The Volkswagen GTE is a plug-in hybrid powertrain combining a 1,395 cc or 1,984 cc turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor and lithium-ion traction battery. First introduced in the Golf Mk7 GTE (2014), it delivers combined outputs of 150–200 kW (204–272 PS) and pure-electric range of 30–60 km (WLTP). Key technologies include the MQB platform integration, 6-speed DSG (Mk7) or 6-speed DQ400e dedicated hybrid transmission (Mk8), and regenerative braking coordinated via the hybrid control unit.
Fitted to models such as the Golf GTE, Passat GTE, and Arteon GTE, the system was engineered for low-emission urban mobility with performance-oriented driving dynamics. Emissions compliance is achieved through Euro 6d (Mk8) or Euro 6c (Mk7) standards, with CO₂ figures as low as 26–39 g/km depending on model and test cycle.
One documented concern is premature wear of the DQ400e hybrid transmission clutch pack under frequent stop-start conditions, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Bulletin WSC‑2023‑11. This issue stems from thermal stress during repeated electric-to-combustion transitions. From mid‑2024, revised clutch materials and updated hybrid control logic were introduced to improve durability.
All production years meet applicable EU emissions standards: 2014–2019 models comply with Euro 6c; 2020–present models meet Euro 6d (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8921).
The Volkswagen GTE is a petrol-electric plug-in hybrid system based on 1.4L or 2.0L TSI engines paired with an electric motor and 8.8–13 kWh lithium-ion battery (2014–present). It integrates a dedicated hybrid transmission (DQ400e or modified DSG) to deliver responsive acceleration and zero-emission urban driving. Designed for Euro 6c/6d compliance, it balances performance with low CO₂ output.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,395 cc (Golf/Passat Mk7); 1,984 cc (Arteon/Passat Mk8) | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (EN 228) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.5 mm × 80.0 mm (1.4L); 82.5 mm × 92.8 mm (2.0L) | |
| Combined power output | 150–200 kW (204–272 PS) | |
| Combined torque | 350–400 Nm | |
| Electric motor | Permanent magnet synchronous (80–115 kW) | |
| Traction battery | 8.8 kWh (Mk7); 13.0 kWh (Mk8, net usable) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6c (2014–2019); Euro 6d (2020–present) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 (1.4L); 9.8:1 (2.0L) | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled (dual circuit: engine + power electronics) | |
| Transmission | 6-speed DSG (Mk7); 6-speed DQ400e hybrid DSG (Mk8) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| System weight (approx.) | 125–145 kg (excluding battery) |
The GTE system provides strong launch performance and zero-emission urban capability but requires periodic high-voltage system diagnostics and battery health checks. VW 502 00/504 00 oil is essential for turbo longevity and DSG compatibility. Frequent short trips without full battery recharging reduce electric range and increase clutch wear in the DQ400e. The 13 kWh Mk8 battery enables ~60 km WLTP electric range, but real-world use typically yields 40–50 km. From 2024, revised DQ400e clutch packs (P/N 0CW 325 061 C) and updated hybrid control software mitigate thermal degradation per WSC‑2023‑11.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 / 504 00 (5W-30) specification (Volkswagen SIB WSC‑2020‑03). Not compatible with older 501/503 specs.
Emissions: Euro 6c applies to 2014–2019 models; Euro 6d certification confirmed for 2020–present (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8921).
Power Ratings: Combined output measured under UN ECE R85 and WLTP standards. Electric motor peak power requires 13 kWh battery state of charge >20% (Volkswagen TIS V-TIS/HYB/07).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V-TIS/GTE/01–07, V-TIS/HYB/05, V-TIS/TRN/12, SIB WSC‑2020‑03, WSC‑2021‑07, WSC‑2023‑11
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8921)
EU Regulation (EU) 2018/858 and (EC) No 715/2007
The Volkswagen GTE powertrain was deployed across Volkswagen's MQB platform with transverse mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group. This system received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced subframes in the Passat GTE and revised cooling in the Golf Mk8 GTE—and from 2020 the Arteon GTE adopted the 2.0L TSI variant, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the powertrain code on the vehicle data sticker in the boot or service booklet (e.g., 'CXSA' for Golf Mk7 GTE). The 7th–8th characters of the VIN indicate hybrid configuration ('HE' or 'HV'). Visual cues include blue-trimmed badges, Type 2 charging port on the front wing, and 'GTE' badging. Critical differentiation: Mk7 uses standard DSG with integrated starter-generator; Mk8 uses dedicated DQ400e transmission with clutch-mounted electric motor. High-voltage components are marked with orange cabling per ISO 6469.
The GTE's primary reliability risk is DQ400e hybrid transmission clutch degradation under frequent urban stop-start use. Volkswagen internal field data from 2024 indicated elevated transmission replacement rates in vehicles with >70% electric-mode usage and short daily trips, while UK DVSA records show increased hybrid system advisories in city-driven GTE models. Thermal cycling during engine-electric transitions accelerates clutch wear, making occasional full-power driving and software updates critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2020–2024) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2021–2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN GTE.
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