Volkswagen bets on large SUV with the CrossBlue

Volkswagen has just revealed a new concept in Detroit for a future seven-passenger SUV model for the U.S. market, the CrossBlue Concept. The concept will come to the dealers in 2015 and is part of VW's strategy to increase sales in the United States and Canada.

"The CrossBlue Concept is exactly the kind of vehicle most suitable for the American market," said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America. "It combines a truly versatile interior configuration with Volkswagen's sophisticated design, making it a unique ans stylish offer in this segment."

The CrossBlue Concept was developed in Germany under the leadership of Walter da Silva, Chief Designer of the Volkswagen Group, and Klaus Bischoff, VW's head of design, in cooperation with Volkswagen of America. If the model is produced it should sit above the Tiguan and below the Touareg on the automaker's lineup.

The CrossBlue is powered by a plug-in hybrid system that combines a TDI diesel engine with two electric engines, a DSG transmission and an electric all-wheel drive system. According to Volkswagen the concept has an average consumption of 2.1l/100km.

Despite its low average consumption the CrossBlue also stands out in performance. Thanks to the TDI engine that produces 305hp and 700nm the prototype goes from 0 to 60mph (92km/h) in 7.0 seconds and reaches a top speed of 204km/h or 120km/h in electric mode. As for autonomy, in pure electric mode the CrossBlue can cover 33km with zero emissions. In hybrid mode its range extends to 1063km.

In terms of space, the CrossBlue can fit six passengers but the production model will carry up to seven passengers with the possibility of adding extra space on the second row.