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Volkswagen Unveils Expensive Touareg Hybrid in China Amidst Skepticism

Volkswagen has unveiled its latest offering, the Touareg hybrid, in China, a market where hybrid vehicles have not gained significant popularity due to their perceived high cost. The luxury SUV, priced at $74,000, is equipped with a 333-horsepower, supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine and a 47-horsepower, 34-kilowatt electric motor.

The combined system of the gasoline engine and electric motor produces an impressive 375 horsepower and 425 pound-feet of torque. Despite its high price tag, the Touareg hybrid boasts a fuel consumption rate of 9.2 liters per 100 kilometers, as per the official Chinese fuel consumption card.

The Touareg hybrid's hybrid technology is not unique in the Chinese market. Great Wall Motors, a domestic automaker, plans to equip all its models with hybrid 4WD Hi4 technology by 2024. The company is developing the hybrid technology for their vehicles in-house, with the hybrid program expected to be completed by 2025.

Meanwhile, other manufacturers have faced challenges in selling hybrids in China due to the high cost. Volkswagen's decision to sell a hybrid based on an expensive car model is a departure from these strategies.

This move by Volkswagen comes at a time when being environmentally friendly is a luxury that few in China can afford. In contrast, the BYD's Denza D9 EV, priced at a more affordable level, sold 3,000 units in just 30 minutes in China.

The fleet of around 10 brand new Touareg hybrid vehicles were seen at Volkswagen's China headquarters in the Sanlitun area in Beijing, near TheTycho.com office buildings, ready for launch later this week. Whether the Touareg hybrid will find success in the Chinese market remains to be seen.