Rumored for more than four years and teased since 2011 when the Cross Coupe Concept was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show,->ke1834 Volkswagen’s upcoming seven-seat SUV->ke145 is arguably one of the biggest conundrums of the modern automotive industry. And that's because while the Germans have acknowledged the need for a seven-seat SUV next to the Touareg->ke321 in the United States, the vehicle has yet to be built, with Volkswagen choosing to showcase no less than three concept cars instead. Sure, the Wolfsburg-based automaker must have a good reason for doing so, but this strategy is tiresome for car enthusiasts like me, even though I'm no SUV fan.

Fortunately enough, the Cross Coupe GTE, which was showcased at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show,->ke222 is very likely the last concept previewing the production car, meaning this frustrating process could come to an end sometime in 2016. Based on what the Cross Coupe GTE Concept had to showcase, Volkswagen->ke94 is aiming high with the SUV, looking for a more upscale positioning in the segment through a vehicle that's also powerful and fuel efficient.

Updated 01/23/2015: We've added a series of new images from the car's official debut at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show. Check the new images in the "Pictures" tab.

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

Exterior

Although similar in shape and size with the 2012 Cross Coupe and 2014 CrossBlue concepts that preceded it, the Cross Coupe GTE has an even stronger presence thanks to its reworked front and rear fascias and clear line structure. The headlights, turn signals and the grille merge together seamlessly, with the latter consisting of two polished and brushed aluminum bars. The distinctive daytime running light layout seen here will make it on future production models, according to Volkswagen. Three massive air inlets make out the lower apron, which features a high-gloss black frame and a polished aluminum insert.

The beefy wheel arches, which are similar to the CrossBlue Concept's, emphasize the SUV's presence, as do the massive, 22-inch alloy wheels.

Around back, the side character line merges into a polished aluminum trim strip, a brand-new feature compared with the previous concept SUVs. The taillights are also new, sporting a shape previously unseen on Volkswagen automobiles. It is yet unknown whether these are headed into production or not. The integrated rear apron is likely the most striking detail, as it sets the Cross Coupe GTE apart even more from its predecessors. The piece is finished in the same color as the body for the very first time, while the exhaust inlets have been moved upward for a sportier stance.

Exterior Dimensions

Interior

For the interior, Volkswagen went with what appears to be a production-ready approach. The lines are clean and simple, with emphasis on an horizontal orientation, especially in the dashboard area. The cockpit is driver-oriented and intuitive, and wrapped in a black-and-white scheme with plenty of chrome and brushed-aluminum inserts. Bi-color Nappa leather surfaces take this SUV further into premium territory.

On the tech side of things, the concept's interior is equipped with Volkswagen's latest in terms of convenience. There's 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, a touchscreen for rear-seat climate control, and tablet connectivity for the rear seats. The latter allows passengers access to the radio, media sources, and navigation via the Volkswagen Media Control app.

Drivetrain

As its name suggests, the concept sports a plug-in hybrid drivetrain, which also suggests the upcoming seven-seat SUV will receive the same GTE treatment. The hybrid drivetrain made its debut on the Golf hatch and the Passat, 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 in charge of spinning the rear wheels is identical to the Passat’s, and generates the same 114 horsepower and 199 pound-feet, while the motor mated 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. Its top speed sits at 130 mph – a decent figure for a non-performance hybrid.

Drivers will be able to operate the Cross Coupe GTE using five different modes, as opposed to the Passat’s four, including E-Mode; Hybrid; GTE; Off-road; and Battery Hold/Battery Charge. In addition, the SUV also 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. When it comes to efficiency, Volkswagen claims the Cross Coupe GTE can travel up to 20 miles on electricity and return 70 mpg-e.

Naturally, the upcoming seven-seat hauler will also receive a range of gasoline drivetrains, but the Germans have yet to divulge any actual details as of January 2015.

Drivetrain Specifications

Prices

It's way too early to talk about prices since this concept is at least one year away from becoming in production. But if I were to take a guess, I'd say Volkswagen would price it from around $32,000 – a price that would make it competitive against other seven-seat midsize SUVs.

Competition

Ford Explorer

When it comes to seven-seat, midsize SUVs, the Ford Explorer is one of the most popular choices in the United States. Revised for the 2016 model year, the Explorer received brand-new front and rear fascias and a Platinum trim that's packed with exclusive features inside and out. Interior updates include a revised infotainment system, a refined instrument cluster, enhanced quietness, and improved comfort. The Explorer Platinum became the first Ford to feature a 10-inch digital instrument cluster.

No less than three engines are available with the Explorer, starting with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost. The four-cylinder, which is similar to the 2015 Mustang's, replaces the previous 2.0-liter EcoBoost and cranks out 270 horsepower and 300 pound-feet. Next in line are the tried-and-true 3.5-liter V-6 rated at the same 290 ponies and 255 pound-feet and the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6. The turbo unit generates the same 365 horses and 350 pound-feet of twist. Pricing for the 2016 Ford Explorer begins from $30,700.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Launched all the way back in 2010, Chrysler’s best-selling SUV received a facelift for the 2014 model year. Improvements included revised fascias front and rear, updated technology and finer materials for the cabin, especially on the Overland and Summit trim levels. Under the hood, the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine continues unchanged at 290 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while a slight update increased the 5.7-liter V-8’s output to 360 ponies and 390 pound-feet.

A 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 joined the lineup with 240 horses and 420 pound-feet of twist, returning 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway – by far the best EPA rating for the nameplate. Lastly, the new eight-speed automatic transmission backs each powertrain. The Grand Cherokee retails from $28,795.

Conclusion

The Cross Coupe GTE Concept looks good on paper as a preview for Volkswagen's upcoming seven-seat SUV. With third-row seats, a premium interior, and innovative in-car features, the new hauler promises to be what the Touareg isn't. All it needs is a range of powerful and fuel-efficient engines, decent towing capacity, and the Touareg's confident handling, and Volkswagen might have a winner on its hands. Granted, the German seven-seater won't be able to dethrone the Ford Explorer as America's first choice in this segment, but, as things stand, it has what it takes to give Ford a good run for its money.