2023 Volkswagen Touareg R PHEV Australian launch confirmed! Brand's first plug-in hybrid set to take up sold-out V8 model's performance mantle

Volkswagen Australia has confirmed its first plug-in hybrid (PHEV), with the Touareg large SUV scheduled to get a new full-fat R performance flagship by the end of 2022.

Up until now, PHEVs had been off the table for Volkswagen Australia, but times have changed, with the company finally getting approval from Germany for the pioneering Touareg R.

Further details on the Touareg R will be announced next month, but we do know it pairs a 250kW/450Nm 3.0-litre turbo-petrol V6 engine with a 100kW/400Nm electric motor for combined outputs of 340kW/700Nm.

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Mated to an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission and Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, the Touareg R sprints from a standstill to 100km/h in just 5.1 seconds.

More importantly, though, the Touareg R’s 47km of electric-only range (WLTP) is enabled by its 14.3kWh lithium-ion battery, which supports 7.2kW AC charging, with a full charge achieved in as little as 2.5 hours.

Of note, the Touareg R will effectively take up the position left vacant by the sold-out Touareg V8, which was motivated by a less powerful (310kW) but torquier (900Nm) 4.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine.

Volkswagen Australia general manager of passenger vehicle marketing Ralph Beckmann explained: “The Touareg R was not destined for Australia because Volkswagen PHEVs and EVs are naturally prioritised for markets with emissions targets.

“The Aussie appetite for the biggest and best Volkswagens, combined with the overdue recognition on the part of government that Australians deserve the best quality petrol, and the progressive policies of NSW, all helped make the business case.”

So, will we see more Volkswagen PHEVs in Australia? Well, another key issue could end up preventing cheaper models from becoming available, according to Mr Beckmann.

“We can’t at this point say that the Touareg R indicates that more affordable Volkswagen hybrids are coming to Australia, especially during a period of production issues related to the global semiconductor shortage,” he said.

“We can say that despite formidable obstacles, we’re doing all that can be done to secure for Australian customers the same choices enjoyed by those elsewhere in the world.”

The Touareg R will be fifth new R performance model to enter showrooms next year, following the Golf R small hatchback/wagon and Tiguan R mid-size SUV in March, and the T-Roc R small SUV in the third quarter. Stayed tuned for its pricing and full specification details.