Volkswagen CrossBlue concept unveiled in Shanghai

The five seating CrossBlue Coupe measures 4,889mm long, sits 2,015mm wide and stands just 1,679mm tall for a low profile, wide appearance. For comparison, the Touareg measures 4,795mm long, and comes in at 1,940mm wide and 1,732mm tall.

The radiator grille consists of two polished aluminium struts and the VW logo is a 3D element extending into the headlights. The lateral ends of the upper strut are used for the daytime running lights for a distinctive light signature.  

Under the steeply raked C-pillars, the ports for fuel tank and battery are uniformly integrated into the design of the CrossBlue Coupe. The prominent tailpipes are designed in stainless steel, and are integrated into a polished aluminium trim panel that runs horizontally along the back.

Beneath this is a rugged anthracite-coloured area where a stainless steel underbody protection panel has been designed, similar to the front end of the car. The boot lid opens and closes electrically, revealing a load space that can hold up to 1,101 litres of luggage, with the seats folded.  

The plug-in hybrid system consists of a V6 turbocharged petrol engine and two electric motors - 54bhp at the front and 114bhp at the rear for a combined output of up to 409bhp. That power channels through a six-speed DSG gearbox, to propel the car to 100km/h in a brisk 5.9 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 234km/h. 

In hybrid mode, fuel economy comes in at 3.0L/100km. With a battery powered by the TSI engine, the CrossBlue Coupe returns 6.9L/100km for a theoretical range of 1,190km.

The TSI engine produces 500Nm, while the electric motors produce 180Nm of torque in front and 270Nm at the rear. Altogether, the hybrid can produce up to 700Nm.

On electric power alone, the CrossBlue can cover up to 33km as an Electric Vehicle (EV) with the rear electric motor solely propelling the vehicle and the TSI engine shut off as well as decoupled. At up to 120km/h, the engine is not engaged as long as the battery has been sufficiently charged. The battery can be charged by external power sources or by the engine while the vehicle is moving.

Sadly, Volkswagen does not have any plans to produce the CrossBlue Coupe.