Why? I can't imagine wanting to go that route with a Treg. They have enough issues with the regular line of Tregs , The hybrids aren't even really being produced. Good luck getting it fixed anywhere. Sorry I wouldn't touch one, especially for 60,000. Go to the Lexus 460hs. JP

 

I've just logged on after checking the UK site and this thread is running there on VWatts

anyone running a Hybrid? - myTreg forums

 

Nice thread on UK site. To the OP, just take one for a test drive and then test drive the TDI. I would seriously consider the Hybrid if the cost was lower. It is intended to be a replacement for the V8, i.e., a performance model...it's really not green or Eco-friendly but does get better mileage than the V6.

Fact is, VW will be using hybrid and diesel (and together) more and more. And, I believe there is a $7500 tax credit on the Hybrid.

Your test drive will be fun.

 

I can't imagine why anyone WOULDN'T want the hybrid if they are in the market for a gas powered vehicle. its got the latest 3.0T supercharged engine out of the VAG lineup and the electric motor. With the 7500 tax credit it really isn't all that more expensive than a loaded up VR6.

 

Having driven both the VWatt and the Tdi back to back, yes, the hybrid will put a smile on your face when you floor it from a standing start, but the Tdi is the better, more useable car with a more certain future resulting in lower depreciation and no worries about how many thousands of dollars/pounds/euros a new battery pack will cost you in the medium term future.

 

Yes I understand battery packs are expensive, but TDI fuel pumps cost much more (ie: 10K for a battery, $17K for a pump). Pumps do fail and batteries do need to be replaced so IMO this is a wash.

But this isn't a diesel vs hybrid debate, back to my point, if one is in the market for a GASSER, then I can't see why you would't buy the hybrid.

some of these anti hybri comments sound a little like grumpy old men complaining about "newfangled" things

 

Yes I understand battery packs are expensive, but TDI fuel pumps cost much more (ie: 10K for a battery, $17K for a pump). Pumps do fail and batteries do need to be replaced so IMO this is a wash...

:shock::confused2: $17K for a TDI fuel pump??? This is for the HPFP right? Or are you talking about the entire engine?
Cheers,
Peter

 

Only one of the three dealers in K.C. is set up to sell the Hybrid. I have not seen one on the street. It will be interesting to see how many get sold each year.

 

We don't get them at all up here...I wish VW would have taken the bet on the V8 TDI, I'd rather have a non-seller that a few of us would buy (something to replace all the V10s out there, and maybe snag a few new clients) vs. a non-seller that people don't want.

Ultra premium pricing on diesels isn't uncommon in North America, go price a diesel pickup and the Touareg will suddenly feel like a bargain...if VW would actually ADVERTISE the damn thing (ie: V10 TDI, V8 TDI), they might even sell some!

 

MinnBobber - I test drove one a while back at Westside VW (St Louis Park) and came away impressed. Compared to my V6, it's a whole lot quicker and smoother. I love the 8 speed tranny, and all the candy (options) that come standard. I really wish mine had a heated steering wheel.....

My only knock on the hybrid is a knock on all T3's - no air suspension. Other than that, they are terrific! As Nick said, if you are looking for a gasser, it's a great rig - especially with the tax credit (and the end of the year is almost here....). I don't think you can go wrong with one. Good luck!

If you are looking at Westside, let me know - I've got a guy for you to work with over there on the purchase.

 

I'd also be concerned about the garage service you're likely to get on this 1st gen, rare beast. I know that the dealer/service shop has to go through special training before they can even offer the hybrid for sale...but if you think of all the poor service threads re: the TDI, which has been out for some time in most markets, I think you might be in for a negative surprise the first couple times you have to take it in for work. I'd try to find out if that dealer's shop is 2nd to none before I bought this gen hybrid...

 

thanks

I'm considering the Touareg Hybrid IN SPITE of the hybrid component, not BECAUSE of the hybrid. In other words I'd love to have the V6 supercharged engine by itself. I think it's one of the best engines made today.

1. what's the story on the $7500 tax credit please?? Is it $7500 off your tax owed OR $7500 deducted from your income ( so ends up as approx $2000 real dollars saving)?? Available in 2011? 2012 also??

2. I do like the TDI Touareg too but here in MN the diesel prices are often 80 cents/gal above premium. Gap just went back to about 50 cents but it is oftentimes much more

3. battery replacement question---Isn't it considered part of the "powertrain" and covered by the 10 year/100K mile warranty??

4. In studying the specs, it appears that the Hybrid does NOT have the Dynaudio sound system correct??? I cannot believe they didn't include that in their "flagship" model
I love a good car stereo, currently have a BOSE.
Any experience with the Lux model sound system VERSUS the Dynaudio??

thanks for all of the comments.
Bob

 

...

3. battery replacement question---Isn't it considered part of the "powertrain" and covered by the 10 year/100K mile warranty??

4. In studying the specs, it appears that the Hybrid does NOT have the Dynaudio sound system correct??? I cannot believe they didn't include that in their "flagship" model
...

3: I'd be really surprised if the batteries are covered under the 10/100K warranty, but that's pure speculation. It would be pretty easy for VW to make the argument that those are "consumables", and not covered.

4: The Dynaudio is only available on Exec models. It looks like in 2012 they are only offereing Lux models in the hybrid, plus KESSY. Hummm... That is interesting indeed...

 

I'm also seriously considering a Hybrid Touareg. We're looking for something to replace our Hemi powered 4X4 Grand Cherokee with something that has similar performance with better fuel economy. They Hybrid seems to fit the bill.

From what I have learned, there is no tax credit for the Touareg Hybrid. Any tax credit that would have existed for this vehicle expired at the end of 2010.

 

I couldn't find anything on the VW website specifically mentioning the warranty of the Hybrid components. However, on the Lexus site it lists for the RX450H that the Hybrid System Warranty coverage is 8 years or 100,000 miles which is actually longer than 72 month or 70,000 mile warrant for the rest of the drivetrain on the Lexus. The Hybrid battery is covered in this warranty by Lexus.

Before I make a decision on the Touareg Hybrid, I will want confirmation that the battery is covered in the 10 year or 100,000 mile powertrain warranty.

 

My sole, one and only concern about any electric car, and I suppose to a less degree hybrids, would be the crazy EMF's surrounding the occupant. Other than that, for me the Hybrid is a no-brainer. Crazy performance with most excellent fuel consumption numbers considering the former fact.

 

So what in the hybrid system would cause the : EMF (Electromagnetic Field)?

 

I know a lot of people who buy a 65K car don't worry about resale,but what do we think will be the reduction in value the closer the rig gets to the 10yr battery warranty expiration? I know I wouldn't buy it unless the price reflected the cost of replacement of the battery system. JP

 

Before anyone buys one of these, make sure you take one out for at least a couple of hours without some sales guy rabbiting away in the passenger seat alongside you!

From my own experience, when trying very hard on a featherlight throttle at under 30 mph, I found it almost impossible to drive it purely on the battery.

But as I said earlier, flooring it from a standstill with bothe battery and engine puts a big smile on your face albeit at the expense of the fuel consumption.

 

I've owned 2 lexus 400h hybrids and can confirm they are for city driving only.. don't think about driving on bumpy, unpaved roads unless you like buying new electric motors (even more costly than batteries!)... and they don't come close to the power or feel of the Touareg. As I've posted before, I was ready to drive away with a brand new Touareg hybrid until learning there was no spare tire... that was a deal breaker!

 

Why? It is not the regular touaregs have great spares.
My wife has a accord Hybrid. no spare either. Never needed it. carry some fix a flat or a compressor and some plugs. Works 90% of all flats. And get AAA

 

Why? It is not the regular touaregs have great spares.

Some people prefer to be able to get home other than on the back of a breakdown truck!

The inflatable spare wheel on the Touareg works very well indeed.

 

hope your wife is a city pavement driver!

 

Just re-read this thread. Pretty much set on another Treg and still waffling between the TDI and Hybrid. I'm not concerned about Hybrid VW dealers...several of them near me, including where I go for service now. This is Chicago! Plus, I rarely go off-road.

Get the price down a bit and I am leaning towards a Hybrid...at least for today.

 

I'm with Str3t

I did a lot of research before letting my wife purchase her new TDI, and the maintenance fees are what made our choice for us. This is a new platform and although we have never had any problems with both of our Tregs I have owned a 2008 Camry Hybrid that gave me nothing but trouble for the 8000 miles that I owned it. However, I did sell the Hybrid for more than what I owed on it. The car was great, but it left me stranded 3 times because of the batteries dying. This product is coming from a car maker who is supposed to have a handle on the ehybrid. If you bought it and didn't like it, maybe you could sell it and at least get what you payed. We didn't want to own a VW and pay the price of owning a Porsche (and the Touareg is already expensive to maintain). Also, we wanted a car that we could have for 10 or 15 years and the diesels have been proven in longevity. These are my opinions that I have formed from my past experiences. However, I cannot say anything at all about the new hybrid because I just don't know. I have also never seen one on a VW lot (but that doesn't mean anything either). All I know is that I want to get in a tester and smash the gas on it!

 

Thanks for your reply. Logic says go with TDI. Would love to hear from a Hybrid owner, though. Driven both and both are fantastic.

 

Not touareg but cayenne opinion but since they are still kind of similar maybe this helps with the decision?
2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid Long-Term Update 5 - Motor Trend

 

Thanks. This is great.

 

I test drove the Hybrid and the TDI side by side...IMO the TDI won hands down! Between the low end torque, better milage and the TDI's proven reliability, I was sold.

 

Okay - Time to speak-up. Bought a 2011 Touareg Hybrid a year ago. It is AWESOME. Had a 2007 V6 which was great but his one is wicked fast, better gas mileage, super smooth acceleration, solid, tight handling and all you hear is the wind when it coasts on the highway at speed or stops at traffic lights in town. I haven't seen many on the road but that is okay. With few on the road, VW has bent over backwards to make sure the car is running perfect and I have everything I need. Okay so $60K was a lot of money but it is $10K less than a similar Audi or $20K less than the Porsche with the same super-charged V-6 / Electric drive train. The appointments are the same as any Lux package and anyone will tell you VW builds highly finished products.

I have had no problems with my VW Touareg Hybrid and only wish I could spend more time driving it! Hope this helps.