NAIAS 2015: Volkswagen Previews Midsize SUV With Cross Coupe GTE

Cameron Aubernon
by Cameron Aubernon

Taking a step closer toward a production midsize SUV for its Chattanooga, Tenn. plant, Volkswagen is unveiling its Cross Coupe GTE at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show.

The two-row, five-passenger hybrid crossover concept takes its styling from both the CrossBlue Concept from 2013’s Detroit Auto Show, and the CrossBlue Coupe from the Shanghai Auto Show that same year. The design language will, in turn, be carried over unto the seven-passenger SUV set to leave Tennessee beginning at the end of 2016.

Powering the MQB-platform crossover is 3.6-liter VR6 FSI and two electric motors. The direct-injection V6 provides 276 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque to all four corners, augmented by the 54 horsepower/162 lb-ft electric motor up front, and the 114 horsepower/199 lb-ft unit in the back. Both electrics are linked to a 14.1 kWh compact lithium-ion pack in the center tunnel. The total results are 355 horsepower, 280 lb-ft of torque, 70 MPGe, 130 mph top speed, and nil to 60 in six seconds; a six-speed DSG handles everything.

The Cross Coupe GTE can be driven electric-only for up to 20 miles, default to Hybrid mode on start-up, use all of its power in GTE mode, and in Off-Road mode, the front motor becomes a gasoline-driven generator for the rear motor, providing AWD even when the hybrid’s battery is low.

Inside, the driver and front passenger have access to a 10.1-inch touchscreen display that can also be operated with gesture controls. Meanwhile, the driver’s 12.3-inch, 1,440 x 540 px instrumentation display provides navigation and driver assistance, and changes graphics depending on the driving mode chosen. Other features include Wi-Fi, attachments for tablets in the rear-seat headrests, leather, and a 60/40-split rear bench for increased cargo space.





Cameron Aubernon
Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

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  • Corey Lewis Corey Lewis on Jan 12, 2015

    This thing looks hot! First VW product in quite a while that I have wanted to even check out. And look at those Fisker Karma tail lamps! And the interior with the individual slat vents, which I also like. That thick belt line running across it imparts a serious look of stability, just what I like. They've avoided the crossover "sporty" stuff, even putting the door handles in line horizontally with one another. Make ittttt.

  • LeeK LeeK on Jan 12, 2015

    I see Range Rover Evoque elements in the styling.

  • TheMrFreeze That new Ferrari looks nice but other than that, nothing.And VW having to put an air-cooled Beetle in its display to try and make the ID.Buzz look cool makes this classic VW owner sad 😢
  • Wolfwagen Is it me or have auto shows just turned to meh? To me, there isn't much excitement anymore. it's like we have hit a second malaise era. Every new vehicle is some cookie-cutter CUV. No cutting-edge designs. No talk of any great powertrains, or technological achievements. It's sort of expected with the push to EVs but there is no news on that front either. No new battery tech, no new charging tech. Nothing.
  • CanadaCraig You can just imagine how quickly the tires are going to wear out on a 5,800 lbs AWD 2024 Dodge Charger.
  • Luke42 I tried FSD for a month in December 2022 on my Model Y and wasn’t impressed.The building-blocks were amazing but sum of the all of those amazing parts was about as useful as Honda Sensing in terms of reducing the driver’s workload.I have a list of fixes I need to see in Autopilot before I blow another $200 renting FSD. But I will try it for free for a month.I would love it if FSD v12 lived up to the hype and my mind were changed. But I have no reason to believe I might be wrong at this point, based on the reviews I’ve read so far. [shrug]. I’m sure I’ll have more to say about it once I get to test it.
  • FormerFF We bought three new and one used car last year, so we won't be visiting any showrooms this year unless a meteor hits one of them. Sorry to hear that Mini has terminated the manual transmission, a Mini could be a fun car to drive with a stick.It appears that 2025 is going to see a significant decrease in the number of models that can be had with a stick. The used car we bought is a Mk 7 GTI with a six speed manual, and my younger daughter and I are enjoying it quite a lot. We'll be hanging on to it for many years.
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