Volkswagen Cross Coupe GTE (2015)

Volkswagen Cross Coupe GTE

It is Volkswagen. It is new. And it is concept. Meet the VW Cross Coupe GTE which was revealed ahead of its premiere at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. This plug-in hybrid with all-wheel drive embodies Volkswagen’s new US design language and combines German engineering with an American kind of lifestyle.

This is the third Cross concept which is depicted by the automaker. Precisely, the concept SUVs range includes: the CrossBlue introduced in Detroit in January 2013, the CrossBlue Coupe presented in Los Angeles in November 2013 and the Cross Coupé GTE that is now being shown at the NAIAS.

Power for the new Cross Coupe GTE is provided by a 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine that comes with two electric motors. The six-cylinder direct-injection engine (FSI) produces 280 PS and a peak torque of 350 Nm. Moreover, the two electric motors deliver 40 kW and 220 Nm (front) and 85 kW and 270 Nm (rear) and are powered by a compact 14.1 kWh lithium-ion battery. This allows the concept car to generate a total output of 360 PS and 379 Nm (280 lb-ft). Using this full power, the GTE speeds up from 0 to 60 mph in 6 seconds, with a top speed of 209 km/h (130 mph). Lastly, there are five different power modes: E-Mode, Hybrid, GTE, Offroad and Battery Hold / Battery Charge.

In terms of what the new Volkswagen crossover features, there is an aggressive front, aluminum grille, LED headlights, as well as more seriously-looking fenders, accentuating gloss black elements and strong character contours.

The interior is quite simple but is still nicely equipped. The five-seater benefits from sports semi-aniline Nappa leather seats, gloss black trim and, once more, aluminum elements. Also, there is a 12.3-inch Active Info Display and a 10.1-inch touchscreen which controls the infotainment system.