Volkswagen CrossBlue concept heralds a VW people mover

High output of US refineries have done little to stave off rising gas prices, and gas-guzzling SUVs are typically hit the hardest at the pump. Volkswagen hopes to quell fuel economy anxiety with the CrossBlue electric hybrid concept, a six-seater with the fuel economy of a compact and the power of a V-6.

Unlike most plug-ins such as a Toyota Prius that run on unleaded fuel, the CrossBlue is a diesel hybrid, which gets 85 mpg-e with an all-electric range of 14 miles; combined with the diesel powerplant, that range stretches to 661 miles for a fuel economy rating of 35 mpg. Typically such fuel-sipping figures come with tepid performance, but the 305-horsepower CrossBlue can move from 0 to 60 in 7.2 seconds, thanks in part to a coefficient of drag of 0.26—quite the engineering feat considering its broad, upright profile.