Revealed alongside the conventionally-powered model, the 2016 VW Tiguan GTE is a plug-in hybrid concept that will soon morph into a production car. On the outside it looks just about the same as the regular model, but with some GTE specific tweaks such as the different daytime running lights and sportier bumpers while the interior cabin also has some bits and pieces to denote it’s a more special version of the compact crossover that will cost more when it’ll hit dealerships, possibly as early as next year.
What sets this model apart is the plug-in hybrid arrangement consisting of a four-cylinder, 1.4 TSI turbocharged gasoline engine that develops 156 PS and works together with an electric motor to generate a combined output of 218 PS. The housing of the dual-clutch six-speed transmission hosts the electric motor and there’s also a lithium-ion battery pack with a capacity of 13 kWh that has enough energy for a pure electric range of 31 miles (50 km).
Recharging the battery is done either externally or through the solar panels mounted on the roof which according to Volkswagen can provide the crossover with an extra 621 miles (1,000 km) of range annually under ideal weather conditions.
The 0-100 km/h task takes just 8.1 seconds en route to a 200 km/h top speed (130 km/h in EV mode) while fuel consumption stands at an impressive 1.9 liters / 100 km with 42 g/km of CO2 emissions.
Source: Volkswagen
