VW's super SUV? 2024 Volkswagen Touareg R PHEV Australia pricing confirmed for R sub-brand's most powerful model

The Volkswagen Touareg R SUV, the brand's powerful plug-in hybrid performance model, will land in Australia by the end of Q1 2024 with a price tag and specifications now locked in.

The 2024 Touareg R will start from $129,990, a price Volkswagen points out matches that of the V10-powered Touareg R50 of 2008.

With a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine assisted by an electric motor, the Touareg R plug-in boasts a 340kW and 700Nm rap sheet, with a 0-100km/h time of just 5.1 seconds. That's not far behind the last V8 Commodores (the VFII SS) built by Holden a few years ago.

Its asking price is only short of additional costs incurred by opting for certain paint colours, which means there are no options packs, the brand making as much as possible standard - likely due to Australian tendencies to opt for higher specifications.

The Touareg R's claimed electric driving range comes in at 51km, while the brand claims its combined cycle fuel consumption is 3.3L/100km, though the testing method used for this doesn't often reflect real-world use when it comes to plug-in hybrids.

Volkswagen does add that "customers could theoretically get lower - or close to zero petrol - usage with regular charging", though this would require trips not much longer than 51km every day, and almost lab-condition driving.

Volkswagen Australia Passenger Vehicles Director, Michal Szaniecki says Volkswagen expects many customers will regularly charge their Touareg R for (mostly) electric driving when commuting.

"We know most of our Touareg customers have garages at home, and they will be able to plug their vehicle in at night as they would their smartphone, and drive with zero or close to zero emissions for their everyday driving," he said.

The Touareg R wears 22-inch 'Estoril' alloys with 19-inch front and 18-inch rear ventilated disc brakes underneath, air suspension, a sports exhaust, and a series of black 'R' design elements.

The 'Night Vision' thermal imaging camera is standard as part of the 'Digital Cockpit Pro' display, while 'IQ.LIGHT' Matrix LED headlights with adaptive high-beam, 'Manoeuvre Braking' front and rear, adaptive cruise control with travel assist, lane assist, emergency assist, proactive occupant protection and side assist with front and rear cross traffic alert all fill out the safety features list.

Inside, a 15.0-inch multimedia screen joins a 12.0-inch instrument display, wireless smartphone charging, a Dynaudio premium sound system, and five USB-C ports in the car.

Seats are upholstered in 'Pantera Black' Puglia leather, while the four 'main' seats are heated, there's quad-zone climate control and a head-up display for the driver.