Just like the iPhone 5S, Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe concept looks better in gold

By Stephen Edelstein April 19, 2013

Volkswagen will debut a sportier version of its CrossBlue seven-seat crossover concept at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show. The CrossBlue Coupe follows the trend of SUV “coupes” that sacrifice utility for style.

Keen-eyed observers might point out that the CrossBlue Coupe has four doors, but a traditional coupe only has two. However, with everything from the Mercedes-Benz CLS and CLA to the BMW X6 being called a coupe these days, that’s alright.

What distinguishes the CrossBlue Coupe from the original CrossBlue, which debuted at the Detroit Auto Show back in January, is a sloping roofline. And gold paint.

Also, there’s a new powertrain underneath the revised styling. The original CrossBlue was a diesel-electric hybrid, but the Coupe swaps compression ignition for spark plugs.

With a total system output of 415 horsepower, the twin-turbocharged gasoline V6 and twin electric motors should give the Coupe the performance to match its sporty pedigree.

Volkswagen says the CrossBlue Coupe will do 0-62 mph (0 to 100 kph) in 5.9 seconds, and reach a top speed of 147 mph.

VW also reckons that the plug-in Coupe will return 79 mpg on the European cycle. Just operating on its gasoline engine, it will return 34.1 mpg.

The size of the CrossBlue Coupe’s battery pack hasn’t been released, but the concept can reportedly drive 21 miles on a full charge at speeds up to 75 mph.

Like the non-Coupe CrossBlue, this latest VW crossover concept is based on the company’s new MQB architecture, a modular platform that forms the basis for the new Mk7 Golf.

Volkswagen intended MQB to underpin a variety of vehicles, so a production version of the CrossBlue isn’t out of the question. With so many crossovers out there, but relatively few green options, it would be great to see something like the CrossBlue Coupe’s plug-in hybrid powertrain in a production vehicle.

Do you agree? Tell us in the comments.

Topics

Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?

The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.