This Might Become The Production Full-Size VW SUV

Volkswagen T-Prime Concept (Credit: Volkswagen )

This is the full-size Volkswagen SUV that Americans want. VW used the Beijing Motor Show to reveal the T-Prime Concept. It’s bigger than the Touareg and is something that the company would be completely stupid to turn into a production model.

Considering that Americans love big SUVs, and slow sales here have been a big weak point for VW, this is just what the doctor ordered.

Volkswagen T-Prime Concept (Credit: Volkswagen )

While the T-Prime Concept looks cool, it’s what’s under the skin that counts most. The thing is actually a plug-in hybrid, combining a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission, plus an electric motor integrated into the transmission.

If drivers don’t want to burn any gasoline, the SUV can go 31 miles on pure electricity, thanks to the 14.1-kWh battery. Volkswagen says it gets 87 MPGe, plus can dash from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.0 seconds.

Volkswagen T-Prime Concept (Credit: Volkswagen )

That sounds great and all, but fully recharging with a 7.2 kW station takes two and a half hours. That’s not very impressive, considering Tesla has Superchargers that replenish 80 percent of a Model S battery in 30 minutes or less.

The T-Prime Concept interior is completely without physical switchgear. Instead it’s all just touchscreens, gesture controls and voice commands. Backseat occupants get to chill out with 10.1-inch tablets mounted to the front seatbacks, plus a 9.6-inch screen mounted between the seats that is for climate control.

Volkswagen T-Prime Concept interior (Credit: Volkswagen )