Dimensions. The Cross Coupé GTE painted in "Grand Pacific Glacier" blue demonstrates even stronger presence on the road than the concept cars unveiled in 2013. Although the design of all three SUVs was based on the Volkswagen design DNA and they have stylistic features in common, in all details the Cross Coupé GTE breaks with the concept cars previously presented and thus increases the momentum on the roadmap to series production. The concept car now presented in Detroit has a length of 190.8 in (4,847 mm) and a height of 68.3 in (1,736 mm). The concept car is 79.9 in (2,030 mm) wide. Klaus Bischoff says: "The car makes a visual statement from every angle. Regardless of whether you imagine the Cross Coupé GTE in Manhattan, driving along the Pacific coast in California or in the middle of the Rocky Mountains – this SUV designed especially for the USA has an effortlessly superior look everywhere.
Sophisticated front end. The powerful and exclusive exterior design is characterized by a very clear and logical line structure. The precise edges of the long hood look like they have been cut with a laser; it is raised in the middle and continues outwards and backwards to the striking fenders. The charismatic radiator grille is the dominant feature of the very high front. More than ever, the headlights, indicators and the radiator grille merge to a single design module. Two solid aluminum transverse struts (polished at the front, brushed at the top) form the basic structure of the radiator grille. Like wings, the transverse struts become much flatter toward the outside in the direction of the LED dual headlights. The design of the lower air inlet is just as striking as that of the radiator grille. The outside is framed by a high-gloss black trim; on the inside, there is a polished aluminum insert with wing-shaped lines that are a mirror image of the corresponding elements on the radiator grille. The LED dual headlights are a particularly striking and distinctive feature and are reminiscent of the eyes of a bird of prey. The compact LED modules (which form a centrally positioned light spot like a pupil in every headlight) are partly responsible for this, as is an "eyebrow" positioned outside above it. The outer headlight modules generate the low beam, while the inner modules provide the high beam. The distinctive signature of the daytime running lights will also be recognized in future production models. This signature will be positively imprinted in the viewer's memory. It consists of the total of four light spots of the LED dual headlights and four "LED light wings": two at the top in the radiator grille and two in the lower air inlet.
Side profile. The sharp front ridge of the hood takes up a line that extends to the side over the front fenders and below the windows right across the side profile to the tailgate of the Cross Coupé GTE. Like the entire car, the side profile itself has powerful proportions and an extremely superior presence. The A-pillar set a long way to the back (thus emphasizing the raised hood) and the striking sloping C-pillars also characterize the design that has a clear focus on sporty exclusiveness yet also emphasizes the superior robustness of the large SUV.
In keeping with this is the dynamic area between the very high window line and the feature line with its deliberate low position with the precisely integrated door handles. A distinguishing characteristic of the Cross Coupé GTE is that the feature line continues right to the flared wheel arches. The wheel arches themselves emphasize the power and the volume of the SUV with its extremely confident road stance. The wheel arch on the driver's side has the service flap for connecting the charging plug for the lithium-ion battery; the counterpart on the other side houses the tank filler neck. The 22-inch alloy wheels (tires: 285/40), each with ten highly polished spokes perfect the superior look of the side profile. The deliberately short and crisp body overhangs also catch the eye: in practical terms they make for optimum approach and departure angles during off-road driving.
Rear end. At the rear, the side feature line of the Cross Coupé GTE merges into a polished aluminum trim strip. Above this strip, the LED rear lights with a trapezoidal design are positioned. At the rear, too, the Cross Coupé GTE follows the parameters of the new Volkswagen design language for the USA. In this area it focuses on clear horizontal line structures. The geometry itself is extremely clear and unambiguous – a further typical feature. Fully in keeping with this are the striking design of the rear lights, the strict horizontal structure of the tailgate and the exhaust tailpipes with a high position typical of SUVs, which are part of an aluminum panel extending right across the bumper. In the middle of the vehicle, a skid plate underride protection with an integrated diffuser form the design element closest to the road. Klaus Bischoff says: "When you drive behind this vehicle you know which league it plays in. And that it is a Volkswagen."
The Volkswagen design team has made the LED rear lights just as striking as the LED headlights and the daytime running lights. The main red elements feature various glass inserts (colorless, transparent) and covers (high-gloss black and chrome). Even without active light, these rear lights therefore have their own special technical look, with the inner details taking up the outer shape of the lights again. At night, the individual light segments seem to float in the otherwise dark space of the rear lights.