Volkswagen just showed off the SUV Coupe Concept at the 2019 Shanghai auto show, a coupe-like version of the China-only Tayron SUV. The automaker calls it a concept, but we already know it will go into production by the end of the year, so it’s more of a pre-production prototype, really.

The 2019 Volkswagen SUV Coupe Concept

What it still currently lacks is a name - it may very well be called the Tayron Coupe, or it could be called something completely different. It will be locally built, though, by VW’s joint venture with the local FAW Group and it will also most likely be exclusively sold within China.

From a technical standpoint, the Tayron Coupe rides on a version of VW’s MQB architecture, and it will probably be available with the same engines as the regular model. The base unit is offered with a 1.4-liter TSI turbo with front-wheel drive, or there’s a more powerful 2.0-liter TSI that can also be had with all-wheel drive; both versions come exclusively paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

From that point on, its roofline dives dramatically, creating what would more accurately be described as a fastback type look - we just call them “coupe SUVs” because that’s what the manufacturers want us to call them (because they think it adds to the vehicles’ coolness factor), but they’re really more fastback/hatchback than anything else.

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There are plenty of these models already out there and are proving quite popular, which is why more and more manufacturers want a piece of the action. The best known are the BMW X6 and X4, next up are the Mercedes GLE Coupe and GLC Coupe. More recently, Porsche added a Cayenne Coupe to its lineup too and even Renault is planning to launch such a model dubbed the Arkana.

It’s called the Teramnont X, and it is essentially the coupe-like version of the Atlas (the Atlas Coupe). Overall it’s not as daring as the SUV Coupe Concept, but it is a bigger and more spacious vehicle that will appeal to different buyers; it has stronger engines and better off-road capability too.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas.

Read our full driven review on the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas.