Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe Concept has just been presented to the public at 2013 Shanghai Auto Show showing it the future design cues intended for Volkswagen SUVs.

The five-seat CrossBlue Coupe is 4,889 mm long, 2,015 mm wide and just 1,679 mm high and for that reason offers distinctive and muscular look. When observed at the front one can see the radiator grille trim that consists of two polished aluminium struts and the VW logo in a 3D form which eventually extends into the headlights.

Moreover, under the C-pillars there can be seen ports for the fuel tank and battery. The fuel filler neck is positioned under a lid on the right side of the vehicle, while the cover for the electrical outlet is located symmetrically on the left side. It consists of one socket for charging the high-voltage battery and another for connecting electric devices. This basically means that the interface (16 A, 230 V) makes the CrossBlue Coupé a generator as well.

One can not go without paying attention to the tailpipes, which are designed in stainless steel, and in addition are integrated into a polished aluminium trim panel that runs horizontally along the back of the coupe.

One of the most important highlights here is the drivetrain that offers an extended range of possibilities. Here we are speaking about a plug-in hybrid system that comprises of a V6 turbocharged direct injection petrol engine and two electric motors (40 kW front and 85 kW rear).

When they work together they are capable of generating 415 hp (305 kW). The power is transmitted via a six-speed DSG gearbox. These horsepower make the car sprint form standstill to 100 km/h in only 5.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 146 mph.

Despite those inspiring results, the fuel economy is impressive with a combined cycle figure of 3.0 l/100 km, or 94.1 mpg. In hybrid mode, the CrossBlue Coupé returns 6.9 l/100 km (40.9 mpg). What is more, when the vehicle is powered by its battery alone, the CrossBlue can cover up to 33 km/20 miles as an EV.

When the vehicle operates in E-mode, only the rear electric motor propels the vehicle and the TSI engine is shut off. However, it is switched again after 75 mph an then the TSI unit is coupled to the drivetrain again, within fractions of a second. The battery can be charged by external power sources or by the engine while the SUV is moving.

In addition, the TSI drivetrain charges the battery while driving thus storing electrical energy for EV operation. There are also a number of other modes such as Coasting, Battery regeneration, Boosting, Off-road(‘propshaft by wire'), TSI only.

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Source: Volkswagen