Volkswagen has unveiled its T-Prime concept GTE at the Beijing Motor Show, which is set to preview the next-generation Volkswagen Touareg.
Dimensionally, the concept is considerably larger than the current Touareg, but sits slightly lower for a more aggressive stance and features chiseled bodywork.
At the front, it sports a prominent front grille and C-shaped LED daytime running lights, while the horizontal lines in the rear gives the car a wider look.
While the show car features just two seats in the rear, the production model will likely offer a three-seat bench, and the option of a further two seats that pop up from the boot floor.
The T-Prime also showcases Volkswagen’s updated plug-in hybrid technology. Unlike the Golf GTE, which uses a 1.4-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor, the T-Prime runs a more powerful 2.0-litre turbocharged engine delivery 182kW connected to a 99kW electric motor for a total system output of 276kW and 700Nm. It is claimed to have an electric-only range of 50km, while CO2 emission is rated at 63g/km.
Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel drive system is integrated into the 8-speed automatic, along with the electric motor.
The production Touareg will sit on Volkswagen Group’s MLB platform, which also underpins the concept as well as the new Audi Q7 and Bentley Bentayga. It will feature a range of four and six-cylinder engines alongside any hybrid.
Inside, the concept shows a fully digital instrument and what Volkswagen calls the Curved Interaction Area, comprised of a 15-inch curved configurable touchscreen. The impressive display is expected to be introduced “as early as 2017”.