Volkswagen has been supplying us with concepts on the topic of a large SUV for quite a long time. Whether it's the two-year-old seven-seater CrossBlu e model or the derivative CrossBlue Coupé from the same year. However, the Cross Coupé GTE concept exhibited in Detroit is a bit closer to series production.
To put it into perspective , the design of the latest concept is closer to mass production. Production of a new seven-seater SUV is due to start next year at the Chattanooga plant, and the Cross Coupé GTE has only five seats. However, it foreshadows the future design of all North American SUVs of the German automaker. Well, take your pick…
Enough thinking about what and when will appear in serial production and let's focus on the appearance itself . It combines elements from the latest series models of the brand and the already mentioned CrossBlue concepts. It primarily means a mask with integrated LED headlights , a sporty bumper and extended fenders, filled with 22-inch wheels . The rear part is again dominated by a distinctly shaped bumper, disproportionately small lights and a decent roof spoiler.
The five-seater interior received seats upholstered in semi-aniline leather and three displays. The 12.3-inch Active Info Display instrument panel is already familiar from the Audi TT or Volkswagen Passat, the multimedia system with a 10.1-inch screen can be controlled not only by touch, but also by gestures. At the same time, its graphics change with one of the four driving modes Sport, Snow, On-road and Off-road. As standard, navigation is present, which can also be projected three-dimensionally. The last display shows the air conditioning or ventilation settings. In addition to the modern computer gadgets , the dashboard has a decor in black gloss piano lacquer and flows smoothly into the door panels.
Like most of the new models of the VW concern, the Cross Coupé rides on the modular MQB platform and, although it may not seem so at first glance, it is 4846 mm long, 2029 mm wide and 1735 mm high. The drive is provided by a 3.6-liter six-cylinder VR6 with an output of 280 hp, which is partnered by two electric motors with an output of 55 hp at the front and 116 hp at the rear. The total output of the plug-in hybrid system is 360 hp and a torque of 379 Nm, thanks to lithium-ion batteries with a capacity of 14.1 kWh, the SUV can travel up to 20 km on electricity (the rear electric motor is permanently on). At that moment, however, you will definitely not use the full potential of the car, which gives it a speed of 209 km/h and acceleration to 96 km/h in 6 seconds. Volkswagen calculated the combined consumption at 3.4 l/100 km. Finally, I will add information about the driving modes of the drivetrain – in addition to electric E-Mode, the Cross Coupé can also drive in Hybrid, GTE, Off-road and Battery Charge modes.
Source: Volkswagen
