Volkswagen CrossBlue Blends Diesel and EV Goodness

Volkswagen is seriously considering how it might enter the hybrid vehicle fray, but it won't do so with a traditional gas-electric hybrid. Instead, the company is looking at serving up a diesel-electric hybrid, a vehicle that brings together Volkswagen diesel technology and plug-in electric vehicle goodness. At the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Volkswagen took the wraps off of its CrossBlue SUV concept, a vehicle would compete against larger American CUVs.

North American Market

The CrossBlue concept is a six-passenger SUV designed exclusively for the North American market. Its plug-in electric capabilities and diesel abilities make this vehicle unique among hybrids. Volkswagen says that the CrossBlue would operate in electric-only range for the first 14 miles of drive time before the diesel engine would kick in. This vehicle makes 305 horsepower and outputs 516 foot-pounds of torque. Estimated 0 to 60 mph time is 7.2 seconds.

CrossBlue is outfitted with a dual-clutch transmission and is all-wheel-drive. When operating in electric-only mode, this vehicle averages 89 mpge. As a hybrid, it gets 35 mpg or about 15 mpg above comparable CUVs.

Lithium-Ion Battery Pack

Underneath, Volkswagen makes use of a 9.8 kWh litihium-ion battery. With its 18.5-gallon fuel tank, this vehicle has a range of 661 miles running on diesel fuel. That range is enough to take the CrossBlue from Denver to Salt Lake City on one tank.

The CrossBlue concept measures 196.3 inches long by 79.3 inches wide and is 68.2 inches tall. Its front track measures 66.4 inches; its rear track comes in at 66.8 inches. This model sits on 21-inch aluminum alloy wheels set within all-season tires.

Well Appointed Interior

Inside, the concept offers three rows of seating with six individual seats. The second row seating can be swapped out with a bench seat to carry three people, extending the CrossBlue's carrying capacity from six to seven. Cargo capacity is 48.8 cubic feet behind the second row, extended to 83.5 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

The cabin is awash in leather and wood, with chrome trim accents. An oversized 10.2-inch touchscreen is at the driver's ready and a 3D display gives a navigation route or details the contents of the media center. Volkswagen makes use of high-tech instrument panel features for its many functions and display. This vehicle can be operated in "eco" or "sport" modes as needed.

Infotainment is important to today's families and the CrossBlue does not disappoint. Both second and third row seated passengers have access to online, video and audio entertainment. A Fender premium audio system provides a rich and balanced sound throughout the CUV's cabin.

VW Production Possibilities

If Volkswagen decides to move forward with CrossBlue production, this vehicle will occupy the spot between the compact Tiguan and premium Touareg SUVs. Although most concepts are never built, a vehicle much like the CrossBlue seems possible especially as Volkswagen prepares to discontinue the Chrysler-supplied Routan minivan.

Matt Keegan is a freelance automotive writer. He is also a contributing writer for Andy's Auto Sport and affiliated websites, an aftermarket supplier of quality auto parts including Recaro seats and Auto Meter gauges.

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