Volkswagen Tiguan Plug-In Hybrid Concept Shown In Detroit

When the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan was unveiled at the 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show last fall, a plug-in hybrid concept was among the featured variants.

Called the Tiguan GTE, it was never confirmed for production.

But now Volkswagen is showing a second Tiguan plug-in hybrid concept at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show, hinting that the production Tiguan may in fact get a plug-in powertrain.

DON'T MISS: 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan: Compact Crossover Revealed At Frankfurt Auto Show (Sep 2015)

The Volkswagen Tiguan GTE Active concept features more rugged styling than its predecessor.

The roof-mounted light bar, fender flares, and underbody protection dress up the production next-generation Tiguan, which uses the same MQB platform as the Golf and numerous other VW Group models.

Its powertrain, meanwhile, consists of a turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine and six-speed dual-clutch transmission, with two electric motors and a 12.4-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack.

Volkswagen Tiguan GTE concept - 2016 Detroit Auto Show

There is one electric motor for each axle, and the entire system is rated at 221 horsepower.

That's enough to get the Tiguan GTE Active from 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds, and on to a top speed of 120 mph, according to VW.

Full performance is accessed through a sporty "GTE mode" like the one on the previous Tiguan GTE concept. It's one of several driver-programmable modes available.

ALSO SEE: VW May Buy Back (Some) TDI Diesel-Cheating Cars In U.S.: Report

The lithium-ion battery pack can also provide up to 20 miles of electric-only driving, at speeds up to 70 mph, the carmaker claims.

With sufficient battery charge, the driver can engage a "coasting" mode that shuts down the engine and electric motors, and temporarily disengages the entire powertrain.

On the inside, the Tiguan GTE Active features VW's next-generation infotainment system, including a 9.2-inch display screen, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Volkswagen Tiguan GTE concept - 2016 Detroit Auto Show

While the concept only seats five, Volkswagen will build a seven-seat Tiguan as well. That version will be offered in the U.S., the company confirmed at Detroit.

However, there is still no confirmation that a plug-in hybrid powertrain will be offered on production models.

MORE: Volkswagen Budd-e Concept: 373-Mile, All-Electric Van Signals The Future

Given that Volkswagen has said it plans to offer plug-in hybrid versions of most of its models, though, that seems likely.

The Tiguan itself will go on sale in Europe this spring, with U.S. sales following next year.