Volkswagen has unveiled a new five-seater midsize SUV concept at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Called the Cross Coupe GTE, this new concept is a plug-in hybrid with all-wheel drive technology.
The Cross Coupe GTE is the third concept model in the run-up to the introduction of the production version. Together, all three concept cars – the CrossBlue presented in Detroit in January 2013, the CrossBlue Coupe most recently shown in Los Angeles in November 2013 and the Cross Coupe GTE – represent a wide spectrum of SUV versions developed under the MQB platform.
The Cross Coupe GTE is 4,847mm long, 1,736 mm high and 2,030 mm wide . Powering it is a 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine in combination with two electric motors. The direct-injection engine (FSI) delivers 280bhp of power and 350Nm of torque, while the two electric motors deliver 40kW (53bhp) and 220Nm at the front and 85kW (113bhp) and 270Nm at the rear. The electric motors are powered by a compact lithium-ion battery housed in the centre tunnel.
The Cross Coupe GTE previews Volkswagen’s new US design language. Its public debut comes ahead of the production of a new seven-seater midsize SUV at Volkswagen USA’s factory in Tennessee. The production is expected to begin by the end of 2016.
