As expected, Volkswagen brought to the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit a concept plug-in hybrid Tiguan, but not the same vehicle as we saw at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
This one is the Tiguan GTE Active Concept, where Activemeans it has off-road capability. We really like the Dragon Red Metallic color, coupled with its decent design, making the Tiguan GTE Active an SUV that most of us will find appealing (meaning it’s not polarizing like many other concept designs).
The Tiguan GTE Active Concept is the first SUV to use the new Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform. Volkswagen equipped the concept with a new infotainment system, previewed already in the e-Golf and BUDD-e at CES (9.2-inch display and can be operated by intuitive gesture control).
The plug-in concept is a five-seater. The conventional second-generation Tiguan will be available in U.S. in 2017 with a longer wheelbase as seven-seater.
As you might guess, there is 4×4 drivetrain with a 148-hp gasoline engine and two electric motors. The rear motor powers the car in all-electric mode, supported by the front electric motor (and additionally ICE) if needed. Sounds similar to the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. The battery is 12.4 kWh, located in the rear. 0-60 mph takes just 6.4 seconds.
Quick specs:
- 148-horsepower (110 kW) and 184 pound-feet of torque gasoline engine and two electric motors (54 hp / 40 kW at the front and 114 hp / 85 kW at the rear) for total 221 hp (165 kW) system power. Front motor is being housed inside the casing of a 6-speed dual-clutch (DSG®) automatic transmission that was specially designed for hybrid use.
- top speed of 120 mph (193 km/h) and can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds
- up to 20 miles /32 km in zero-emissions electric mode up to 70 mph (112 km/h)
- 12.4 kWh battery
- total 580 miles of range (battery and fuel tank)
