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2024 Volkswagen Touareg R review

The 2024 Volkswagen Touareg R is a high-performance, plug-in hybrid SUV that sits at the top of the Touareg range.

So, you’re eyeing the 2024 Volkswagen Touareg R, are you? Looking for a luxury SUV that can double as both a practical family hauler and a street scorcher? Well, you’ve landed on a beast of a vehicle – but like all beasts, it comes with a few quirks that you might want to consider before plunking down £68,000, depending on your postal code. The Touareg R is as much about indulgence as it is about raw power, but the question is: does it justify its price tag?

Buckle up, because we’re about to take this 340kW hybrid SUV for a spin.

Performance: "A Big Heavy Hot Hatch"

The Volkswagen Touareg R isn’t just another mid-sized luxury SUV pretending to have muscle – it’s the real deal. With a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine paired with a 100kW electric motor, you get a staggering 340kW and 700Nm of torque. For context, that’s about the same power as a Lamborghini Gallardo from a few years back. And let’s be clear, when you put your foot down, this car doesn't just move – it shifts, hard.

As one reviewer aptly put it, when the powertrain kicks into full gear, it’s like switching from “Madonna to Marilyn Manson.” One second you’re cruising in hybrid quiet mode, and the next, your surroundings start blurring, and you’re holding onto the wheel like you’re in a hot hatch from the underworld. Not bad for an SUV that tips the scales at over 2.3 tonnes.

But it's not just about raw speed. The Touareg R handles like a dream – for a behemoth, that is. It has been compared to a "big heavy hot-hatch," which is honestly high praise in a segment full of lumbering giants. The AWD system keeps you glued to the road, and with the air suspension smoothing out bumps like they never existed, the ride is as poised as it is powerful. You might be thinking, "Great, but how does it stack up to its competitors?" Well, we’ll get to that in a bit.

Luxury and Comfort: Posh Enough for a Bentley Owner?

Inside, the Touareg R goes from brute to beauty. Volkswagen really swung for the fences with the interior, packing it with high-end materials and tech that wouldn’t feel out of place in a Bentley or Porsche. The heated, cooled, and massaging front seats mean you’re riding in first-class comfort, even if you’re stuck in traffic or cruising long distances.

Add in ambient lighting that makes the cabin glow like a high-end lounge, and a premium Dynaudio sound system that blasts your favorite tunes with crystal clarity, and you’ve got a cockpit that’s not just functional but downright indulgent. Every detail, from the stitching on the seats to the tactile feel of the controls, screams "luxury."

The 15-inch touchscreen infotainment system and 12-inch digital instrument cluster are loaded with features, though some reviewers have raised an eyebrow at the infotainment system’s complexity. Let’s face it – when a simple task like changing the radio station turns into a tech scavenger hunt, it’s a bit much. Still, for the tech-savvy (or the determined), once you master it, you’ve got an arsenal of digital toys at your disposal.

Practicality: More Cargo Than a Cargo Ship (Almost)

Here’s where the Touareg R taps into its practical side. With 810 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, there’s plenty of room for your weekend getaways, shopping sprees, or an ungodly number of IKEA flat-packs. It’s not a seven-seater – something that may make you think twice if you’ve got a full-blown Brady Bunch situation at home – but for most, the sheer amount of space should suffice.

The rear bench slides forward for even more versatility, and with four-zone climate control (because heaven forbid you compromise on temperature), passengers in the back will be just as comfy as those up front. There’s also no shortage of storage compartments, which is a nice touch in a world where luxury cars sometimes forget that people occasionally need to, you know, store things.

Plug-in Hybrid System: Efficiency with a Catch

Ah yes, the part where we talk about the plug-in hybrid system. On paper, it sounds great: a claimed 3.3L/100km fuel consumption and an electric range of 53km. But – and it’s a big "but" – in the real world, the numbers start to slip. The actual EV range is closer to 43km, which isn’t awful but might leave you unimpressed if you’re expecting the full electric experience.

And here’s the kicker: once the battery is depleted, fuel consumption spikes. The V6 engine has to work harder, and that 3.3L/100km figure becomes more like wishful thinking. So, while the Touareg R’s hybrid system makes for a great commuter in the city, be prepared for some thirstier fuel stops on longer trips.

As one reviewer sagely noted, "Chances are that you’re never going to achieve [the fuel economy] beyond the first hundred kays." Translation: keep that wallet handy for petrol.

Competition: The Heavy Hitters

The Touareg R’s biggest rivals come from well-heeled brands like Porsche, BMW, and Volvo. The Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid is a close cousin, sharing the same MLB Evo platform, but it comes with even more brand cachet and performance pedigree. The BMW X5 xDrive50e offers a similar hybrid setup but edges out the VW on electric range. Then there’s the Volvo XC90 Recharge, which brings Swedish style and efficiency to the table, albeit with a smaller, less thrilling engine.

So why pick the Touareg R over these contenders? Well, if you’re after a luxury SUV that can deliver serious performance while still offering plenty of practicality, the Touareg R fits the bill. But, and this is a significant "but," you’re paying premium Porsche money for a Volkswagen badge. That’s either a deal-breaker or a badge of honor, depending on how you feel about VW’s upscale aspirations.

Is the Touareg R Worth It?

The 2024 Volkswagen Touareg R is a powerful, luxurious, and versatile SUV that can do just about everything – except lower its price. For some, the sheer performance and high-end interior will justify the cost. After all, it’s like driving a Bentley Bentayga without having to explain the excess to your accountant. But for others, the short EV range and premium price might push them towards competitors with a bit more badge prestige or fuel economy.

If you’ve got the cash and want something that blends luxury with jaw-dropping performance, the Touareg R is a fantastic choice. Just don’t expect it to be the thriftiest option at the pump or the flashiest on the block. It’s a car that does it all – but at a price that’ll have you thinking twice.

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