VW hints at tomorrow’s saloons with new plug-in hybrid
This is Volkswagen’s latest plug-in concept car - the C Coupé GTE – which has been unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show.
Developed for the rear-space loving Chinese market, the four-door saloon is as long as VW’s Phaeton at over five metres in length, and uses a petrol-electric drivetrain to strike an appealing balance of impressive performance and strong fuel economy.
It combines the efforts of a two-litre four-cylinder 210PS petrol engine with a 124PS electric motor for a combined power output of 245PS and up to 500Nm of torque.
This means it can dash from 0-62mph in 8.6 seconds with a 144mph top speed, but driven more kindly, it can achieve 122.8mpg combined, emitting 55g/km of CO2.
In all-electric mode, the C Coupé GTE can cover up to 31 miles (with speed restricted to 81mph), and more than 800 miles in total.
Much of the C Coupé GTE’s design is likely to reappear in future saloons from VW. The brand is particularly proud of its long ‘confident’ bonnet, ‘elegant lines’, low-profile side windows and wide rear. VW loves big butts, who knew?!
The C Coupé GTE confirms that VW is serious about expanding its range of plug-in vehicles, following the launch of the e-up, e-Golf and Golf GTE, as well as the Passat GTE due late 2015.
Other plug-in concepts from recent times include the Cross Coupe GTE and madcap Ducati-powered XL Sport.
The hybrid saloon will be on show at Auto Shanghai 2015 until April 29.