Alongside the all-new Tiguan production model, VW will also showcase a pre-production plug-in hybrid concept called the Tiguan GTE.
The first plug-in hybrid SUV from Volkswagen, the Tiguan GTE combines a 1.4-liter TSI turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor for a system output of 218PS (215hp). Interestingly, both power sources drive the front wheels only.
The electric motor is supplied with energy by a 13.0 kWh lithium-ion high-voltage battery which allows the Tiguan GTE to cover 50 kilometers (31 miles) on electric power alone. When in all-electric E-Mode, the Tiguan GTE can reach a top speed of 130 km/h (81 mph).
Nothing unusual so far, but the Tiguan GTE also features a solar module integrated in the roof, which is said to generate enough energy to add up to 1,000 km (621 miles) of driving range each year, depending on the regional solar radiation power – though, we don’t see that going into the production car soon.
The study is equipped with a 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) specially developed for hybrid use which integrates the electric motor. VW says that combined fuel consumption is 1.9 l/100 km (123.8 mpg US), equating to CO2 emissions of 42 g/km.
The Tiguan GTE can be driven in E-Mode or in one of the three other modes: Hybrid, Battery Charge, or GTE. Focused on sporty driving, the GTE mode makes the characteristics of the accelerator pedal, gearbox and steering more dynamic, while also switching the TSI engine to a more performance oriented setting. In GTE mode, the petrol engine and the electric motor work together, allowing the Tiguan GTE to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph).
VW did not say when the Tiguan GTE would enter production, but that will likely happen after regular versions of the all-new Tiguan arrive on the market in April 2016.
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