European buyers now have another plug-in hybrid SUV at their disposal. It’s Volkswagen’s Tiguan eHybrid and has officially launched on the Old Continent.
Joining the rest of the 2021 Tiguan lineup, it combines a 1.4-liter TSI petrol engine with an electric motor acting as a booster and a six-speed automatic transmission. Total system output stands at 245 PS (242 HP / 180 kW), with up to 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque available in GTE mode. It has also been programmed to start on EV mode if the lithium-ion battery is sufficiently charged and its temperature is above -10° C.
Video: The 2020 VW Tiguan R Looks Like Heaps Of Fun To Drive
Moreover, a zero-emission driving mode is available at the push of a button and allows the Tiguan eHybrid to be driven for up to 50 km (31 miles) on electricity alone. The battery is located in the floor, between the two axles, and is charged by AC, with the vehicle offered with a connector for conventional domestic sockets, with up to 2.3 kW, or 3.6 kW at charging stations.
The plug-in hybrid powertrain features energy braking recuperation, which charges the battery and ensures there is enough electrical energy on long journeys to deactivate the ICE engine or provide it with additional drive output, depending on the situation.
Standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, three-zone climate control, digital instrument cluster, leather-wrapped, multi-function steering wheel with paddle shifters, autonomous emergency braking and front and rear parking sensors. All Tiguan models are offered with LED headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, mobile phone interface and lane keeping assist.
In Germany, where pre-sales of the 2021 Tiguan eHybrid have already begun, the PHEV SUV is offered in three trim levels, named Life, Elegance and R-Line, and pricing starts at €42,413.11 ($51,508).