CleanTechnica.com: The 2015 Detroit Auto Show was the site of a preview for a new VW plug-in hybrid mid-size SUV. Called the Volkswagen Cross Coupe GTE Concept, it is a blend of the CrossBlue and CrossBlue Coupe concepts. If all this talk about concept cars means nothing to you, the Cross Coupe is going to be a five-passenger SUV.
Production of this vehicle will begin at the Chattanooga, Tennessee, factory in 2016. The Cross Coupe is actually not a two-door vehicle. It only resembles a couple in its body shape. It is a lower-profile mid-size SUV, which means it bears a resemblance to a coupe. The design is less bulky and boxy than some SUV designs. For example, the Land Rover is taller and has sharper angles where there are corners.
The Cross Coupe is lower and has more rounded corners. The windshield has a more swept look with a gentle slope and the roof line tapers to the back of the vehicle. Curves are also emphasized with large wheel wells. The overall effect is that of a modern, even slightly futuristic vehicle.
In fact, the modern styling is well aligned with the vehicle’s technology, which is quite current. A V6 gas engine is combined with two electric motors and a 14.1-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. The gas engine and an electric motor power the front wheels, and one motor is for the rear wheels. Yes, this SUV is all-wheel drive and powerful.
The 0–60 time is just 6 seconds, and the top speed is 130 miles per hour.
The electric-only range is expected to be 20 miles. Many driving trips are for short distances, so this range might be sufficient in order to reduce gasoline consumption.
A Mitsubishi plug-in hybrid SUV reportedly will have about 30 miles of range when driving on electricity. Volvo is expected to produce a plug-in hybrid SUV for the North American market too, as is a BMW.
