The concept stretches nearly 200 inches long, a figure that makes just it a few inches shorter than the Phaeton and large, luxurious German sedans like the BMW 7 Series and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. It is the first Volkswagen to ride on the group’s new modular longitudinal matrix (MLB) platform, a unit set to underpin nearly half a dozen upcoming models including the second-gen Phaeton and the next Audi A8.
The C Coupe GTE is powered by a gasoline-electric plug-in hybrid drivetrain made up of a turbocharged TSI four-cylinder engine and a small electric motor integrated into an eight-speed automatic transmission. Combined, the two power sources generate 241 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. of torque, enough to send the C Coupe from zero to 62 mph in 8.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 144 mph.
The big sedan can travel on electricity alone for 31 miles at speeds of up to 81 mph. Alternatively, it returns 102 mpg in a mixed European cycle when left in hybrid mode.
Visually, the C Coupe GTE boasts a sleek, understated design accented by a rakish, coupe-like roof line and 22-inch alloy wheels. It features an exterior ambient lighting system that gradually lights up the outline of the Volkswagen logo on the radiator grille, the headlight bezels, the door handles and a strip in the tail lamps as soon as the car is unlocked.
Volkswagen has given the concept a spacious and luxurious interior designed to appeal to both drivers and owners who prefer being chauffeured. As a result, the sedan boasts a driver-focused dashboard and a relaxing, lounge-like rear bench with two individual screens built into the front seatbacks. Damascus steel trim on the dashboard, real wood trim on the door panels and wall-to-wall leather upholstery help create an upscale feel.
Controlled via a 12.3-inch touch screen the infotainment system features a chauffeur mode that provides the driver with a chronological list of the passenger’s appointments for the day.
Volkswagen hints that, if built, the C Coupe GTE would fill the gap between the Passat and the Phaeton, meaning that it would square off against the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Whether it would be sold in the United States or remain a China-only model like the Santana, the Lavida and the Lamando is up in the air.
Live images by Ronan Glon.
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