance, efficiency, and environmental consideration.

Its plug-in hybrid system combines the best of both worlds: the convenience of electric driving for daily commutes and the power of a turbocharged engine for longer journeys or more spirited drives.

With a modern exterior, a well-appointed interior filled with advanced technology, and thoughtful features, the Touareg R addresses both aesthetic and practical needs. Yet, potential buyers should evaluate its digital interfaces, rear headroom, and overall performance against their preferences and requirements.

In essence, the Touareg R stands out as a compelling choice for those seeking a sophisticated, environmentally friendly luxury SUV, presenting a balanced proposition in terms of technology, comfort, and (hopefully) driving dynamics.

Final verdict on how it drives coming very soon!