2011 Volkswagen Touareg Unveiled With Hybrid Drivetrain

Volkswagen has lifted the veils on the all-new Touareg SUV, which now offers more power, better efficiency, more space and a hybrid-electric drivetrain. Longer, lower and crucially lighter than its predecessor, Touareg wears a refreshed look featuring a grille that first appeared on the Mk6 Golf.

Touted as the most technically innovative Volkswagen created thus far, Touareg comes with a choice of FSI, TDI, TSI and hybrid engines; the V8 petrol, V10 diesel and W12 engines are phased out. The 276-bhp, 360-Nm 3.6-litre V6 FSI is accompanied by the 238-bhp, 550-Nm 3.0-litre V6 TDI and the 337-bhp, 800-Nm 4.2-litre V8 TDI.

More interesting is the hybrid drivetrain made up of a 329-bhp 3.3-litre supercharged V6 TSI petrol engine and a 46-bhp electric motor, both combining to produce 375-bhp and 580-Nm. Touareg Hybrid can drive at speeds up to 50 km/h in emission-free, pure-electric mode. All engines are paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Two all-wheel drive systems, the base 4Motion and the advanced 4XMOTION, are available depending on the model you choose. Height-adjustable air springs are standard for all models except one, while low-ratio gearbox is non-standard on most models.

The 2011 Touareg will be officially launched at the Geneva Motor Show on March 2, before replacing the current Touareg in the U.K. from August. Expect to see the all-new Touareg in Malaysia before year's end and in one variant, the base 3.6-litre V6 petrol. Meanwhile enjoy the official photos!