After showcasing the Cross Blue concept in 2013, which was followed by the Cross Blue Coupe, Volkswagen has now showcased the Cross Coupe GTE at the ongoing 2015 New York Auto Show.
The Cross Coupe GTE will make it to production in 2016 but will be changed to suit the German manufacturers’ plan. As per the plan, the company will roll out a seven-seater SUV by the end of 2016 and the three Cross Coupe Concepts are a stepping stone to achieve the same. But we are expecting the overall design to remain the same, and honestly, this design looks really nice.
The Cross Coupe GTE is built on Volkswagen’s new modular transverse matrix (MQB). This new platform standardises certain parameters across models and brands but makes many other parameters variable, creating maximum flexibility for more effectively developing a wide range of models.
The SUV concept is powered by a 3.6-litre engine and two electric motors. This six-cylinder engine delivers 276bhp and 349Nm of torque. The two electric motors produce 54bhp (front) and 114bhp (rear). They are powered by a compact lithium-ion battery housed in the center tunnel, which is rated at 14.1 kWh. The total output of the drive system adds up to 355bhp and 380Nm, enough to power the Cross Coupe GTE onto a top speed of 130 mph and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.0 seconds.
The Cross Coupe GTE features a number of driving profiles: on-road (with comfort and eco sub-modes), off-road (with rocks, sludge, sand and gravel), sport and snow. There are also five drive modes: e-mode; hybrid; GTE; off-road; and battery hold / battery charge.
