VW Unveils New Hybrid Crossover Concept

Volkswagen AG took the wraps off the T-Prime Concept GTE large crossover/SUV on Monday at the Beijing auto show.

The all-wheel-drive vehicle, which features a plug-in hybrid powertrain and high-tech interior, previews a new fullsize crossover. VW says the flagship model either will replace the current Touareg or be positioned above it in the carmaker's lineup.

The concept, which rides VW’s MLB platform that also underpins the Audi Q7, Bentley Bentayga and several other VW Group products, is nearly 200 inches long. This would make it slightly larger than VW’s discontinued Phaeton sedan and about 11 inches longer than the Touareg.

The exterior features a new front end with a sleek chrome grille and distinctive C-shaped LED daytime running lights. LED arrays also are used for the headlights and taillights.

The roomy interior includes a host of premium materials, rear bucket seats and a new digital dashboard. Dubbed the "Curved Interaction Area," the futuristic dashboard infotainment system integrates a 12-inch instrument cluster and a 15-inch curved touchscreen. Users also can use gesture controls for some functions.

The steering wheel has touch-sensitive controls that can be used via swipe gestures or pressure. There's also a rear-mounted 9.6-inch touchscreen control unit for backseat passengers.

The plug-in hybrid powertrain teams a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor to generate a combined 375 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. VW says the vehicle’s 14.1-kWh battery can be fully recharged in 2.5 hours via a 7.2-kW charging unit or in eight hours with a standard 220-volt European wall outlet.

The T-Prime has an estimated fuel efficiency of 87 mpg on the European cycle and can travel about 50 km (31 miles) in all-electric mode, according to the carmaker. The company says it plans to launch and produce seven new plug-in hybrid and EVs in China by the end of the decade.