Volkswagen has unveiled the CrossBlue SUV concept at the 2013 Detroit Motor Show. It is a midsize SUV holding a rugged stance with a capacity of seven seats. Volkswagen is working on the CrossBlue SUV concept for the U.S. and Canada markets to position a suitable SUV between the large gap of the compact Volkswagen Tiguan and the more luxurious and pricier Volkswagen Touareg. The SUV concept is based on the new Volkswagen’s Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform. The concept is 4986 mm long, 2014 mm wide and 1732 mm high.
The CrossBlue SUV aims to take on the Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot. The CrossBlue Concept features six individual seat layout in three rows (2+2+2), but the production version will offer the option of a seven seat layout with a three seat bench in the middle row. The Volkswagen CrossBlue SUV concept showcases a plug-in hybrid powertrain that is responsible to connect a 190 BHP, 2.0-litre TDI Clean Diesel engine with 54 BHP front and 114 BHP rear electric motors.
The powertrain is mated to a DSG dual clutch automatic transmission with an electric all-wheel-drive system. According to the company, the technology used in this SUV concept can deliver strong performance, good range and a segment leading fuel economy. Range is estimated to be 22.5 kms when using only the CrossBlue’s lithium-ion battery pack, and 1063 km when using it with a full tank of diesel. The CrossBlue SUV concept is well equipped including 12 airbags, Fender Audio System for the infotainment system, use of wood, leather and chrome in the spacious interiors, LED treatment on tail lights as well as the headlights.
