Volkswagen Touareg 2024 review: New R plug-in hybrid flagship headlines Lexus RX rival's facelift

The 2024 Volkswagen Touareg large SUV is an unusual position. Unlike other VW models, it doesn't exist within the mainstream segment, albeit the semi-premium end. Instead, it's a fully fledged premium player, going up against the likes of the Lexus RX, with the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE a little further ahead on price.

Either way, the Touareg has its work cut out for it, so it's good timing, then, that the third-generation model's midlife facelift has finally arrived in Australia, where it introduces a new performance-focused R flagship. In fact, in a first for Volkswagen locally, the latest range-topper is a plug-in hybrid.

In this expert review, CarsGuide Deputy News Editor John Law attends the facelifted Touareg's national media launch to see how well its upgrades measure up, including the R's 3.0-litre turbo-petrol V6 engine and electric motor, which combine to produce a formidable 340kW of power and 700Nm of torque.

#Volkswagen #Touareg #Review
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Timecodes:
00:00 Intro
00:49 Pricing and features
02:05 Design
03:51 Practicality
07:38 Under the bonnet
08:15 Efficiency
09:11 Driving
13:53 Safety
14:10 Ownership
14:36 Verdict
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CarsGuide - Go beyond the test drive

[rimloch]

Good to see u back reviewing cars John Law

[RandalFmNZ]

Crikey, what a great review. Speaks so well and clearly knows his subject matter. And seemingly, a nice guy to boot. Well done Sir.

[ozamosantuwe]

Isn't this the guy who sang "Take on me" ?

[rvtravellinghusbands]

Clearly spoken & knows his stuff. But John Law - your editor/ content manager should have a chat over quality fitting pants (hiding your funky socks) & not having a puckering fly…

[kingwillbisthebest]

I like gen Z. They seem to be rejecting woke but can someone teach these guys how to dress. This bloke lost like he's been rummaging through the lost property basket but the funny thing is he's probably paid top dollar to look like a homeless person.