2021 VW Tiguan Facelift Spied In Plug-in Hybrid GTE Form For The First Time

Earlier this week, Volkswagen confirmed launching a plug-in hybrid version of the facelifted Tiguan, and we now have the first spy shots of the model.

Believed to be named the Tiguan GTE, like the electrified versions of the Passat and new Golf, the compact SUV will feature different front and rear bumpers compared to the rest of the lineup. Notice that there are hidden exhaust pipes on the scooped prototype and that the plug port is located on the left front fender.

The Tiguan GTE is understood to have a lot in common with the plug-in hybrid variant of the eighth-gen Golf, including the propulsion system. The latter uses the 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 150 PS (148 HP / 110 kW), paired to a 114 PS (112 HP / 84 kW) electric motor. The total output is rated at 245 PS (242 HP / 180 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque, with a six-speed DSG automatic transmission being the only option.

With the 13 kWh lithium-ion battery pack fully charged, the Golf GTE has a zero-emission driving range of around 60 km (37 miles) and can remain in the all-quiet mode at speeds of up to 130 km/h (81 mph). The extra weight of the Tiguan GTE over its compact hatchback sibling should affect the electric range, if the hardware remains the same.

Aside from the PHEV controls and sub-menus, we don’t know is Volkswagen will do anything to the interior of the electrified Tiguan to set it apart from the rest of the range. Still, if we were to assume, we’d say that perhaps new upholstery options and trims will become available.

The Tiguan GTE should be presented in the second half of the year unless the coronavirus pandemic or other factors interfere with the unveiling date.