2016 Volkswagen Beijing Concept SUV

The Chinese automotive market has grown so fast in recent years that all major automakers have opened shop in the country or developed specific models for the Eastern Asian state. In its quest for global domination — not quite successful as of late due to the "Dieselgate" scandal — Volkswagen is looking to increase local sales with new China-spec models, one of which is the Phideon sedan. At the 2016 Beijing Motor Show later this April, the Germans will unveiled yet another-brand vehicle in the form of a concept.

Dubbed Beijing Concept SUV, it is described as "one of the most advanced luxury SUVs in the world" and a study that aims to move "luxury SUV design to a more sporty and elegant level." Those are mighty big words from a company like Volkswagen. Unfortunately, we can’t yet verify those claims, as the Wolfsburg-based brand has only release a few teaser photos ahead of the Beijing Motor Show.

We will find out more about that when the event begins on April 25 so make sure you stay tuned for updates. Meanwhile, we’ll have a closer look at the teaser shots and the limited amount of details Volkswagen released with them.

Continue reading to learn more about the Volkswagen Beijing Concept SUV.

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Exterior

 Volkswagen Beijing Concept SUV
Although the teaser photos keep most of the concept’s design in the shadows, they give a good look at the SUV’s front and rear fascias. And by the looks of things, this hauler is far from wild styling-wise. The front end carries features we’ve already seen on new models or recent concept cars, including the slender headlamps with LED strips that run into the grille and C-shaped daytime running lights. The latter are already available on production models, including the Tiguan. Both the engine hood and the waistline are more muscular than anything else Volkswagen offers as of April 2016. Around back, the angular taillights have triple arrow-shaped patterns, while the haunches are quite beefy for an SUV. The teasers do not reveal any other significant details, but it looks as if this concept is about the same size as the Touareg, which means it could preview the next-generation midsize SUV.

Interior

The concept will further demonstrate the brand's "continued digitization of the automobile"

There are no photos of the interior yet, but Volkswagen says that the concept will further demonstrate the brand’s "continued digitization of the automobile" and that the car’s Active Info Display and infotainment systems will merge together for a "completely new level of interactivity." This could mean that Volkswagen is about to preview its latest infotainment system. Expect it to operate like a tablet, recognize movements in front of the screen, and eliminate most buttons and switches from the center stack and console. The Germans also mention a "lounge-style interior," which may translate into a four-seat configuration with enhanced roominess and fancy gizmos such as state-of-the-art tablets for rear-seat passengers. Of course, given that Volkswagen emphasizes the word "luxury" many times in this short press release, the concept should also display a massive amount of high-end leather, real wood veneer, aluminum, and even carbon-fiber inserts.

Drivetrain

 Volkswagen Beijing Concept SUV
Drivetrain details are usually kept under wraps until the big unveiling occurs in the case of concept vehicles such as this, but Volkswagen did say a few things about what motivates the Beijing. Apparently the SUV will use hybrid powertrain with 376 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, and although there’s no word as to what engine and electric motor it will bring together, it could include a next-generation V-6.

Volkswagen goes on to say that the concept will accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in six seconds and hit its top speed at 139 mph. It also reveals that its all-electric range is up to 31 miles (50 km) on a single charge. As far as combined fuel economy goes, Volkswagen claims the Beijing Concept will return up to 78 mpg. Quite promising given the performance.

Conclusion

 Volkswagen Beijing Concept SUV
To be honest, I don’t expect this concept car to be as impressive as Volkswagen described it. Sure, the drivetrain sounds promising on paper and the new infotainment system should introduce a few innovative features, but other than that, it won’t stray too far off what we’ve seen in recent Volkswagen concepts. The exterior is not exactly breathtaking, and although the interior might be a wild proposition relative to current production models from this brand, most of those features might not make it on the assembly line. The good news here is that the Beijing Concept SUV might preview the next-generation Touareg and could signal that Volkswagen wants to move its midsize in a more upscale segment