The new concept is based on the 2017 Tiguan due out at the end of this year and builds on the GTE version shown at Frankfurt Motor Show last October and bringing more power and all-wheel drive capabilities. It also

In particular, the concept also showcases the technical abilities of Volkswagen’s MQB modular platform.

Dr Herbert Diess, chairman of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management, said: “The Tiguan GTE Active Concept shows the potential of the Volkswagen plug-in drive systems. The powerful all-wheel drive system ensures that an SUV such as the Tiguan offers superior off-road performance, even in 100% electric mode. It successfully implements electrification of all-wheel drive technology, which is so important for SUVs.”

Like the GTE Concept, the latest version uses a plug-in hybrid system based on that in the Golf GTE and combining a 148bhp turbocharged petrol direct-injection engine with a 54bhp electric motor at the front axle and a 115bhp motor at the rear axle. It also comes with a newly developed 4MOTION Active Control system.

Drive is either supplied via the electric motor on the rear axle or on all four wheels when loss of traction is detected or if the driver switches to off-road programmes.

In electric only mode, the range is 20 miles, with a full range of 580 miles.

Other features include a new infotainment system with a 9.2-inch touchscreen and gesture control – said to be the first infotainment system without any conventional rotary knobs or hard keys.

The new Tiguan launches in Germany in spring 2016 before being rolled out in Europe and introduced in the US in long wheelbase form. As early as the end of 2016, a completely redesigned mid-size SUV developed for the American market will be rolling off the production line at the company's US plant in Chattanooga.