The Volkswagen Tiguan GTE Active Concept makes its world debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), in the country that popularized the Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).
The vehicle’s most striking innovation is its efficient plug-in hybrid system that uses two electric motors and a gasoline engine, which can supply all four wheels with power, either automatically or at the push of a button. This concept proves how much potential plug-in hybrid systems have. The all-wheel-drive system’s technology ensures that this SUV can offer supreme off-road performance, even in all-electric mode.
The five-seat concept is based on the completely redeveloped second-generation Tiguan. The GTE Active Concept reflects the great technical versatility of the new SUV.
The Tiguan GTE Active Concept is equipped with a turbocharged and direct-injection TSI® gasoline engine that produces 148 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, mated to two electric motors. These make 54 hp at the front wheels and 114 hp at the rear. The total system power of 221 hp can supply all four wheels with propulsive force under off-road conditions and the 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system also boosts traction and contributes to active safety on normal pavement.
The Tiguan GTE Active Concept uses a 6-speed dual-clutch (DSG®) automatic transmission that was specially designed for hybrid use, with the front electric motor being housed inside the casing. Other plug-in hybrid components of the 4MOTION plug-in hybrid drive include: a 12.4 kWh lithium-ion high-voltage battery that can be charged either externally or via the gasoline engine; power electronics for the front motor; a second module at the rear that converts the battery’s DC current into AC for the electric motors; and an on-board charger.
Depending on the driving mode, the Tiguan GTE Active Concept can be driven by the front, rear, or by all four wheels. As a default, the concept car always starts off in zero emissions E-mode. If the battery is sufficiently charged, the rear electric motor powers the car by itself, while the TSI engine and the front electric motor are decoupled from the drivetrain and shut off to save energy. However, as soon as the driving situation demands it, or the driver manually activates a related mode, the front electric motor is engaged within fractions of a second. This means the Tiguan GTE Active Concept is a zero-emissions all-wheel-drive vehicle that can cover up to 20 miles on battery power alone. In E-mode, the Tiguan has a top speed of 70 mph.
The second-generation Tiguan is based on the modular transverse matrix (MQB) and shares the same long wheelbase, short overhangs, and exceptional packaging of other vehicles based on this architecture. The Tiguan GTE Active Concept is 176.9 inches long, 74.8 inches wide, 69.5 inches tall, and has a wheelbase of 105.6 inches.
The team of designers and engineers responsible for the Dragon Red Metallic concept car developed it for extreme off-road use, building on an excellent base with the existing production vehicle. For instance, 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.
Among the changes on the concept, there is a sturdy front skid plate that makes it clear that the Tiguan GTE Active Concept is designed for off-road excursions. The matte aluminum shield is equipped with four solid black polymer protectors which guard against contact with stones and bushes and can be easily replaced after an extreme trip through the outback. The front bumper is also trimmed in an all-terrain element made of “Dark Graphite” (matte anthracite-gray) durable polymer.
If the Tiguan GTE Active Concept is needed to pull another vehicle in reverse, there are two aluminum-colored metal hooks in the front air intakes on the left and right sides. The standard LED headlights are complemented by C-shaped LED Daytime Running Lights, a signature of all Volkswagen plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles. One sophisticated design element is the lateral continuation of the upper and lower bars of the radiator grille to the headlights, forming a single, wide and powerful unit.
The roof section is also equipped with a dark all-terrain module that integrates high-strength cross-rails that can serve as a base support for skis or other equipment. They are made of aluminum that contrasts with the black roof. At the front, the roof also has two LED auxiliary spotlights, which are framed in matte aluminum.
On the sides, the interplay of the all-terrain body elements and the distinctively profiled off-road tires clearly identify the Tiguan GTE Active Concept as an off-road vehicle. The 245/70 16-inch tires offer optimal traction on slippery surfaces due to their aggressive tread pattern. The Tiguan GTE Active Concept’s powerful presence is enhanced by “Dark Graphite” wheelarch extensions and sill protection that have been specially developed for the concept car. These sill trim pieces are protected by underbody guard elements made of matte aluminum.
The rear of the Tiguan GTE Active Concept is also equipped with a solid underbody guard made of matte aluminum. Like the front end, four replaceable polymer protectors are used here as well. The lower area of the bumper is protected by anthracite colored all-terrain trim. Above this, the outside of the bumper is also trimmed in anodized anthracite-colored trim strips. The vehicle has two additional solid aluminum-colored metal hooks at the back for towing stuck vehicles or for removing obstacles that are blocking the trail.
The design team also customized the interior space of the Tiguan GTE Active Concept to coordinate with the all-terrain exterior. For instance, the trim strips of brushed, dark aluminum (“Blade” design) that wrap around the instrument panel and door trim panels match the materials used for the front and rear underbody guards and for the roof components. In addition, dark chrome (“Black Night”) accents on the steering wheel create a connection to the exterior design.
Meanwhile, fine “Dragon Red” strips in the air vent frames repeat the color of the exterior paint. Another new design element is the two-tone Nappa leather upholstery: The seat surfaces, armrests and door inserts are all upholstered in bright “Rhodium Grey”, with “Dark Graphite” used for the side surfaces and seatbacks (outer surfaces). The leather surfaces have a three-dimensional pattern of rhomboidal shapes that transition in size from small to large, with the large rhomboids being embossed deeper and the smaller ones barely perceptible.
The visually dominant technology inside the Tiguan GTE Active Concept is the digital Active Info Display (in front of the driver) and the newly developed, next-generation infotainment system. Directly beneath its large touchscreen—which can also be operated by gesture control—is the center console that houses the climate controls. All of the controls, even for the seat heaters, are designed as touch sliders. The center console itself is dominated by the high position of the gear shifter with an array of control buttons arranged around it, including the multifunction switch for the new 4MOTION Active Control.
