Volkswagen Tiguan Is Getting The Plug-In Hybrid Treatment

Apr. 05, 2020 5:35 PM ET by Martin Bigg Spy Shots / Comments

Here's your first look at the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan GTE.

After the upcoming Volkswagen Tiguan facelift was spied completely undisguised during a photo shoot, we were expecting the refreshed SUV to break cover at the 2020 Geneva Motor Show, but the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has likely delayed its debut.

In the meantime, Volkswagen has quietly announced that new plug-in hybrid GTE versions of the Tiguan and Arteon will launch later this year. Shortly after the announcement was made, our spies have already caught the new Volkswagen Tiguan GTE undergoing testing. Since it's slated to launch later this year, the new Tiguan GTE will be based on the facelifted SUV.

On the prototype, the revamped front fascia is visible with a new larger grille, a redesigned front bumper, and new LED headlights lifted from the eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf. As we've seen in previous spy shots of the facelifted Tiguan, the rear will also be updated with new taillights and a tweaked bumper. A closer inspection reveals a charging port added to the front left fender, confirming that this a prototype of the upcoming Tiguan plug-in hybrid.

There's a good chance the Tiguan GTE will use the same technology as the new Volkswagen Golf GTE, meaning that two versions of the Tiguan GTE will be available.

The most powerful version will pack a 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine paired with an electric motor to produce a combined 245 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed DSG gearbox will be fitted as standard. In the Golf GTE, this setup will allow the electrified hatchback to cover a range of 37 miles in EV mode, but the Tiguan GTE may have less range due to its extra weight.

While the Tiguan GTE is expected to launch later this year in Europe, it hasn't been confirmed yet if it will be sold in America. Unfortunately, this seems unlikely since the Golf GTE has never been available in America, but you never know. We're also still keeping our fingers crossed that the hardcore Volkswagen Tiguan R will come to America.

Volkswagen Tiguan Is Getting The Plug-In Hybrid Treatment

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Volkswagen Tiguan Is Getting The Plug-In Hybrid Treatment

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