Careful observers will notice that the Cross Coupe GTE’s styling falls in line with the CrossBlue concept that was presented at the 2013 edition of the Detroit show and the CrossBlue Coupe concept that bowed in Los Angeles that same year. Built to preview the design language that will influence all of Volkswagen’s upcoming crossovers, the Cross Coupe features four LED headlights neatly integrated into a twin-slat radiator grille that stretches the entire width of the front fascia, a tall hood, a rakish C-pillar and thin trapezoidal tail lamps. 22-inch alloys tucked under pronounced wheel arches wrap up the muscular look.
The CrossBlue inspiration continues inside with a minimalist center console, a three-spoke flat-bottomed steering wheel and an uncluttered dashboard. The concept is equipped with an evolution of the fully configurable digital instrument cluster that is found in the third-gen Audi TT and the new-for-Europe Volkswagen Passat.
Built on Volkswagen’s modular MQB platform, the Cross Coupe GTE is powered by a fuel-sipping plug-in hybrid drivetrain made up of a 3.6-liter VR6 engine that generates 276 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque and two electric motors rated at 54 and 114 horsepower, respectively. The three power sources work with a six-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission to deliver a combined output of 355 horsepower and 280 lb-ft. of torque, allowing the Cross Coupe to reach 60 mph from a dead stop in 6.0 seconds and go on to a top speed of 130 mph.
The driver can select one of four available driving profiles called On-road, Off-road, Sport and Snow. Additionally, the hybrid drivetrain can be set to one of five modes called E-Mode, Hybrid, GTE, Off-road and Battery Hold / Battery Charge. E-Mode uses only the electricity stored in the lithium-ion battery pack to power the Cross Coupe for up to 20 miles, Hybrid makes optimal use of both power sources, GTE delivers the system’s full power output, Off-road increases traction and Battery Hold / Battery Charge refills the battery on the go.
Volkswagen has not commented on what the future holds for the Cross Coupe concept. The automaker has confirmed that it will start production of its long-awaited seven-seater crossover in late 2016 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, so it’s likely that a smaller five-seater model inspired by the Cross Coupe will arrive shortly after.
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