Volkswagen->ke94 seems to be shaking that bland, boring vibe it’s currently got going on, swapping it in favor for style and attitude in the German automaker’s latest concept just revealed at the Beijing Auto Show->ke2062. Known as the Midsize Coupe Concept, the car is shorter than the Jetta but wider than the CC,, making for a much sportier appearance from the onset.

Skipping right to the good part, the VW Coupe Concept lives up to its sporty appearance with the familiar 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder banging away 217 horsepower on its way to a 6.5-second run to 62 mph. What’s more, it achieves an estimated 34 mpg while cruising the highway, and its top speed is listed at 152 mph.

Besides its size and sporty character, the VW concept sports some new design cues both inside and out. The three-bar grille’s chrome bars continue into the LED headlights and LED Daytime Running Lights, while a detail-rich lower air dam and side grilles pull in extra air and extra attention. Around to the side are large 20-inch, multi-colored wheels wrapped in performance 245-series rubber.

There is quite a rumble of excitement surrounding this concept, though VW hasn’t announced any official plans to build it. We do know the automaker plans to incorporate some of the design and styling cues into its product lineup in the future, but whether the Midsize Coupe Concept will actually live has yet to be seen. Beyond it getting a green light for production, we’ll have to further worry about its entry into the U.S. as VW has a tendency to hold back the performance-oriented products from burning rubber on our shores.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 Volkswagen New Midsize Coupe Concept.

2014 Volkswagen New Midsize Coupe Concept

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Volkswagen New Midsize Coupe Concept
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 217
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

This VeeDub is a looker. Low slug, wide, and short, this car takes all the coupe-like design features that make four-door coupes look good and uses them to its full advantage. Volkswagen’s mission of creating a more inspired, performance-oriented car is definitely realized here.

Up front, the chrome grille blends nicely into the full LED headlights while the fenders meet the hood with a nice crease. The lower fascia is aggressive without being too outlandish. The red, black, and aluminum-colored, 20-inch wheels look just right perched against the red exterior color of the car’s sheet metal. A strong character line runs from just behind the front fender through the door handles, over the rear fender, and around through the LED taillights. The line then angles downward, exiting the 3D-looking taillights at a lower point as it meets the mirrored line directly behind the rear Volkswagen logo.

Incorporated chrome exhaust tips help dress up the lower rear fascia and lend even more performance cred to the car. A panoramic glass roof opens in a tilt and slide manner, opening up the cabin for wind-in-your-hair driving.

2014 Volkswagen New Midsize Coupe Concept - Exterior Dimensions

Length

4,597 MM (180.98 Inches)

Height

1,422 MM (55.98 Inches)

Width

1,838 MM (72.36 Inches)

Aerodynamics (cD)

0.299


Interior

Speaking of the interior, the cabin of the Midsize Coupe Concept is a much snazzier place than many current Volkswagen cars. Piano Black trim along the center stack with a large infotainment screen is a large focus of the interior. A dual-analog gauge cluster with a TFT screen centered between keeps the driver informed while a multifunction steering wheel keeps controls handy. A black leather and chrome shifter within the center console looks professional yet sporty with its contrasting white stitching.

Matching that white stitching are the quilted white leather seats and white door panels. Wood trim helps pull in an element of luxury to the performance coupe.

Drivetrain

Powering this Volkswagen is the same 2.0-liter, turbocharged TSI engine that’s found in many of its other vehicles. In this application, the four-cylinder makes 217 horsepower and launches the car to 62 mph in 6.5 seconds on its way to a 152-mph top speed. The engine is mated to a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission that drives the front wheels.

Volkswagen estimates the Midsize Coupe Concept will achieve 34 mpg on the highway.

2014 Volkswagen New Midsize Coupe Concept - Drivetrain/Specifications

Type

2.0L Turbo I-4

Horsepower (HP @ RPM)

217 @ TBA

Torque (LB-FT @ RPM)

TBA

Transmission

7-Speed Dual-Clutch Auto

Fuel Economy (EU Extra Urban Cycle)

34 MPG

0 to 60 mph

6.5 seconds

Top speed

152 mph


Prices

At this point, the concept is just that and hasn’t had a price put on its head, but that won’t stop us from speculating. Let’s consider the current lineup. The Jetta starts at $16,895, the Passat at $20,995, and the four-door coupe CC starts at $32,495. Our guess is VW will market the car between the Jetta and Passat, so pricing would likely start around $18,000 to $19,000 range.

Just a Concept or Glimpse Into the Future?

Volkswagen hasn’t announced any plans to move this concept into production at this time and the official statement goes something like ‘the concept demonstrates how multifaceted the MQB platform is and some design cues will make their way onto future products.’ While it’s a great thought knowing VW will incorporate some sporty styling cues into other products, we’d rather have the whole thing.

The argument for building such a car grows stronger when considering the generous amount of competition, namely the Audi A3, Mercedes CLA-Class, and the spicy Buick Verano., means that there is plenty of demand that Volkswagen would miss if it didn’t green light the car. What’s more, the enthusiasts’ cries for more hot VeeDubs has been growing ever louder over the years, so surely there comes a point when the automaker listens up. Only time will tell.

Competition

Audi A3

The A3 represents some solid competition from the Volkswagen home team. With a price starting just under $30,000, the A3 is a bit pricier than the VW, though that’s how it should be. For that extra dough comes a lengthy list of premium equipment, style, and luxury Audi has come to stand for.

Available are three engine choices: the base 1.8-liter I-4, the familiar 2.0-liter TFSI I-4, and the 2.0-liter TDI diesel. The performance specs for the 2.0-liter TFSI are respectable at 5.2 seconds to 60 and a 130 top speed.

Though the A3 starts out at $29,900, its price can quickly jump to over $40,000 by checking all the option boxes on the Prestige trim package.

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Positioned as one of the lest expensive Mercedes, the CLA-Class still exudes a sporty character in its engine lineup and very coupe-like falling roof line. For $29,900 (identical to the A3), buyers get a healthy list of equipment and standard features, but for $2,000 more, the sport package liven up the exterior with more aggressive fascias, a chrome diamond-block grille, and 18-inch AMG wheels.

The standard engine is the 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 making 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A 7-speed dual clutch transmission is bolted on for quick shifts. It’s enough to get the CLA rolling to 60 in roughly 5 seconds and to a top speed of 155 mph.

Conclusion

The Midsize Coupe Concept is a beautiful car with awesome proportions and an aggressive attitude. Its combination of a wide track, short length, and coupe-like roof line make it a looker and potential fighter. The ubiquitous 2.0-liter FSI engine is a good staring point, though we’d love to see more power after its uncertain launch.

Priced right and retaining all the goodness of the concept, the Midsize Coupe Concept wouldn’t have any trouble selling inside the U.S.