The Volkswagen Touareg III (CR), specifically the 3.0 V6 TSI (381 Hp) eHybrid 4MOTION Tiptronic model, represents the third generation of Volkswagen’s popular mid-size luxury SUV. Produced from October 2020 to June 2022, this variant is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) designed to balance performance with improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. While the Touareg has been a mainstay in European markets since its introduction in 2002, it has seen more limited sales in the United States, positioned as a competitor to vehicles like the BMW X5, Audi Q7, and Porsche Cayenne – all of which share platform and component similarities due to the Volkswagen Group’s ownership structure. The “CR” designation refers to the model’s internal code, signifying a comprehensive redesign over the previous generation.
Volkswagen Touareg III (CR) 3.0 V6 TSI eHybrid: An Overview
The Touareg III marked a significant step forward in technology and refinement for the model line. It moved to a more modern MLB Evo platform, resulting in weight reduction and increased rigidity. The 3.0 V6 TSI eHybrid model specifically targets environmentally conscious buyers seeking a premium SUV experience without sacrificing power or capability. Its plug-in hybrid powertrain allows for a limited all-electric range, making it suitable for short commutes and urban driving, while the gasoline engine provides extended range and performance for longer journeys. The 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system ensures confident handling in various weather conditions.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the Touareg III 3.0 V6 TSI eHybrid lies a 3.0-liter V6 turbocharged gasoline engine, producing 340 horsepower. This engine is paired with a 136 horsepower electric motor, integrated between the engine and the eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. The combined system output reaches a substantial 381 horsepower and 600 Nm (442.54 lb.-ft.) of torque. This powertrain configuration allows for a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 6.3 seconds and a limited top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph). The electric motor draws power from a 17.9 kWh gross (14.3 kWh net) lithium-ion battery pack located under the trunk floor, providing an all-electric range of up to 47 km (29.2 miles) based on WLTP testing. Energy consumption is rated at 24.2 kWh/100 km (38.95 kWh/100 mi) on the WLTP cycle, translating to approximately 87 MPGe. The engine features direct fuel injection, a turbocharger with intercooler, and a DOHC valvetrain, contributing to its efficiency and responsiveness.
Design & Features
The Touareg III boasts a sophisticated and understated exterior design, characterized by clean lines and a premium aesthetic. It’s a five-door SUV with seating for five passengers. Key design elements include a prominent chrome grille, sleek LED headlights, and a sculpted body profile. Inside, the Touareg III offers a luxurious and technologically advanced cabin. A large Innovision Cockpit, featuring a digital instrument cluster and a central touchscreen infotainment system, dominates the dashboard. High-quality materials, comfortable seating, and ample cargo space contribute to a refined driving experience. Safety features are comprehensive, including ABS, electronic stability control, and a suite of driver-assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. The trunk offers 665 liters (23.48 cu. ft.) of space with the rear seats up, expanding to 1675 liters (59.15 cu. ft.) when folded down.
Technical Specifications
| General Information | |
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Touareg |
| Generation | Touareg III (CR) |
| Type | 3.0 V6 TSI (381 Hp) eHybrid 4MOTION Tiptronic |
| Start of production | October, 2020 |
| End of production | June, 2022 |
| Powertrain Architecture | PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Performance Specs | |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 2.6 l/100 km (90.5 US mpg, 108.6 UK mpg, 38.5 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 59 g/km |
| Fuel consumption (NEDC) – combined | 2.7 l/100 km (87.1 US mpg, 104.6 UK mpg, 37 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 61 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / electricity |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 6.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 6.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph) |
| Emission standard | EURO 6d-ISC-FCM |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.2 kg/Hp, 161.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.9 kg/Nm, 254.2 Nm/tonne |
| Electric/Hybrid Specs | |
| Gross battery capacity | 17.9 kWh |
| Net (usable) battery capacity | 14.3 kWh |
| Battery technology | Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) |
| Battery location | Under the trunk |
| All-electric range (WLTP) | 47 km (29.2 mi) |
| Average Energy consumption (WLTP) | 24.2 kWh/100 km (38.95 kWh/100 mi, 87 MPGe, 4.1 km/kWh, 2.6 mi/kWh) |
| Average Energy consumption (NEDC) | 21.1 kWh/100 km (33.96 kWh/100 mi, 99 MPGe, 4.7 km/kWh, 2.9 mi/kWh) |
| Max speed (electric) | 135 km/h (83.89 mph) |
| Electric motor power | 136 Hp |
| Electric motor Torque | 400 Nm (295.02 lb.-ft.) |
| Electric motor location | Between the combustion engine and the transmission |
| System power | 381 Hp |
| System torque | 600 Nm (442.54 lb.-ft.) |
| Internal Combustion Engine Specs | |
| Power | 340 Hp |
| Power per litre | 113.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 450 Nm @ 1340-5300 rpm (331.9 lb.-ft. @ 1340-5300 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | DCBE |
| Engine displacement | 2995 cm3 (182.77 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 84.5 mm (3.33 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 89 mm (3.5 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 11.2:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Space, Volume & Weights | |
| Kerb Weight | 2360 kg (5202.91 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 3010 kg (6635.91 lbs.) |
| Max load | 650 kg (1433 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 665 l (23.48 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1675 l (59.15 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 76 l (20.08 US gal, 16.72 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 3500 kg (7716.18 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 140 kg (308.65 lbs.) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 4878 mm (192.05 in.) |
| Width | 1984 mm (78.11 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2193 mm (86.34 in.) |
| Height | 1717 mm (67.6 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2904 mm (114.33 in.) |
| Front track | 1653-1669 mm (65.08 – 65.71 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1669-1685 mm (65.71 – 66.34 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.322 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 12.2 m (40.03 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 23.3° |
| Departure angle | 17.2° |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle | 13.5° |
