Volkswagen->ke94 has been teasing us with an U.S.-built, seven-seat, midsize SUV->ke145 for quite some time now, and it seems we're still a long ways from seeing the actual production vehicle in the metal. At the 2015 Detroit Auto Show, the Germans confirmed the new SUV won't go into production at the company's plant in Chattanooga until late 2016. Additionally, Volkswagen previewed the vehicle with yet another concept car,->ke169 this time around dubbed Cross Coupe GTE.

The third study in a line of concept cars previewing the much-anticipated seven-seat SUV since 2012, the Cross Coupe GTE follows in the footsteps of its predecessors by ways of a stylish exterior design complemented by sharp body lines and a sloping roof. Many of these exterior features will be transferred onto the production vehicle, but we expect a more practical rear end given this SUV will come with third-row seats.

Speaking of which, the Cross Coupe GTE also previews the SUV's interior, which will include a 10.1-inch touchscreen with proximity sensors and gesture control -- already showcased through the 2015 Golf R Touch at CES 2015 -- a digital, 12.3-inch instrument cluster, brushed-aluminum inserts, bi-color Nappa leather surfaces, and tablet connectivity for the rear seats.

As its name suggests, the concept also confirms the seven-seat SUV will be offered with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain. The GTE moniker already made its debut on the Golf hatch and the Passat->ke224, but unlike its smaller siblings, which feature 1.4-liter four-bangers, the SUV boasts a 3.6-liter, V-6 engine rated at 276 horsepower and 258 pound-feet in addition to not one, but two electric motors. The unit spinning the rear wheels is identical to the Passat's, and generates the same 114 horsepower and 199 pound-feet, while the motor attached to the front axle produces 54 ponies and 162 pound-feet. The total output adds up to 355 horses and 280 pound-feet, enabling the SUV to hit 60 mph from a standing start in only six seconds and reach a top speed of 130 mph.

Additionally, the Cross Coupe GTE comes with five drive modes, as opposed to the Passat's four modes, including E-Mode, Hybrid, GTE, Off-road, and Battery Hold/Battery Charge. In addition, it features four different driving profiles that change its setup: On-road (with Comfort and Eco sub-modes), Off-road (with Rocks, Sludge & Sand and Gravel), Sport, and Snow. As far as efficiency goes, Volkswagen revealed the SUV can travel up to 20 miles on electricity and return 70 mpg-e.

Naturally, the upcoming seven-seat hauler will receive a range of gasoline-only drivetrains as well, but the Germans aren't keen on divulging any specifics so early in the development process.

Click past the jump to read more about the Volkswagen Cross Coupe GTE Concept.

Why it matters

Rumored for more than four years and teased since 2012, Volkswagen's upcoming seven-seat SUV is arguably one of the biggest modern puzzles of the automotive industry. Fortunately enough, the Cross Coupe GTE is very likely the last concept previewing the production car, meaning this frustrating teasing process if finally coming to a halt. Based on this latest concept, the Germans are aiming high with the SUV, gunning for both performance and fuel economy, as well as a more upscale positioning in thee segment.

Volkswagen Cross Coupe GTE Concept