Volkswagen Cross Coupe GTE unveiled

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Volkswagen has unveiled a heavily-reworked version of its CrossBlue Coupe concept at the Detroit motor show, revealing a fresh new styling lineage and further developed 265kW plug-in petrol-electric hybrid system for the five-seat off-roader that is expected to see production by 2017.

The new model, which is planned to share its underpinnings with a roomier seven-seat model previewed by the original CrossBlue concept at the 2014 Detroit motor show, has been conceived as a cheaper style led alternative to the likes of the BMW X6 in what Wolfsburg officials describe as a broad based SUV offensive aimed at significantly raising Volkswagen's sales prospects in the rejuvenated US market.

The two new SUV models are set to slot into the Volkswagen line-up at a price that will position them above the second-generation Tiguan due out later this year but below the more sophisticated and recently facelifted second-generation Touareg.

Called the Cross Coupe GTE, the new Volkswagen concept was styled under the guise of Klaus Bischoff. The head of Volkswagen brand design describes it as an ambassador of a new design language developed for the US, suggesting numerous details hint at a future production SUV model.

While retaining the same basic two-box silhouette and five door layout as the earlier CrossBlue Coupe, the new Cross Coupe GTE boasts a more rugged looking exterior and further refined interior – both created after criticism of the original concept in various styling clinics held in the US .

A distinctive full width grille with prominent horizontal elements and small LED headlamps dominates up front, while the flanks receive added structure with more heavily flared wheel arches and a pair of deep swage lines across the doors, with the rear featuring a large tailgate with a heavy rake to the window and large spoiler element.

The aim with the new look, according to Bischoff, has been to make the Cross Coupe look less car like and more a dedicated SUV in its own right. "The new concept has a commanding presence; it is powerful with a look that could almost be described as aggressive," he says.

At 4847mm in length, 2030mm in width and 1736mm in height, the Cross Coupe GTE is some 52mm longer, 90mm wider and 26mm taller than the recently facelifted Touareg – itself set to grow appreciably when a third-generation is launched in 2017, according to well placed Volkswagen sources.

Underpinning the new Volkswagen concept is the latest evolution yet of the versatile MQB (Modularen Querbau – modular transverse architecture) platform now used extensively across the German car maker's line-up. No official figures to the dimensions have been revealed, although the Cross Coupe GTE is thought to share the same 2980mm wheelbase as the earlier CrossBlue Coupe concept wheeled out at the Shanghai motor show back in 2013, along with its 1709mm front and 1726mm rear tracks.

Inside, the new Volkswagen concept provides seating for up to five adults in a contemporary-styled cabin that boasts a further developed version of the clean and unadorned dashboard, new touch screen infotainment system and connectivity functions initially previewed on the CrossBlue Coupe concept.

As well as previewing the look of a five-seat sporting off-roader Volkswagen plans to slot into its line up alongside a production version of the more practical seven-seat Cross Blue concept, the Cross Coupe GTE also showcases a new plug-in hybrid drivetrain to be used by the German car maker in a range of mid-to-large size models in coming years.

The petrol-electric system is based around a transversely mounted 3.6-litre V6 and two electric motors – one mounted up front and the other sited at the rear. The direct injection combustion engine delivers 206kW and 350Nm of torque, while the synchronous electric motors provide 40kW and 220Nm along with 85kW and 270Nm.

All up, the new drivetrain offers a combined output of 265kW and 500Nm of torque – the maximum permitted by the four-wheel drive Cross Coupe GTE's gearbox. This is sufficient, according to Volkswagen's own figures, to provide it with a 0-100km/h time of 6.0 seconds together with a 209km/h top speed.

Energy for the electric motors is provided by a 14.1kWh lithium-ion battery housed within the centre tunnel. It endows the high riding off-roader with a claimed zero-emission electric range of up to 32km in E-mode on the US test proceedure.

Drive is channeled through a six-speed, dual-clutch transmission with the ability to provide either front, rear- or four-wheel drive and five different driving modes: E-mode; Hybrid; GTE;, Off-road; Battery Hold/Battery Charge – the latter of which allows the driver to use the combustion engine to provide electric charge to the battery in a range extender function.

The new Volkswagen concept also possesses four so-called driving profiles: On-road with the sub-modes Comfort and Eco; Off-road with sub-modes Rocks, Sludge and Sand and Gravel; Sport; Snow.

Along with the advanced hybrid drivetrain, Volkswagen hints the production version of the Cross Coupe will offer a choice of more conventional four- and six-cylinder petrol and diesel powerplants.

Production of the new five-seat SUV is planned to take place alongside the US market Passat and the upcoming seven seat production version of the CrossBlue at Volkswagen's plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, while insiders hint it may also be assembled at a factory in Shanghai, China.