CrossBlue Coupé in Shanghai (landmark Oriental Pearl TV Tower in Pudong in background). Click to enlarge.

A turbocharged direct-injection (TSI) V6 gasoline engine works together with two electric motors (40 kW front, 85 kW rear) to produce as much as 415 hp (309 kW). The V6 engine develops 369 lb-ft (500 N·m) of torque from as low as 1800 rpm, a figure that is boosted to 516 lb-ft (700 N·m) when the two electric motors are engaged.

This SUV can thus perform like a sports car, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.8 seconds and a top speed of 147 mph (237 km/h). Despite its performance, the CrossBlue Coupé has a manufacturer estimated combined fuel consumption of 70 MPGe. In hybrid mode, it allows for a theoretical range of around 570 miles (917 km).

The CrossBlue Coupé can be driven as an EV for up to 13 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 (MQB) 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.

In this concept car, the following mechanical elements are featured: the MQB front suspension and four-link rear suspension; electro-mechanical MQB steering; a 295-horsepower EA390-series V6 TSI engine; and a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. The vehicle’s electrical architecture includes a lithium-ion battery mounted in the center tunnel as well as a pair of electric motors.

The default drive program is “Eco” or hybrid mode; it optimally manages use of the drive sources. The electric motors are used for propulsive power as often as possible in this case. The driver can switch to the Sport mode by pressing a button; in this case, the vehicle exploits the maximum power of the drive system. There is also an Offroad mode (permanent all-wheel drive), EV mode (driving with zero emissions), and a Charge mode (battery charging).