Volkswagen's usual pre- motor show group brand jamboree didn't throw up too many surprises, except from Volkswagen itself. After statements about Volkswagen's long-term commitment to China and e-mobility, out rolled the C Coupe GTE concept. Clearly a concept, the C Coupe GTE stretches to over five metres, putting it in the luxury car segment.
Longer saloons are big business in China, the C Coupe GTE demonstrating how a future luxury car from the brand might look. It would slot between the Passat and Phaeton, with Walter de Silva, Head of Design of the Volkswagen Group saying: "Sedans have changed hugely in recent years. The new rear end design is orientated towards the classic two-door coupe. The Volkswagen designers have created a model that appeals to Chinese customers." Klaus Bischoff, Head of Design Volkswagen adds: "The C Coupe GTE very clearly shows the 'face' of top Volkswagen sedans for the first time," the outline of the VW badge on the front being illuminated, the entire leading edge of the bonnet and headlights lighting dramatically when the car is started.
It's being touted to be a China-only model, and in keeping with Volkswagen's green message the concept is powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain. That hybrid system mates a 124hp electric motor with a TSI turbocharged petrol engine with 210hp and eight-speed automatic transmission. The combined output of the C Coupe GTE is 245hp and 500Nm of torque, enough for an 8.4 second 0-100km/h time and 232km/h top speed. Several drive modes are possible, in e-mode the C Coupe GTE can travel up to 50kms at speeds up to 120km/h, its combined fuel consumption quoted at 102mpg (2.8 litres/100km) and CO2 of just 55g/km.
The interior features beautiful wood and aluminium inlays and beautifully integrated technology. The rear compartment is a two-seat set-up with a large tunnel between them containing a champagne cooler. The front seatbacks hiding screens for the rear passengers, allowing seat position adjustment and climate control. A high definition 3D display takes the place of conventional instruments for the driver, making the instruments appear to hover in space.
Volkswagen isn't confirming production as yet. If it does, some of the concept's more cutting-edge features would inevitably be binned off, but the C Coupe GTE would fit on the MLB platform that underpins the next Audi A6.