Volkswagen Cross Coupe GTE concept unveiled – previews 7-seat SUV for the USA

Volkswagen has previewed its upcoming American-market crossover with the Cross Coupe GTE concept, which will make its debut at the Detroit Motor Show.

Sporting a bold front fascia and muscular wheel arches, the Cross Coupe GTE is said to be the “ambassador” of a new design language developed by Volkswagen for the USA. Finished in Grand Pacific Glacier blue colour, the concept measures 4,846mm long, 2,030mm wide and 1,735mm in height.

The Cross Coupe GTE’s aggressive front features an aluminium grille flanked by a pair LED headlights that merge seamlessly together. In profile, the concept’s sloped C-pillar, bulbous wheel arches housing 22-inch alloy wheels and short overhangs give the car a sporty yet rugged look.

At the rear, the side character line feature merges into a polished aluminium trim strip, above which are the trapezoidal LED taillights. A skidplate with an integrated diffuser forms he final major design element at the back of the Cross Coupe GTE.

Inside the five-seat interior is a combination of gloss black and chrome elements said to be influenced by the German Bauhaus movement. The concept features a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with proximity sensors and gesture control. It is integrated in the middle of the control panel and framed by two sets of vertical air vents.

A 12.3-inch high-resolution (1,440 x 540 pixels) Active Info Display (digital display) replaces conventional instruments and can be customised by the driver, while occupants lounge in elegant bi-colour semi-aniline Nappa leather seats with climate control.

Based on the now ubiquitous MQB platform, the plug-in hybrid concept is powered by a 3.6-litre VR6 petrol engine with two electric motors. The six-cylinder direct-injection engine delivers 203kW (276 hp) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. The two electric motors produce 40kW (54 hp) and 220Nm (162 lb-ft) at the front and 84kW (114 hp) and 270Nm (199 lb-ft) at the rear. Together, they produce a combined output of 264kW (355 hp) and 379Nm (280 lb-ft). It draws energy from a 14.1 kWh lithium-ion battery.

The setup enables the Cross Coupe GTE to accelerate from 0-60mph in 6 seconds and return 70 mpg (3.4L/100km). It is capable of travelling up to 32km (20 miles) on pure electricity.

While the Cross Coupe GTE is a five-seater, Volkswagen confirmed the production model, which is scheduled to be built at their Chattanooga plant in Tennessee by end of 2016, will have seven seats.