Covers off! Updated 2024 VW Touareg confirmed for Australia with hot hybrid R coming

Volkswagen’s updated halo model, the Touareg large SUV, has been officially revealed and confirmed for an Australian arrival in 2024.

While the updates to the VW Touareg span from design tweaks to tech updates, the key highlight for Australia is that it comes with the arrival of the hybrid R variant, a 340kW electrified performance SUV capable of a 0-100km/h sprint in about the same time as a Porsche Cayenne S.

Volkswagen Australia confirmed to CarsGuide that the Touareg range, including the hybrid R, will arrive in Australia “in the first quarter of 2024”, though exact specifications and pricing are yet to be announced.

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Based on the current diesel-heavy line-up in Australia, it’s likely we’ll see both the 170kW/500Nm and 210kW/600Nm versions of VW’s 3.0-litre turbo V6 return in the updated Touareg, with the possibility of a petrol version making 250kW joining them.

The Touareg also comes with a non-R plug-in hybrid version that might not make it to Australia, where PHEVs aren’t nearly as popular as traditional hybrids and even full electric cars.

But the Volkswagen Touareg R eHybrid, also a plug-in, should have enough draw as a performance model to be popular among those with the means.

The Touareg hybrid R variant is capable of a 0-100km/h sprint in about the same time as a Porsche Cayenne S.

Highlights for the updated Touareg include exterior design changes that incorporate a new set of LED headlights that are made of thousands of small elements that can specifically light the road ahead without glare from reflections affecting vision. 

Kai Grünitz, Board Member Responsible for Development, said the tech that makes its debut in the flagship SUV will make its way down the model range to the Volkswagen's smaller and cheaper cars.

"The Touareg has always been a technology pioneer for us, allowing us to transfer new developments into other brand vehicles as part of a top-down strategy. And we are following the same approach with the new Touareg,” said Grunitz referring to the HD LED matrix headlights fitted to the updated large SUV.

The Touareg's Night Vision assist system is able to spot people and animals via a thermal imaging camera.

“More than 38,000 interactive LEDs project a light carpet exactly onto the driving lane and illuminate the road more precisely than ever before. We will soon transfer the HD LED matrix lighting system to other SUV-class models."

A Night Vision assist system is able to spot people and animals via a “thermal imaging camera, and shows them in the digital instruments”, allowing the driver to be warned ahead of time to avoid an accident on dark country roads.

A ‘roof load sensor’ is also now included in the Touareg and is able to improve driving dynamics and stability in case there is roof-mounted luggage.

The 2024 Touareg will accept Android Auto and Apple CarPlay wirelessly.

Small updates like a USB-C port upgrade from 15 watts to 45 watts (for improved charging) hope to make the Touareg more convenient to live with, while placement of buttons and controls in the redesigned cabin aim to improve ergonomics.

The brand also said it has improved its software to accept Android Auto and Apple CarPlay wirelessly.

Stay tuned for local timing, line-up details and pricing to be confirmed as the beginning of 2024 and the launch of the VW Touareg nears.