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Image credits: © Volkswagen.
Press Release
At the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show, Volkswagen gave the public a
spectacular glimpse of the future - and of a new SUV design era - in
presenting the world premiere of the CrossBlue Coupé. Klaus Bischoff,
Head of Design for the Volkswagen Brand: “The disproportionately high
growth in the SUV segment gives us designers the opportunity to
implement an even stronger diversification of models. In the CrossBlue
Coupé we are showing the potential of our Volkswagen design DNA. This
concept vehicle will undoubtedly have an influence on future SUV
models.” The Head of Design continues: “The CrossBlue Coupé lives by a
harmonious triad: rugged in appearance, sporty in proportions and
showing a reserved elegance in its sculptural shapes and lines.” Oliver
Stefani, lead designer for the project on Klaus Bischoff’s design team:
“A highlight is the front-end design of the CrossBlue Coupé. The
established theme of horizontal lines as a brand signature is perfected
by complete integration of the headlights. Distinctive chrome accents in
the lower area emphasise the SUV character of the CrossBlue Coupé and
are intuitively perceived as corresponding to the upper grille.”
Dynamic sports car performance. The CrossBlue Coupé is powered by a
plug-in hybrid system that is as fuel efficient as it is sporty. A V6
turbo direct petrol injection engine (TSI) works together with two
electric motors here; maximum system power is as much as 305 kW / 415
PS. When the car’s full power potential is utilised, the SUV becomes a
sports car: The Volkswagen accelerates to 100 km/h in a mere 5.9
seconds, and its maximum speed is 236 km/h.
Fuel efficiency of a compact. Despite its impressive dynamic
performance, the CrossBlue Coupé has a combined fuel consumption of just
3.0 l/100 km (in the new European driving cycle or NEDC). Even in
hybrid mode fuel consumption (sub-cycle with discharged battery powered
by just the TSI drive), the SUV - which is nearly 4.9 metres in length -
consumes just 6.9 l/100 km of fuel. This value enables a theoretical
range of around 1,190 kilometres (with a fuel tank capacity of 80
litres) before the car needs to be refuelled.
Zero emissions in the city. The CrossBlue Coupé can be driven in
all-electric mode, i.e. without any emissions at all, over a distance of
up to 33 kilometres (at a maximum speed of 120 km/h). To intentionally
use this especially eco-friendly mode in urban areas, the driver can
push a button to select the all-electric drive mode. As a production
vehicle, the concept vehicle - which is based on the new modular
transverse matrix (MQB) - could also be fitted with conventional drive
systems (four and six-cylinder engines) configured for a wide variety of
fuels (petrol, diesel, CNG).
Comfort of a premium class SUV. This Volkswagen, equipped with five
comfortable seats and a boot that can hold up to 1,101 litres of
luggage, depending on the configuration, belongs to the SUV avant-garde,
both technically and visually. The CrossBlue Coupé is also one of the
safest SUVs worldwide thanks to the electronic stabilisation programme,
an all-wheel drive with “propshaft by wire” that is engineered for
dynamic performance and safety and up to ten airbags.
Dynamic exterior design
Sharp proportions. The CrossBlue Coupé is exactly 4,889 mm long,
2,015 mm wide and just 1,679 mm high. These dimensions give the
CrossBlue Coupé a very low-profile, very wide and extended appearance
that expresses exceptional confidence together with its large track
widths (1,709 mm front, 1,726 mm rear), 2,980 mm wheelbase that is
extremely long in relation to the exterior length and 22-inch alloy
wheels (with 285/44 tyres) that were specially designed for the concept
car.
Sporty side profile. The concept features a long and broad bonnet
with integrated air inlets, a roof line that is also long (with
integrated roof spoiler) and, as mentioned, a very short front overhang.
A number of other design features are also stylistically impressive.
For one, the SUV is equipped with a very low-profile A-pillar and what
is known in design jargon as a very “fast”, i.e. markedly swept-back
C-pillar. This C-pillar resembles a spanned arch that terminates with an
arrow pointing forward. Another stylistic feature is an arrow in the
form of a completely re-designed character line. Designers have combined
two lines here. The first dominant line starts in the upper area of the
rear lights and runs precisely at the height of the door handles; the
second line starts beneath the rear lights and ends in the front wing.
The space between the two lines narrows towards the front and ends
beneath the A-pillar in a stylised chrome air outlet. These very precise
lines create very special dynamics and significantly reduce the visual
centre of gravity of the SUV which is painted in “CrossOrange Metallic”.
The paint shows exceptional depth, which is achieved by using special
pigment particles (“Coloured Aluminium”).
The chrome accents above the side sill on the doors are practically
reflections of the double character line; also worked in here is
“Anthracite” trim that matches the colour of the lower side sill panels
and of the wheel arch trim.
Volkswagen designers also came up with completely new styling for the
22-inch alloy wheels of the CrossBlue Coupé. Designed in polished
aluminium, they exhibit five V-shaped dual spokes whose inner surfaces
have a matt look. At the wheel centre, the round VW logo with five trim
pieces painted in body colour present another design element.
Despite the dynamic styling of the vehicle’s sides, everyday
practicality is not by any means an afterthought in this Volkswagen.
Examples are the wide opening doors that enable optimal entry and exit.
This is further enhanced by extending the doors down further into the
sill area - yet another improvement for getting in and out of the car.
Moreover, this keeps the sills clean - and clothing as well.
The ports for the fuel tank and battery were uniformly integrated
into the design of the CrossBlue Coupé. As is usual with Volkswagen, the
fuel filler neck is located under a lid on the right side of the
vehicle. The cover for the electrical outlet is located symmetrically on
the left side. It consists of one socket for charging the high-voltage
battery and another for connecting electric devices; this interface (16
A, 230 V) makes the CrossBlue Coupé an emergency generator as needed.
Front end has 3D look. A key element of the Volkswagen design DNA is
the predominance of horizontal lines. The front end of the new CrossBlue
Coupé follows this DNA to perfection – yet with completely new styling.
Volkswagen has created a new layout of the entire front end by
systematically integrated its lighting architecture into the body design
here. Key elements of the front end design here are the free-standing
LED headlights, LED light signature and radiator grille trim.
The radiator grille trim – consisting of two polished aluminium
struts and the VW logo – is now a 3D element extending into the
headlights. The lateral ends of the upper strut are used for the daytime
running lights; this creates an “eyebrows” light signature that gives
the CrossBlue Coupé a very special charisma. Meanwhile, the lower cross
strut is a pure aluminium element that extends from beneath the
free-standing LED headlights into the wings. The entire radiator grille
unit is surrounded by a high-gloss black frame.
The lines of the LED light signature extend into the aea below the
bumper that is painted in “Cross Orange”. Here, these lines of the LED
running lights border the lateral air inlets and the central engine air
intake ? the LED elements trace the three-dimensional body edges with
light. Underbody protection terminates the lower front end.
Exclusive rear section. As with the front end, the designers
implemented the LED rear lights in a 3D look and with aluminium
elements. The upper area of the rear lights extends from the centre of
the boot lid right into the wings or character lines; this carries the
side profile theme into the rear view, which extends into the rear
lights. The borderline is marked by an aluminium stripe under which two
more lighting elements are integrated on each side.
The prominent tailpipes are designed in stainless steel; they were
integrated into a polished aluminium trim panel that runs horizontally.
Beneath this is a rugged anthracite-coloured area, in which a stainless
steel underbody protection panel has been designed, like at the front
end. The anthracite-coloured elements that terminate the body, together
with the wheel arch trim in the same colour, create a stylistic feature
that runs around the entire car. Practical: The boot lid opens and
closes electrically.
Exclusive high-tech interior
Urbane ambience of an elegant lounge. An especially prominent feature
of the elegant and clean interior of the five-seat CrossBlue Coupé is a
horizontal dashboard, which, like a wing, extends into the door trim on
each side. The dominant materials here are a velvety soft Nappa leather
in two colour tones (“Anthracite Pearl” and “Asphalto”), chrome
surfaces (polished in the top view, but sandblasted matt on their
chamfered edges), dark aluminium and naturally-treated wood accents that
are processed without any chemical additives. Configurable ambience
lighting is also integrated in the interior in two colours (according to
the driving mode); in its main mode it matches the “Cross Orange” of
the exterior paint. The interplay of forms, colours and materials makes a
masculine impression that is typical of an SUV, but it also creates the
urbane ambience of an elegant lounge.
At the very top, the dashboard is framed by “Anthracite Pearl”
coloured leather with dark contrasting seams. On the next level down,
there is a cross panel made of dark aluminium that integrates the
cockpit display (12.3 inch), air vents and central info display (10.1
inch). There is a delicate chrome strip in the middle of this area; the
air vents and displays also have chrome surrounds.
On the next lower level, designers have incorporated an
anthracite-coloured wood inlay – made of spruce wood that is
manufactured into a work of art. It extends to the sides as well as over
the centre console; the wood grain of this porous 3D veneer precisely
follows the shapes of the dashboard. Below the wood inlay there is an
area designed in lighter-coloured Nappa leather (“Asphalto”). The
ambience lighting runs in a narrow strip between the wood and leather on
the dashboard and the centre console as well as on the door trim
panels; on the dark surfaces, the illuminated strip gives the effect of
flowing magma as it winds its way through volcanic rock. The roof
pillars and roofliner are trimmed in a dark Alcantara (in “Graphite”
colour).
Five comfortable seats. The seat system is also fully upholstered in
elegant Nappa leather. The breathing-active natural material is
especially pleasing to the touch, and the leather surfaces emit an
elegant shimmer due to a slight pearl effect. The individual seat panels
are designed in either the dark “Anthracite Pearl” or the contrasting
“Asphalto”. The colour shading visually emphasises the masculine
sculpting of the seats. Reverse seams that run horizontally in the
seats, as well as another reverse seam on the armrest between the driver
and front passenger seats, are sophisticated manufacturing features
with handcrafted qualities. The rear bench seat (three seating positions
with a bucket seat look at the outer seats) has a 1/3 to 2/3 split,
folds and offers fore-aft adjustment.
The car comes to life. The way in which Volkswagen integrates
contemporary technologies in an elegant material world of aluminium,
wood and leather makes a unique statement. As soon as the driver’s door
is opened, the controls “come to life”. When the “Engine” (Start)
pushbutton is pressed, the switches for climate and headlight control
instantly lift from their rest positions. Synchronous to this, all of
the display layouts appear on the monitors, and the ambience lighting is
activated.
Form and function in harmony. All significant switches in the
passenger compartment (except for the hazard lights switch) are designed
as soft touch switches; their touch control is similar to that of a
touchscreen. The uppermost level of the centre console contains the
button controls for seat heating and air circulation as well as the
hazard lights switch. As noted, beneath these, the three turn knobs for
climate control (four-zone automatic climate control) travel outwards
when the ignition is activated. The left and right knobs control the
temperature, and the middle knob controls the blower level; the
temperature setpoint and blower level are shown directly in their
respective control knobs.
Arranged conveniently on the right side, next to the gear lever grip,
are the button controls for individual operating modes and ESC
deactivation (e.g. when driving in deep snow): “Sport” and “Eco”,
“Offroad” and “ESC Off”, “Charge” and “EV” (electric driving). For
optimal ergonomics and an intuitive layout, the gear shift panel in this
area on the driver’s side ascents later and then at a steeper angle
than on the passenger’s side.
The 6-speed gearbox operates with short actuating travel. The
selection lever – located at the far left of the gearshift panel – was
furnished with a new by wire switch logic: Like a joystick, the
selection lever continually returns to its middle position; the
classical “D”, “R” and “N” levels are activated by a short kick;
shifting into the “P” position is by a separate pushbutton that is
ergonomically integrated in the selector lever. The start-stop button
(“Engine”) was intuitively integrated on the right of the gear shift
lever.
Infotainment touchscreen. Located centrally on the centre console is a
10.1 inch touchscreen with proximity sensors. The large touchscreen is
not only used to control all infotainment and entertainment functions,
but also to access the status of the hybrid system. The type of
representation changes according to the driving mode. Consider
navigation: in the “Sport” mode, buildings are “suppressed” in the 3D
map representation; they recede for a clearer and less busy graphic
image during fast driving. On the other hand, an animated 3D
representation is shown in the “Eco” mode, in which buildings rise up on
the horizon; those who have seen the science fiction movie “Inception”
will recognise this special effect.
Programmable instrument cluster. The instrument cluster (12.3 inches)
is designed with analogue “hardware” – i.e. with two classic round
instruments (“tubes”) – but its software is completely digital and
therefore user programmable. And so it offers a wide variety of
functions and displays. One example: The CrossBlue Coupé can be driven
in five different drive modes: “Eco,” “Sport,” “Offroad,” “EV” and
“Charge.” The selection switches for these drive modes are located in
the middle of the centre console, which appears to be free floating, to
the right of the gear shift lever. Information specifically related to
the “Eco” mode is animated in “Orange”, while the theme colour switches
to red for the dynamic “Sport” mode. The basic scales and figures are
always shown in white.
The type of information that is precisely and clearly displayed also
changes between the “Eco” and “Sport” modes. In the “Eco” mode, the
Powermeter and battery status are two of the items shown in the left
round instrument, while the right instrument assumes speedometer and
fuel gauge functionalities. In the middle instrument – identical in both
modes – users can access functions such as the gear indicator, driving
ranges, compass, weather, clock and - in Navigation mode - the remaining
distance to the destination. It is also possible to access detailed
information about the local area (Points of Interest [POI] or the
locations of friends). In “Sport” mode, the left round instrument shows
the tachometer and displays torque and battery status at its centre; the
Powermeter is also “reduced”.
iPad in the head restraints. A mobile mini iPad has been integrated
in each of the head restraints of the first seating row, so that guests
in the rear seating area can also fully enjoy the audio, video and
online programme. Meanwhile, a Dynaudio sound system delivers a
crystal-clear world of sound.
Space for loading. A 537-litre boot opens up behind the second row of
seats (loaded up to the lower edge of the side windows; with integrated
spare wheel). If a tyre mobility set is on board instead of the spare
wheel, cargo capacity is increased to an impressive 609 litres. When the
second row of seats is folded down, the load volume rises to an
astonishing 1,101 litres (1,029 litres with spare wheel).
Efficient and dynamic drive technology
MQB as high-tech alliance. The technical basis of the CrossBlue Coupé
is the new Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) of Volkswagen AG. Within the
MQB, certain parameters are maintained uniformly across model series
and brands – such as the mounting orientations of all engines. The
modular component system also offers variable parameters that can be
optimally and individually implemented in a wide variety of models. They
include the wheelbase (CrossBlue Coupé: 2,980 mm), track widths and
wheel sizes. All new MQB models are designed so that – along with the
classic types of drive systems (petrol and diesel engines) – they can
always be built as natural gas, hybrid or E-models as well.
Efficient alliance of V6 TSI and E-motor. In the concept car now
being presented in Shanghai, the MQB front suspension and four-link rear
suspension, the electromechanical MQB steering, the 220 kW / 299 PS V6
TSI of the EA390 engine series and an automatic 6-speed DSG (DQ 400 E)
meld with electrical components. They include the lithium-ion battery in
the centre tunnel as well as the front E-motor with 40 kW and the rear
E-motor with 85 kW.
Maximum fuel economy. With its combination of pioneering fuel economy
and the highest standards of driving dynamics, the CrossBlue Coupé –
which can be driven to a top speed of 236 km/h – is an SUV that is as
efficient as it is sporty. As already noted, one of the most innovative
plug-in hybrid systems ever (V6 TSI + two E-motors + dual-clutch gearbox
+ “propshaft by wire”) has let Volkswagen achieve a predicted fuel
consumption of 3.0 l/100 km for the all-wheel drive SUV according to the
European standard for electric hybrid vehicles ECE-R101.
Maximum dynamic performance. Despite its tremendous efficiency, the
305 kW CrossBlue Coupé exhibits dynamic performance. The SUV completes
the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in an extremely short 5.9 seconds. Its V6
TSI develops a maximum torque of 500 Newton meters from low revs
starting at 1,800 rpm. The electric motors also make a powerful
appearance. In the CrossBlue Coupé, the electric motors contribute 180
Newton meters (front) and 270 Newton meters (rear). In boosting – when
the full power potentials of the engine and electric motors are combined
– the drive system can produce a total system torque of up to 700
Newton meters.
Zero emissions whenever possible. The CrossBlue Coupé can be driven
in five different operating modes: “Eco,” “Sport,” “Offroad,” “EV” and
“Charge”. The default mode, in which the Volkswagen is started, is the
classic “Eco” hybrid mode; it optimally manages use of the drive
sources. The electric motors are used for propulsive power as often as
possible in this mode. The driver can switch to the Sport mode by
pressing a button; in this case, the vehicle exploits the maximum power
of the drive system. As described above, there are also an Offroad mode
(permanent all-wheel drive), EV mode (driving with zero emissions) and a
Charge mode (battery charging).
EV mode. Powered by its lithium-ion battery, the CrossBlue Coupé can
cover a distance of up to 33 km in pure electric mode; in this mode, its
top speed is limited to 120 km/h. In EV mode, only the 85 kW E-motor at
the rear axle provides propulsion. In all-electric driving, the V6 TSI
is decoupled from the drivetrain by opening the clutch, and the engine
is shut off. As soon as there is a need for TSI power - because of the
battery charge state or other parameters - it is coupled to the
drivetrain again, jolt-free, within fractions of a second.
Battery in the centre tunnel. In all-electric driving, the E-motors
are supplied with energy from one of the eight modules that make up the
lithium-ion battery. The battery has an energy capacity of 9.9 kWh and
is housed in the centre tunnel. The power electronics unit – which is
integrated in the front engine compartment and operates at a voltage
level of around 375 Volt – manages the flow of high-voltage energy to
and from the battery and the electric motors. Meanwhile, a DC/DC
converter supplies the body electrical system with the 12 Volt
electrical power it requires. The electric drive system does not impose
any limitations on interior space whatsoever. The battery can be charged
either by external power sources (230 Volt connections) or while
driving.
Charging at the push of a button. The driver can intentionally switch
over to Charge mode (by pressing another button on the centre console).
In this mode, the battery is charged by petrol engine while driving,
e.g. so that enough electrical energy can be stored in the battery for
later zero-emissions driving at a destination in an urban area. Various
other operating modes, described below, are automatically set as a
function of the specific driving situation.
Coasting. As soon as the driver releases the accelerator pedal, the
engine and electric motors are decoupled from the drivetrain, provided
that the battery is sufficiently charged. This is referred to as
“coasting”. No emissions are generated here either.
Battery regeneration mode. Whenever the driver releases the
accelerator pedal or applies the brakes, and the battery is
insufficiently charged, the two electric motors act as generators and
feed energy recovered from the brakes into the lithium-ion battery. In
this case, the TSI is also shut off and decoupled from the drivetrain.
Boosting. When very sporty performance is called for, the E-motors
form an alliance with the TSI. This combining of forces is known as
“boosting”, in which the CrossBlue Coupé is driven by all four wheels.
Offroad with “propshaft by wire.” All four wheels are also driven
whenever the driver intentionally activates Offroad mode (once again by
pressing a button on the centre console). In this case, and when the
battery’s charge is low, the front electric motor – which is now
supplied with energy by the V6 TSI – operates exclusively as a generator
and supplies electrical power to its counterpart at the rear axle.
Since the energy for driving the rear wheels flows by wire and not
mechanically, this is referred to as “propshaft by wire”. The all-wheel
drive system is still operational, even when the battery is in a low
charge state, because the TSI drives the rear E-motor via the front
E-motor in Offroad mode.
Driving with the TSI. When the petrol engine is the sole source of
propulsive power, the CrossBlue Coupé is a pure front-wheel drive
vehicle. The concept car is still very fuel efficient here, because of
the efficient technology of the turbocharged six-cylinder engine with
direct fuel injection. Another indication of the V6 TSI’s efficiency is
what is known as “hybrid fuel consumption”; this is measured in a
sub-cycle of the European ECE-R101 standard, in which the CrossBlue
Coupé is driven with a fully discharged battery, so that it is
essentially only powered by the TSI engine. This test yields a very good
combined fuel consumption of 6.9 l/100 km.
Facts overview
- Name: CrossBlue Coupé
- Character: SUV with TSI plug-in hybrid for up to five persons
- World premiere: 20 April 2013, Shanghai
- Fuel consumption (NEDC for plug-in hybrid vehicles): 3.0 l/100 km
- Driving performance: V/max. 236 km/h, V/max. electric mode 120 km/h
- Dimensions: Length 4,889; width 2,015 mm; height 1,673 mm; ?track widths: front/rear 1,713 mm/1,713 mm
- Weight: Unladen weight: 2,220 kg (concept car with battery system)
- Drive units / power / transmission: V6 TSI 220 kW; E-motors: front 40 kW, rear 85 kW; system power (TSI + battery) 305 kW; 6-speed DSG
- Battery: Eight lithium ion modules; energy capacity 9.9 kWh
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (via TSI and front E-motor); all-wheel drive (via TSI and E-motor(s)); rear-wheel drive (via rear E-motor)
- Driving modes: Eco mode, Sport mode, Offroad mode, EV mode, Charge mode
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