The highly anticipated VW Touareg Hybrid SUV finally made it to market this year. The 2011 VW Touareg Hybrid, like its gasoline-only and diesel counterparts, is part of a second generation of the Touareg line. As such, the SUV is lighter, quieter, and nicer (according to some reviewers) than previous Touareg models.
The combined output is between 375 hp and 380 hp. Motor Trend reported that the SUV hybrid offered impressive engine power (425 pound-feet of torque), “making it the most powerful drivetrain offered in the new Touareg.” As such, the Touareg Hybrid has a towing capacity of 7700 pounds.
For fuel economy, this SUV hybrid gets about 28.7 mpg combined city/highway. Volkswagen says the Touareg Hybrid offers 0-to-62-mph time of 6.5 seconds and a 149 mph top speed. The Touareg will be offered in 12 feature package combinations. The Touareg Hybrid shares technology and other elements with its cousin, the 2011 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid.
A supercharged engine and hybrid system make the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid the most powerful of the Touareg model lineup, without sacrificing fuel economy. Volkswagen's Touareg Hybrid shows up with jaw-dropping technology under the hood, and an impressive cabin tech suite as well. The full model name, the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg Supercharged Hybrid, includes a few terms not usually found together. Yes, this Touareg not only gets gas-electric hybrid propulsion, but also a supercharger on the engine.
Current Touareg models include the supercharged hybrid, a 3-liter TDI V-6, and a 3.6-liter gasoline V-6. The mundane gas-only Touareg comes up short with 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway.
Even the TDI Touareg can't match that torque number.
Merely letting off the brake lets the Touareg creep forward under electric power. The Touareg Hybrid comes standard with four-wheel drive, a completely automatic system that defaults to a 40 percent front-60 percent rear torque split. But switching it to off-road mode merely adjusts the traction control and drivetrain programs; the Touareg Hybrid's conventional suspension sits at a fixed height.
Volkswagen says the Touareg Hybrid has a ground clearance of 7.9 inches and can ford water to a depth of 19.7 inches. Although the four-wheel-drive system helps in cornering, the Touareg Hybrid shows typical SUV handling.
Rather than creases, the Touareg Hybrid features impressions of lines, just a smooth pinch in the sides.
Positioned atop the VW lineup, the five-seat Touareg competes with luxury crossovers such as the Lexus RX, Mercedes-Benz GLK and Lincoln MKX.
This makes the Touareg the Volkswagen brand's first hybrid.
Chrome lower accents run the length of the doors, while the rear bumper carries shapely tailpipes and a black lower garnish.
Interior
VW laid out the Touareg's cabin fairly conventionally. A 6.5-inch touch-screen display with stereo readouts is standard. Thanks to some 5 inches' extra length, the Touareg's backseat is significantly roomier.
Touareg Hybrid
The Touareg Hybrid combines a 3.0-liter V-6 with an electric motor for a combined 375 hp and 428 pounds-feet of torque. Towing capacity is 7,700 pounds — far exceeding what the hybrid Lexus RX 450h or Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid can accommodate.
Rather than the electrically variable transmissions many hybrids employ, the Touareg Hybrid has a specialized version of the Touareg's eight-speed auto.
6/12/11
2011 VW Touareg Hybrid Reviews
