UPDATE: Pricing confirmed, see bottom of article.

Volkswagen's big Touareg SUV range will welcome a new flagship model in March, with the Australian introduction of the hotted-up R-Line V8 diesel.

Entering above the existing 150TDI and V6 TDI models, the R-Line 4.2 litre V8 TDI continues the diesel-only theme while bringing more power and a more sporting look.

Power in the new model is rated at a hefty 250kW and 800Nm, nearly matching the 258kW/850Nm V10 R50 model in the previous Touareg range.

That deficit worries the R-Line little however, with its Porsche Cayenne-derived V8 pushing the SUV to 100km/h in a claimed 5.8 seconds - bettering the R50 by a full second.

Helping the big wagon get there is an eight-speed automatic transmission and Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system.

Styling tweaks include 20-inch alloy wheels, sports-tuned suspension, and a bodykit that features front and rear aprons with a faux diffuser up back, side skirts, a roof spoiler and chromed exhaust tips.

Inside, the R-Line gets Nappa leather trim, Area View and Optical Parking systems, front and rear parking sensors, RNS850 satellite navigation package, and 12-speaer audio.

There's also four-zone climate control and dual-air conditioning, kerb view function for reversing, powered front seats, heated steering wheel and keyless entry.

Adaptive Cruise Control is featured, along with Front Assist and City Emergency brake, Side Assist and Proactive occupant protection.

Safety features include nine airbags, ASR, EDL and ESP with active rollover protection, anti-lock brakes, hill-descent, electronic brake control and off-road brake assistance.

Pricing

UPDATE: February 15 2013 - outgoing Volkswagen Australia Boss Anke Koeckler has confirmed a $112,990 (plus on-roads) price for the V8 TDI.

• Related News & Reviews at TMR ▼

• Touareg | Volkswagen | SUVs | Family Cars | Performance

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• reply ” like !

  

  Price conscious says,
  4 months ago

  1 like

  $ 100K+ .... they must think we are all making millions.
  • reply ” like !

    

    CAZZO says,
    3 months ago

    1 like

    LOL
    
    They charge what they think the punters will pay
    
    If you want a luxo SUV [yes Smee, S U V] buy the Lexus RX350, its the only one that wont give you brain-damage and issues
    
    Toyota bulletproof quality
• reply ” like !

  

  Roger says,
  4 months ago

  1 like

  Considering the equivalent Audi Q7 price, I reckon $120-150K. I think you are dreaming if you reckon they will sell it for $100K. It will probably sit alongside BMW X5 40d.
• reply ” like !

  

  hugh says,
  4 months ago

  why, why dont they put this engine in the Armarok or the six pot, would *** all over the competion
• reply ” like !

  

  Mike Stevens [TMR] says,
  3 months ago

  Hi all, please note the addition to this article of confirmed pricing.