Volkswagen Tiguan GTE Active Concept: Off-Roading Goes Green

Following up on its high-tech electric concepts at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show, Volkswagen is presenting yet another environmentally friendly vehicle, but this Tiguan GTE Active Concept can also tackle the trails.

This plug-in hybrid concept, while similar to the Tiguan GTE shown off at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, sports some thorough updates. An all-wheel drive vehicle, the Tiguan GTE Active Concept features a turbocharged engine paired to two electric motors (one for each axle) making a total of 221 hp combined. This powertrain is mated to a quick-shifting dual-clutch transmission that will send the Tiguan GTE to 62 mph in 6.4 seconds when driven with a specific, sporty GTE drive mode.

But the GTE Active Concept features an eco friendly E-Drive mode, that can travel 20 emission-free miles thanks to its stout electric powertrain.

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Volkswagen is also showing off this concept’s off-road capability, with a 4MOTION Active Control switch that will allow for six driving programs that include on road, offroad, sport, snow, charge, and battery hold.

Based on the second-generation Tiguan, this concept uses the MQB platform, though the VW team improved the vehicle’s approach angles and ground clearance. Specifically, ground clearance under the axles increased from 7.1 to 8.9 inches and the maximum ground clearance under the body increased from 7.9 to 9.6 inches. The approach and departure angles were improved from 25.6 to 26.1 degrees at the front and from 24.7 to 29.9 degrees at the rear. The maximum ramp angle for overcoming road bumps grew from 20 to 24.7 degrees.

There’s also a skid plate, aluminum tow hooks, a roof rack and auxiliary lights that give this crossover a tough look. The Dragon Red Metallic paint finish is accented by darker trim, while the beefy 245/70 16-inch tires are made for tackling off-road trails.

Inside, the car features dark aluminum trim on the dashboard and door panels, dark chrome trim on the steering wheel and red accents on the air vents. The seats, armrests and door inserts are all upholstered in bright grey Nappa leather, while a darker leather is used for the side surfaces and seatbacks.

Like the e-Golf Touch concept at CES, the Tiguan GTE Active Concept sports a new, large digital gauge cluster that looks similar to Audi’s Virtual Cockpit. There’s also a large, high-resolution infotainment display in the center of the dashboard that can be operated with gesture controls.

With Volkswagen still reeling from its diesel scandal, it looks to be renewing its focus on green powertrains and advanced, high-tech features. This concept shown at NAIAS and the CES concepts shown a week ago help prove the point that Volkswagen is taking a new direction for the future.