When the battery is sufficiently charged, the new SUV always starts in the all-electric E-MODE for zero emissions. The battery capacity is designed so that the Touareg R can cover the average daily commute under electric power. Like all Touareg models, the new R version comes with permanent all-wheel drive (4MOTION) as standard. 4MOTION and the powerful drive system (700 Nm of torque) means the Touareg R has also been homologated for a maximum trailer weight of 3.5 tonnes. The premium model can cope with this maximum trailer weight even in E-MODE.
It isn't just a new plug-in hybrid engine that elevates the Touareg R above the rest of the Touareg range however. The exterior package includes R-style bumpers, body-colour bumpers and lower door sections, air intake grilles with black louvres, black trim strips on the side windows and black exterior mirror housings. One especially elegant feature is the radiator grille with black trim strips. In the case of the Touareg R, the package also includes a black trim strip on the lower part of the front bumper, the R logo and darkened LED tail light clusters. The 20-inch Braga alloy wheels, body-colour wheel housing extensions and trapezoidal tailpipes all come as standard.
In the interior, the R equipment package includes decorative trim on the dash panel and door inserts in Silver Wave aluminium and Vienna leather for the comfort seats with leather R logo in the head restraints for a very premium and sporty finish. Standard features on board include the Innovision Cockpit with the Digital Cockpit and the Discover Premium Infotainment system, the IQ.Light LED matrix headlights, a tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof and a 4-zone automatic air conditioner.
The new Touareg R is set to enter the market in the second half of 2020.