(April 19, 2013) With the debut of the CrossBlue Coupé at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show, Volkswagen is giving a glimpse at the future and at a new era of SUV design. Klaus Bischoff, head of design for Volkswagen says: “The disproportionate growth in the SUV segment gives designers the opportunity to implement an even greater diversification of models. The CrossBlue Coupé shows the potential of our Volkswagen design DNA and will undoubtedly have an influence on future SUV models.”

The CrossBlue Coupé has a plug-in hybrid powertrain that is as fuel-efficient as it is sporty. A turbocharged direct-injection (TSI) V6 gasoline engine works together with two electric motors to produce as much as 415 horsepower. This SUV can thus perform like a sports car, with a 0 to 62 mph time of just 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 147 mph.



Despite its impressive performance, the CrossBlue Coupé has a combined fuel consumption of just 79 mpg in the new European driving cycle (NEDC). Even when the battery is fully discharged and the vehicle is running with just the TSI engine, the gas mileage is still impressive, at 34.1 mpg. With a 21.2 gallon gas tank, this gives a theoretical range of around 720 miles.

The CrossBlue Coupé can be driven as zero emissions EV for up to 21 miles at a maximum speed of 75 mph: to intentionally use this eco-friendly mode in urban areas, the driver simply pushes a button. The concept vehicle is based off the new Modular Transverse Matrix and could, if it were produced, be fitted with conventional four- and six-cylinder engines running on a variety of fuels such as gasoline, diesel, and CNG. Equipped with five comfortable seats and a spacious trunk, the CrossBlue Coupé definitely belongs to the SUV avant-garde.

The CrossBlue Coupé is 192.5 inches long, 79.3 inches wide, and 66.1 inches high. The vehicle thus has a confident, low slung, and four-square stance that is enhanced by the wide tracks (67.3 inches at the front, 68.0 inches at the back), the relatively long 117.3-inch wheelbase, and large 22-inch aluminum-alloy wheels that are shod with 285/40 tires that were specially designed for the concept car.

Sporty side profile. The concept features a long and broad hood, a very short frontal overhang, and a long roofline. The concept’s sporty stance is further improved by a very short A-pillar and a very “fast” (swept back) C-pillar, as well as a distinctive character line.

The designers have combined a dominant line — one that starts in the upper area of the rear lights and runs precisely at the height of the door handles — with a second line that begins beneath the rear lights and ends in the front fender. The space between the two lines narrows towards the front and ends beneath the A-pillar in a stylized chromed air outlet. These lines significantly reduce the SUV’s visual center of gravity.

The 22-inch polished aluminum-alloy wheels also feature a new design, with five V-shaped dual spokes that have a matte finish on their inner surfaces. Five trim pieces that are painted in the body color of “CrossOrange Metallic” surround the central VW badge, presenting yet another design element.