Volkswagen’s giant plug-in: where power meets purse

Published on 4 September, 2021

Overview

I do not know whether to be impressed or confused – or both – about this week’s test car.

It is a powerful plug-in hybrid ‘R’ version of the Volkswagen Touareg which, as you probably know, is a large, muscular SUV. It is impressive on a number of fronts, not least in terms of performance (462hp powerhouses it to 100kmh in just 5.1 seconds) and its general handling and dynamics.

But what is the point of all that thunder if you want the frugality of a PHEV? Which is, by most people’s reasonable reckoning, what plug-ins are supposed to be all about.

The thing is you can tweak the dial in favour of performance when you have a V6 petrol and a powerful motor working in tandem.

I assume potential buyers will not ask too much about the frugality aspect of it if they can afford the near-€100,000 or so it would take to buy the extensively kitted-out version I drove.

But seeing as there is no chance of me being in that bracket – and I assume most people would be similarly situated – I can ask again: What is the point of it? Is it a viable proposition?

Let me first outline some of the eHybrid’s virtues.

It is a mighty looking machine in the true old-fashioned sense of the word. It is imposing and gives every impression of being exactly what it is supposed to be: a powerful SUV.

It certainly lived up to its promise on the road over extensive driving to the west and midlands. Adding to that was the fact that my version had air suspension. It allowed for different heights of driving depending on what lay beneath.

As all of my time at the wheel was on the tarmac it picked the lowest centre of gravity. And, my goodness, it certainly felt close to the road when pressed – real kudos to the engineering that helped reduce body-roll. 

That 5.1 seconds accredited to its 0-100kmh time is definitely credible, trust me. It showed a searing turn of pace when asked. Exciting power on four wheels, I have to say.

The cabin, however, drew contrasting verdicts; some front-seat passengers did not like the huge driver-angled screen mid-dash, and one of them thought the Audi Q7 was a far better offering.

Others were only delighted to get on board and relax after a long flight and still have their luggage accommodated while noting, after settling in, how quiet and smooth it travelled. It did tip across the kilometres with agile ease, I admit, but they were not around when I tried out the 0-100kmh test a few times.

The contrast was dramatic. Steering may have been a little dull but it was direct and true. All in all, I suppose you would be tempted if you had the money.

But the best I could get out of it – and I drove really smoothly most of the time – was 30mpg or 7.8 litres consumed every 100kms.

That included just one electric charge from the start so it is a bit of an unfair reflection but I think it is one replicated by many a PHEV owner for one reason or another. Volkswagen claims it will cover 45km on pure electric driving only. We will give them the benefit of the doubt and say 40mpg is probably a more accurate return if I had charged it a few times. It is still not great though, is it?

So what is it about this huge motor that, for all its mighty power, manages to keep emissions low enough, due to the electric and petrol combinations of technology, to warrant a mere €150 a year road tax? I can imagine owners of modest little petrol hatchbacks scratching their heads wondering why they are paying more than that.

It does seem crazy but that is how matters stand on the taxation front. For now. I would not be surprised to see things change over the next Budget or two. I can hear the question being legitimately asked: why should a big SUV with 4WD get such favourable treatment? 

It opens up the whole debate of taxing PHEVs for sure. Are the rest of us subsidising the wealthy few who can afford to stump up the cash for the likes of the Volkswagen and get away with paying such little road tax?

Anyway. Would I buy it? I’m ambivalent about it.

I would be less than honest if I did not admit to a great liking for its overall demeanour. And I am talking about its quiet presence on the road as much as glimpses into its awesome display of power.

But could I live with it on a daily basis? I said at the start I was impressed and confused by it. I am still impressed and confused because something in me recoils at the prospect of driving anything except a sports car with a 3-litre V6 petrol.