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Pros: Space, comfort, refinement.
Cons: Expensive, not very efficient.
Volkswagen Touareg R Design
Volkswagen has used the 2024 update to slim down the Touareg range in Ireland, focusing solely on sportier variants – a 3.0-litre diesel R Line and the high-performance Touareg R plug-in hybrid. Styling updates are subtle but the R’s beefy presence is enhanced by standard-fit 20-inch alloy wheels with Pirelli tyres and blue brake calipers, sportier bumpers front and rear, and tinted rear windows. There are also new high-tech matrix LED headlights connected by a thin light strip across the front grille. At the back, there’s a new light bar and the VW logo lights up for the first time. A smattering of R badges hint at the range-topping Touareg’s performance.
Volkswagen Touareg R Interior
Updates are even more minimal inside the Touareg R. The cabin is still dominated by a 15-inch touchscreen that blends into a full digital driver display. There’s a leather-wrapped R-badged steering wheel and unique blue stitching and trim for the sportiest Touareg. Leather upholstery comes as standard as does 30-colour ambient lighting. The fit and finish is excellent though the cabin lacks the wow factor of more premium competitors like the Range Rover Sport and Mercedes-Benz GLE. Still, it’s packed with features like heated and ventilated front seats with power adjustment and lumbar support, an excellent parking camera and 8-speaker sound system. For 2024, the infotainment system gets updated graphics and menus similar to other models in the Volkswagen range. It looks more modern than before but there is still a heavy reliance on touch controls to adjust simple things like the climate control.
The Touareg R is very spacious inside and offers plenty of comfort for adult passengers in the back, with seats that can slide and recline. A tilt and slide sunroof also comes as standard, as does four-zone climate control. The 655-litre boot is ideal for family life. It can also tow up to 3.5 tonnes and a folding trailer hitch can be specced as an option.
Volkswagen Touareg R Performance & Drive
The Touareg R’s 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine and electric motor produce 462hp and 700Nm of torque, propelling it to 100km/h from a standstill in just 5.1 seconds. There’s also a 14.3kWh battery on board, which gives a not-so-impressive 50 kilometres of electric-only driving range (a BMW X5 PHEV can do almost double that). But there are tax benefits, which gives the plug-in hybrid a lower list price than the diesel and smaller motor tax bill. Power delivery to all four wheels is mostly a smooth affair through the 8-speed DSG automatic gearbox, and there are a number of driving modes to adjust the drive. The big boon is a standard-fit air suspension with height adjustment that gives a brilliant finish to the ride quality. It’s also a very hushed cabin making this a relaxing drive overall. The performance is impressive but it’s far from the excitement of a Golf R and the handling never really inspires you to drive it with too much enthusiasm through corners. The R is also nothing short of thirsty on fuel, despite its eco-credentials.
Volkswagen Touareg R Pricing
The Touareg R is quite an appealing offering as it’s more tax efficient than the 3.0-litre diesel and better equipped overall. It starts from €103,050 and motor tax costs just €150 per year. Compare that to the diesel, which goes on sale from €107,395 and comes with a hefty motor tax bill of €1250 per year.
Carzone Verdict
The Touareg R lacks the drama of a true Volkswagen R model but there are far more sensible reasons to go for this model – it’s more tax efficient than the diesel and the plug-in hybrid powertrain is pleasantly refined. While it lacks the prestige of a premium badge and it won’t be cheap to run, the R’s sporty image and supreme comfort make it worth considering if you’re looking for a high-end SUV.