Volkswagen has come up with a new SUV/crossover model is specifically designed for the American market based on what VW thinks customers in that corner of the world expect from a car like this. The CrossBlue has seven seats (in its production version), and is powered by a hybrid electric powertrain.

The CrossBlue features one of the most innovative plug-in hybrid systems ever (TDI Clean Diesel + two E-motors + dual-clutch transmission + “propshaft by wire”). Volkswagen estimates that fuel economy for the four-wheel drive SUV will be 89 MPGe; in pure diesel operation, fuel economy is 35 MPG (combined Highway and City). In the test cycle of the European R101 ECE standard for electric hybrid vehicles the estimated fuel consumption is 2.1 liters per 100 km.

The car also delivers acceptable performance for its size and nature; with a power of 225 kW / 306 PS and up to 700 Newton meters of system torque. The CrossBlue sprints from 0 to 60 mph in just 7.2 seconds (0-100 km/h: 7.5 s).

Check out the car’s unveiling ceremony at the 2013 Detroit Motor Show: