Volkswagen Touareg R50 Road Test Report

Performance

The R50 is powered by a 5.0-litre V10, which has been optimised for power rather than economy. The V10 unit has an output of about 345bhp, that’s up from the original 308bhp and there lots of pull too as it has 850Nm of torque. That means that the Touareg is actually faster than the Golf R32 hot hatch as it can do the zero to 62mph sprint in 6.7 seconds while it has a top speed of 146mph. On the road the performance is just breathtaking, feather the accelerator and you’ll hear the large V10 prepare for take off.

Ride & Handling

The R50 has been lowered by 20mm from the standard model – this is to eliminate body roll, so does it work? The Touareg behaves up to a point, but when you are cornering hard you can still feel the body roll that affects all off-roaders due to their high design. So it may be the faster than the Golf R32 but the hot hatch still handles better than the R50. There’s also a choice of three suspension settings sport when you’re driving enthusiastically, comfort when you’re driving in a relaxed manner and there’s also auto.

Build Quality & Reliability

You expect quality build from the German maker and the Touareg R50 does not disappoint. All the shut lines are neat and the doors close with a thud that eeks of quality. It has a real presence on the road as the R50 sits on huge 21-inch alloys wheels. To enhance the looks further VW has given the R50 body-coloured wheel arches, which makes the car look wider. There’s also a matt silver grille, a new bumper and a roof-mounted spoiler. On the inside you get luxurious leather upholstery and R-logos positioned all around the cabin so that you don’t forget you’re in the R version.

Safety & Security

It may be a power horse but it’s also kitted out with safety gadgets to keep you as safe as possible. This includes ABSplus with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) and HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assist), ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) including trailer stabilisation, EDL (Electronic Differential Lock) and ASR (Anti Slip Regulation) as standard. Move to the interior and you have more gizmos to keep you safe, There are driver and passenger airbags, curtain airbag system and front seat side airbags while the doors also have side impact protection – these all come as standard. To keep your car secure from thieves, VW has fitted an alarm, remote central locking with keyless access and engine start, an electronic immobiliser and there’s also a crash sensor that will unlock the doors in an accident.

Space & Practicality

Inside the flagship R50, you can see that it has been fitted with a raft of equipment as standard and that this has been done in the usual practical VW way. All the switches and controls are within easy reach of the driver. Up front the seats are very comfortable and hold you in well when driving enthusiastically. There’s a good amount of space in the rear for passengers while the boot has enough room for three sets of golf clubs.

Ownership & Value

You’ll probably need to be a premiership footballer or a wealthy businessman to own the the Touareg R50 as the price starts from £61,990 and the running costs will be eyewatering as well as it sits in Band G when it comes to road tax. It emits 333g/km of CO2 and has a claimed fuel economy figure of 22.4mpg. The Touareg R50 makes no bones about it – it’s a performance car with a beefy look and luxurious cabin and if you fancy, a look-at-me-car, then this is what you’ve been waiting for.