Beijing 2014: VW Midsize coupe concept to be shown

Volkswagen has previewed a new concept car to be seen at the Beijing motor show later this week with a series of official sketches.

The Midsize Coupé Concept is said to be "a four-door coupe the like of which has never been seen before in this vehicle class".

Measuring 1422mm high, 4597mm long and 1838mm wide, the concept sits low with short overhangs at either end and an overall muscular appearance. Its short boot lid and long bonnet emphasises its size, however VW says the concept is shorter than the current Passat and Jetta, although it is wider than either. The concept sits on 20-inch wheels.

The concept's design team has been lead by VW design chief Klaus Bischoff, whose credits include the VW Up city car.

Power for the Midsize Coupé Concept comes from a 217bhp four-cylinder TSI engine, which VW says allows it to sprint to 100kph in 6.5 seconds with a top speed of around 250kph.

Reports suggest the new concept could preview a four-door production car to sit alongside the current Jetta, in the same way as the Passat CC sits alongside the regular Passat.

Volkswagen is also planning to show a new 395bhp Golf R 400 concept in Beijing.