VW Presents Diesel/Plug-in Hybrid Concept Introduced on Monday, Jan. 14: Volkswagen CrossBlue concept A midsize 6-passenger S.U.V. with a diesel/plug-in hybrid powertrain designed specifically for the North American market. Volkswagen also showed its Cross Coupe, a compact S.U.V. concept vehicle that is built around the same powertrain. Jonathan Browning, Volkswagen Group of America president, said the midsize S.U.V. category was forecast to be the fastest -growing segment in the United States. CrossBlue is a midsize S.U.V., but it's not on its way to dealerships. What they said: "The CrossBlue concept is exactly the right type of vehicle for the U.S. market," said Jonathan Browning, president and chief executive for Volkswagen Group of America. What they didn't say: The price range or competitive vehicles. That's standard industry practice when introducing a vehicle not yet scheduled for production, but a diesel/electric powertrain is an expensive way to go. If the CrossBlue went to market, it could be an expensive entry. What makes it tick: A 190-horsepower TDI diesel engine combines with a 54-horsepower electric motor at the front axle and a 114-horsepower motor at the rear. The electric motors are powered by a lithium-ion battery pack in the vehicle's center tunnel. Combined horsepower is said to be 306 with 516 pound-feet of torque available at peak. The automaker estimates 89 M.P.G.e efficiency in electric mode and 35 M.P.G. combined in hybrid mode. The battery can be charged by the diesel engine while driving or by plugging into the grid. A driver-selectable all-electric mode provides a range of up to 14 miles when the battery is fully charged. How much, how soon: Volkswagen offered no hints of when the vehicle might be offered or how it would be priced. How's it look: It's a substantial S.U.V. The design is clean and functional, but it won't stand out from the crowd.