The Volkswagen Tiguan is fast becoming Volkswagen’s “bread and butter” product in many markets, including Malaysia. As such, the brand has taken steps to keep the C-segment SUV fresh and available to more types of customers. Earlier this year, they introduced the 7-seater Tiguan Allspace in Malaysia. In Germany however, Volkswagen have just introduced a new plug-in hybrid version called the Tiguan eHybrid.
Way back in 2016, Volkswagen first teased the possibility of a plug-in hybrid Tiguan at the North American International Auto Show. It was called the Tiguan GTE Active Concept. Back then, Volkswagen projected that it would have a power output of about 225PS, have an electric range of 32km and a combined range of 933km based on a12.4kWh battery and a 64L fuel tank. This concept was almost lost and forgotten but now it’s seems they’ve revised it and the production figures look more impressive than the concept promised.
In the Tiguan eHybrid, the system has a power output of 245PS, an electric range of 50km, but the other less important figures weren’t officially shared on the press release (found below).
While the production version has dropped the ‘GTE’ name, there’s still a ‘GTE’ mode that can be manually activated by the driver. This combines the power of both the electric motor and petrol motor for an impressive 400Nm of torque.
There’s no DC fast charging on this model, so charging has to be done over AC either through a domestic socket (max 2.3kW) or a charging station (max 3.6kW).
The Tiguan eHybrid is available in Life, Elegance and R-Line trim levels and starts at 42,413.11 euros in Germany or RM207,000 before duties and taxes here. So don’t expect to see it here any time soon unless a nice little CKD+EEV incentive deal can be cut.
The press release below has a bit more detail.
PRESS RELEASE
Volkswagen has kick-started an unprecedented electric mobility offensive and is currently launching numerous new electric and hybrid models. From now on, an electrified variant of the best-selling Tiguan is also available as part of this product offensive. An electric motor on board the new Tiguan eHybrid01 allows most everyday trips to be covered without generating any local emissions. Electric range: up to 50 km (WLTP)03. The Tiguan eHybrid is now available to configure and order. Price in Germany: starting at 42,413.11 euros02.
Electric motor and TSI join forces: In Hybrid mode, the electric motor supports the 1.4-litre TSI engine and acts like an additional booster. In this mode, the Tiguan eHybrid will temporarily also cover stretches fully electrically and thus without generating any local emissions, as so-called recuperation during braking recharges the battery. Consequently, there is enough electrical energy on long journeys to switch off the TSI engine depending on the situation, or support it with additional drive output. Tiguan eHybrid drivers can manually activate GTE mode – here, electric motor and TSI engine join forces, generating particularly dynamic results. Both drive units together generate a maximum system torque of 400 newton metres.
Electric start: the plug-in hybrid drive generates a system power of 180 kW (245 PS) and has been programmed so the Tiguan eHybrid can start in EV mode, provided the battery is sufficiently charged and its temperature is above -10° C.
Suitable for everyday driving – even when only electric: the Tiguan eHybrid01 covers up to 50 kilometres03 in electric mode – enough for almost all everyday trips. Assuming it is consistently charged, the Tiguan eHybrid could also be used as a fully-fledged electric vehicle for the majority of trips throughout the year. And it’s extremely simple. The battery – arranged in the vehicle floor in front of the rear axle – is exclusively charged by AC. It uses a charger with a connector for conventional, domestic sockets with a maximum of 2.3 kW, or with up to 3.6 kW at a charging station or home charging station.
eHybrid available as Life, Elegance and R-Line: the Tiguan eHybrid is available to order as the following three equipment packs: Life, Elegance and R-Line. At a basic price of 42,413.11 euros02 the Life version boasts the following standard features, amongst others: Digital Cockpit (digital instruments with specific e-displays), Air Care Climatronic (three-zone automatic air conditioning) including a new and digitalised control panel, leather multifunction steering wheel with paddles for the 6-speed dual clutch gearbox, ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control), Front Assist (Autonomous Emergency Braking), Front and Rear Park Distance Control, 17-inch alloy wheels and roof rails. As a rule, all Tiguan models have also been equipped with features such as Lane Assist (lane keeping system), a mobile phone interface, rain sensor and LED headlights.
Innovative drives for lower CO2 emissions: Volkswagen is committed to the Paris Climate Agreement – with the objective of becoming a carbon-neutral company by 2050. On its “Way to Zero”, Volkswagen has launched an unparalleled electric mobility offensive with new, innovative electric and hybrid models making their debut in many product lines in quick succession.
