Last year at the Detroit Show, Volkswagen announced that they'd be building a new seven-passenger SUV starting in 2016. That's what we thought we'd be seeing from VW today. But instead, we have the Cross Coupe GTE, a BMW X6-esque coupe crossover sport utility vehicle.
This is the third "Cross" concept that Volkswagen has shown since 2011, each changing their skin and definition slightly. This time, we have the Cross Coupe GTE, which is supposed to be the sporty plug-in hybrid that you can get off of VW's ubiquitous MQB platform.
This time, we have a bit more of a sloping rear roof line and dimensions that are basically the same as the BMW X6 and other SUVs of that ilk. That means there's also less usable rear space but more style for when you roll into the sale at TJ Maxx.
It's powered by a plug-in hybrid drivetrain, much like any other car from VW that has the GTE moniker. In the Cross Coupe GTE, there's a 3.6 liter VR6 with 276 horsepower and 258 pound feet of torque, which is linked to a six speed DSG. Then there's a 54 horsepower/162 pound foot electric motor to assist the VR6 in powering the front wheels.
But wait, there's more! The rear wheels are powered by a second electric motor with 114 horsepower and 199 pound feet of torque. Total system output is 355 horsepower and 280 pound feet.
VW says it'll get 70 MPGe. You're excited about that, I know.
Now, this isn't the most exciting thing in the world, but that's ok. This is a hint at what that seven passenger crossover will look like. It's also a preview of an additional body style for that crossover, something that the young people will love.
You might not be excited, but mall-goers everywhere are going batshit nuts right now.