Drive Systems

Electrified as standard – the new T-Roc comes with state-of-the-art hybrid drives

Key aspects

• Four mild hybrids and two full hybrids – the new T-Roc is the first Volkswagen whose complete drive range will consist of hybrid systems
• 48 V mild hybrid as standard – the base version of the T-Roc already has a mild hybrid drive (eTSI) with 85 kW (116 PS) and seven-speed direct shift gearbox on board
• T-Roc R-Line with 110 kW as standard – the sporty top-of-the-range equipment specification starts with the 110 kW version of the 48 V mild hybrid drive (eTSI) plus seven-speed direct shift gearbox
• All-wheel drive with new 2.0 eTSI– as a new development, the T-Roc 4MOTION is equipped with a 2.0-litre 48 V mild hybrid with 150 kW (204 PS)

An electric power boost
All engines electrified. The new T-Roc is the first Volkswagen product line whose complete drive range consists exclusively of efficient hybrid systems. One of the world’s most successful Volkswagen drive systems of this era will be offered straight from the vehicle launch: a 48 V mild hybrid (eTSI) drive with 1.5-litre turbocharged engine. In addition, two new hybrid drives will make their debut in 2026: a 48 V mild hybrid drive with 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine (eTSI) and a completely new 1.5-litre full hybrid system (hybrid). All three hybrid drives – the 1.5 eTSI, the 2.0 eTSI and the hybrid – will be available in two output levels. This means that six T-Roc engine versions will be available – four with front-wheel drive and two with all-wheel drive.

1.5 eTSI with front-wheel drive. The first output level of the 1.5 eTSI, which is already configurable in Europe, delivers 85 kW (116 PS) and powers the T-Roc equipment versions Trend, Life and Style as standard. In the next-higher version, the 1.5 eTSI has an output of 110 kW (150 PS). This system is the standard driving force on board the T-Roc R-Line and is available as an option for the Life and Style equipment versions. The propulsive force is transmitted to the front axle by means of an efficient seven-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG).

2.0 eTSI with all-wheel drive. As described above, the T-Roc will be the first Volkswagen to receive the new 2.0 eTSI engine in 2026. This provides a maximum output of 150 kW (204 PS) and was designed for the T-Roc 4MOTION with all-wheel drive. At the end of 2026, the second and even more powerful output variant of the 2.0 eTSI will be launched in conjunction with the future T-Roc R 4MOTION. Power is transmitted to the all-wheel drive via a seven-speed direct shift gearbox, as in the front-wheel drive models.

1.5 Hybrid with front-wheel drive. A Volkswagen innovation will make its debut in the T-Roc in 2026: the new full hybrid system. The two versions of the 1.5 Hybrid use the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine (TSI) from Volkswagen as the base engine. The T-Roc will be launched as a 1.5 Hybrid in two output levels: 100 kW (136 PS) and 125 kW (170 PS). The front axle is driven in this case.

Performance and consumption figures
1.5 eTSI, 85 kW (116 PS). The base engine of the new T-Roc already offers pure high-tech. In addition to the mild hybrid system with 48 V lithium-ion battery and 48 V belt-driven starter-alternator, the technology spectrum of the 85 kW (116 PS) four-cylinder engine includes progressive features such as Active Cylinder Management (ACTplus) for reducing fuel consumption and emissions, a VTG turbocharger, which is more familiar from sports cars, and a special combustion process (Miller cycle) with very high efficiency, which also ensures low consumption and emission values. The 1.5 eTSI accelerates the T-Roc to 100 km/h in 10.6 seconds. The good performance is significantly influenced by the comparatively high torque of 220 Nm, which the four-valve engine provides from 1,500 rpm (up to 3,000 rpm) – an indication of superior power reserves for faster overtaking. The top speed of the SUV in this version is 196 km/h. The high performance is matched by low consumption and emission values: 6.0 to 5.5 l/100 km and CO₂ emissions of 136 to 125 g/km (WLTP combined in each case) show how efficiently the 1.5 eTSI works in this five-seater SUV.

1.5 eTSI, 110 kW (150 PS). The 110 kW version (150 PS) of the 1.5 eTSI equipped as standard in the T-Roc R-Line accelerates the SUV to 100 km/h in just 8.9 seconds and enables speeds of up to 212 km/h. With a maximum torque of 250 Nm (1,500 to 3,500 rpm), the mild hybrid is even more powerful in every situation. Remarkable here is that the fuel economy of the more powerful engine is similar to that of the 116 PS version: depending on the equipment line and wheels, the combined WLTP consumption is also between 6.0 and 5.5 l/100 km. The corresponding WLTP CO₂ values: 137 to 126 g/km CO₂.

2.0 eTSI, 150 kW (204 PS). The new 2.0 eTSI makes its world debut in the T-Roc. The direct-injection turbocharged petrol engine is available exclusively in conjunction with the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system, delivering an output of 150 kW (204 PS) and a maximum torque of 320 Nm. As the T-Roc 2.0 eTSI is not yet on the market, the values for performance and consumption are initially forecast values at the moment. With regard to performance, Volkswagen has determined a top speed of 226 km/h and an acceleration of 6.9 seconds for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h. The forecast value for combined WLTP consumption is 7.3 l/100 km. In addition, the product line’s sporty flagship version is set to follow during the course of next year: the T-Roc R 4MOTION with an even more powerful 2.0 eTSI engine.

Up to 2.0 tonnes towing capacity. In the 85 kW version, the T-Roc is designed for towing capacities of up to 1,500 kg (braked on 8% gradient, 1,300 kg on 12% gradient). The T-Roc 1.5 eTSI with 110 kW achieves a permissible maximum trailer weight of up to 1,700 kg (braked on 8% gradient, 1,500 kg on 12% gradient). Thanks to the combination of powerful 150 kW and all-wheel drive, the T-Roc 2.0 eTSI 4MOTION can hitch a trailer with a gross weight of up to 2,000 kg (braked on 8% gradient, 1,800 kg braked on 12% gradient) to the towing bracket, which can be unlocked and folded out electrically by a button in the luggage compartment. The maximum drawbar load of all T-Roc versions is 80 kg – this also ensures that e-bikes can be transported on a suitable bicycle carrier. The Compact II bicycle carrier (with fold-down and fold-away system) suitable for the T-Roc can be ordered directly from Volkswagen Accessories when configuring a new vehicle if required.

Technical details of the 1.5 eTSI
Additional boost power and coasting. The two 1,498 cm³ eTSI engines of the T-Roc generate 85 kW (116 PS) and 110 kW (150 PS). Both 1.5-litre four-cylinder engines are coupled to a 48 V lithium-ion battery and 48 V belt-driven starter-alternator. The system is supplied with electrical energy by means of recuperation – in other words, when braking or decelerating the T-Roc. The electric system ensures a particularly good performance when pulling away and also enables the turbocharged petrol engine to be switched off completely for coasting.

High-tech made by Volkswagen. Like the 48 V electrification, the engine itself is a characteristic example of innovative drive technologies. The four-cylinder engine with the designation 1.5 TSI evo2 belongs to the latest generation of the EA211 engine series. The design features of the drive system include a VTG (variable turbine geometry) turbocharger, the TSI-evo combustion process with Miller cycle and ACTplus Active Cylinder Management.

Miller cycle plus VTG turbocharger. In the TSI-evo combustion cycle, the decisive factor in terms of efficiency and power development is the symbiosis of the Miller cycle (early closing of the intake valves with high compression) and VTG charging. The petrol-air mixture is run with lambda 1 efficiency throughout the entire operating range of the engine; the TSI thus does not run either too rich (excess petrol) or too lean (excess oxygen), as the fuel is burnt completely and cleanly. Thanks to this combustion process, the 1.5 TSI evo2 operates with very high efficiency. This minimises consumption and emissions. Other technical parameters include high-pressure injection with up to 350 bar pressure, plasma-coated cylinder liners (lower internal friction) and pistons with cast-in cooling channels (optimisation of combustion). Both 1.5 TSI engines are supplied with fuel via a 50-litre tank at the rear of the T-Roc.

ACTplus Active Cylinder Management. Alongside technical features such as the TSI evo combustion process and variable-geometry turbocharger, the T-Roc’s 1.5 TSI evo2 is additionally equipped with ACTplus Active Cylinder Management. With ACTplus, two of the engine’s four cylinders are switched off as often as possible, depending on the operating situation. The second and third cylinders are designed to be taken out of the fuel supply at low and medium loads and speeds. Efficiency thus increases at the same time in the active cylinders, while the passive cylinders run almost loss-free. When the throttle is opened, they immediately become active again.

48 V system with belt-driven starter-alternator. The 48 V mild hybrid drive of the T-Roc was designed to operate as efficiently as possible. Depending on the driving style and ambient conditions, savings of around half a litre of fuel per 100 km can be achieved through coasting and load-point shifting in the engine. The 48 V technology permits transmission of higher electric power levels with smaller conductor cross-sections and a compact 48 V lithium-ion battery – thus also resulting in low additional weight. Compared with vehicles with pure 12 V technology, this leads to recuperation of a significantly larger amount of energy during braking or deceleration. The energy stored in the 48 V lithium-ion battery is used to drive a 48 V belt-driven starter-alternator and to supply the 12 V vehicle electrical system using a DC/DC converter. The water-cooled belt-driven starter-alternator has the role of both alternator and starter. At the same time, it acts as a compact electric motor, which increases the power and drive torque without any delay when moving off. The output of the alternator is transferred by the belt drive. The alternator also restarts the TSI – which is switched off as much as possible during a journey.

Technical details of the 2.0 eTSI
The 2.0 eTSI is the big brother of the 1.5 eTSI. The new 2.0 eTSI essentially shares the 48 V technology with the 1.5 eTSI of the T-Roc. However, the 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine represents a completely new level of development. Its exact name is 2.0 TSI evo5. Evo5 stands for the latest evolutionary stage of the EA888 engine series. Volkswagen has already designed this drive system to meet the future EU7 temp emissions standard; the new T-Roc is the first model of the brand to feature this new evolutionary stage of the direct-injection engine. Similar to the 1.5-litre TSI, the 2.0-litre TSI also uses the highly efficient TSI-evo combustion process. However, compared with the 1.5 TSI evo2, the fuel is injected into the combustion chambers at 500 bar instead of 350 bar. In both cases, the intake valves in the intake tract are closed comparatively early and thus at a point in time at which the piston still has to travel some distance. The fuel-air mixture therefore expands more in the cylinder. This results in an increased compression ratio – which has a positive effect on the efficiency of the engine. The combustion process is also combined in the 2.0 TSI evo5 with a VTG turbocharger – in other words, a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry. Thanks to the TSI-evo combustion process, the petrol-air mixture is run with lambda 1 throughout the entire operating range of the engine – neither too rich (excess petrol) nor too lean (excess oxygen). As a result, the fuel is burned completely and cleanly. The TSI-evo combustion system thus ensures a very high efficiency of the engine. This reduces consumption and emissions. It is important to note that the 2.0 TSI evo5 becomes the 2.0 eTSI only in combination with the 48 V system. In the new T-Roc, this is always coupled to the 4MOTION all-wheel drive and a 55-litre petrol tank at the rear.

Technical details of the 4MOTION all-wheel drive
48 V mild hybrid with all-wheel drive for the first time. The combination of 48 V mild hybrid and all-wheel drive is new for Volkswagen. The latter uses a state-of-the-art sixth-generation 4MOTION clutch for power transmission to the rear axle. This clutch is characterised by intelligent energy management: under normal driving conditions – for example, on dry roads in the city and without high load requirements – only the front axle of the T-Roc is driven. This saves energy. The rear axle is integrated into the drive system by means of the 4MOTION clutch and propshaft when there are higher load requirements or if there is a risk of a wheel losing grip. However, the all-wheel drive can also be intentionally activated using the driving experience control of the T-Roc in order to use the all-wheel drive continuously, for example, in winter sports regions or off-road. This is done by means of the “Offroad” or “Snow” all-wheel drive profiles. As soon as a trailer is hitched to the T-Roc 2.0 eTSI 4MOTION, it also automatically activates the additional Trailer driving profile. The intelligent 4MOTION clutch automatically optimally distributes the power between the front and rear axles for trailer operation.