The first plug-in hybrid SUV by Volkswagen, the Tiguan GTE Concept was unveiled at the Frankfurt IAA. This vehicle comes with a total of 228 hp (160 kW) and goes to up to 50 km in the special "E-Mode" which offers complete all-electric zero-emission smooth drive. This relatively long driving range benefits from the especially designed lithium-ion battery and its energy capacity of 13.0 kWh. In optimal driving conditions this installment can cover even 1,000 km of driving range. But this all depends on the regional solar radiation power.  And if you decide to use the combined way of driving, you should know that the vehicle consumes mere 1.9 liter per 100 km.

SEE ALSO: Anniversary Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport Celebrates the Spirit of GTI in Frankfurt

The latest VW concept vehicle benefits from a direct-injection turbocharged petrol unit along with the electric motor. This system is further paired to a 6-speed dual clutch gearbox, which was especially designed for this particular vehicle. The additional components include power electronics and charger. The Tiguan GTE can be also driven on Hybrid, Battery Charge and GTE modes. If mode is not selected by the driver, the vehicle automatically drives off in "E-Mode". Furthermore, the Tiguan reaches a top speed of 130 km/h only with the electric motor.

And the system is precisely fine-tune to switch to Hybrid mode when the battery is exhausted or when there is high demand for power. This all means that the E-Mode is deactivated and the Concept now behaves like a classic full hybrid car.

The driver can press the GTE button to switch to GTE mode which activates the flexible side of the vehicle. This mode is now exclusive feature for all VW vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive system. With the mode engaged, the characteristics of the pedals, gearbox and steering system are noticeably changed to bring more dynamics and flexibility. In addition, the GTE mode, the TSI unit and the electric motor work together in a way, known as "boosting" which makes the full system power and maximum torque available. In this way the Concept has a top speed of 200 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.1 seconds.

Volkswagen Tiguan GTE Concept (2015)
Volkswagen Tiguan GTE Concept (2015) - picture 1 of 10
Volkswagen Tiguan GTE Concept (2015) - picture 2 of 10
Volkswagen Tiguan GTE Concept (2015) - picture 3 of 10
Volkswagen Tiguan GTE Concept (2015) - picture 4 of 10
Volkswagen Tiguan GTE Concept (2015) - picture 5 of 10
Volkswagen Tiguan GTE Concept (2015) - picture 6 of 10
Volkswagen Tiguan GTE Concept (2015) - picture 7 of 10
Volkswagen Tiguan GTE Concept (2015) - picture 8 of 10

Source: Volkswagen