Volkswagen confirmed
launching a plug-in hybrid version of the facelifted Tiguan, and we now have
the first spy shots of the model. Believed to be named the Tiguan GTE, like the
electrified versions of the Passat and new Golf, the compact SUV will feature
different front and rear bumpers compared to the rest of the lineup. Notice
that there are hidden exhaust pipes on the scooped prototype and that the plug
port is located on the left front fender.
The Tiguan GTE is understood to have a lot
in common with the plug-in hybrid variant of the eighth-gen Golf, including the
propulsion system. The latter uses the 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
engine that makes 150 PS paired to a 114 PS electric motor. The total output is rated at 245 PS and 400
Nm of torque, with a six-speed DSG automatic transmission being the
only option.
With the 13 kWh lithium-ion battery pack
fully charged, the Golf GTE has a zero-emission driving range of around 60 km and can remain in the all-quiet mode at speeds of up to 130 km/h. The extra weight of the Tiguan GTE over its compact hatchback sibling
should affect the electric range, if the hardware remains the same.
Aside from the PHEV controls and
sub-menus, we don’t know is Volkswagen will do anything to the interior of the
electrified Tiguan to set it apart from the rest of the range. Still, if we
were to assume, we’d say that perhaps new upholstery options and trims will
become available. The Tiguan GTE should be presented in the second half of the
year unless the coronavirus pandemic or other factors interfere with the
unveiling date.
