VW

MQB platform: one of the great achievements of automotive engineering turns 10 years old

“The arrival of the MQB platform ten years ago was a crucial step,” says Ralf Brandstätter, CEO of the Volkswagen brand. “The MQB not only serves as the technology matrix for our combustion engine models with a transverse engine, it is also the pillar of our economic efficiency and resilience, as MQB-based vehicles significantly contribute to funding the fundamental issues for the future. within the scope of the brand's ACCELERATE strategy. This strategy encompasses electromobility, digitalization, new business models and autonomous driving.”

Launched in Autumn 2012...The MQB platform developed by Volkswagen debuted with the Golf VII. The first production vehicle rolled off the assembly line in October 2012. This immediately demonstrated the great potential offered by the new modular assembly platform: sophisticated technology, lighter weight and a dynamic design thanks to the short overhangs of the body. The Volkswagen Group's first MQB model was the third-generation Audi A3, launched on the market a few months before the Golf. The modular assembly platform allowed for the standardization of production processes in all areas, which resulted in greater flexibility and a reduction in development costs, not only for the Volkswagen brand, but for the entire Volkswagen Group. Its motto: new diversity through the intelligent creation of synergies.

MQB also means achieving important economies of scale, thanks to the parts transfer concept and large quantities. These enable Volkswagen to introduce innovative technologies in the volume segment to the market and thus further democratize progress. Sophisticated functions such as driver assistance systems are offered in all types of vehicles, so they are available to a wide range of customers. Ralf Brandstätter highlights: “We will continue to improve our MQB-based models over the next few years. The new generation will take another step forward in terms of innovation. The new Passat, Tiguan and Tayron will set new standards in terms of quality, value, features and digital experience: the perfect MQB. These Volkswagen sales successes lay the groundwork for future investments.”

Facilitating an independent brand identity...MQB offers a high level of flexibility. Parameters such as the gauge, the distance between the axles, the size of the wheels and the position of the seat and steering wheel can be individually adapted, depending on the positioning and vehicle class of the corresponding model, to meet the requirements and wishes of the market and the customer. Many of the bodywork components are made from high- and ultra-high-strength steels and sheets of varying thickness. This made it possible to reduce the weight of the new MQB models by around 50 kilograms compared to their predecessors. For the Golf VII, the weight reduction was actually almost 100 kilos, depending on the specification.

New engines with a standardized mounting position...The mounting position of the engines is also standardized on the cross-sectional modular platform. They are angled backwards by 12 degrees, with the intake side at the front and the exhaust side at the rear. For this reason, on the EA 211 series TSI engines, which debuted at the same time as the MQB, development engineers turned the cylinder heads 180 degrees compared to the previous EA 111 engine.

Oil, diesel, gas and electricity...As far as propulsion systems are concerned, the MQB platform proves to be extremely versatile and future-oriented. Gasoline (TSI), diesel (TDI) and natural gas (CNG) engine versions were planned from the beginning in the design concept, as were the mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems. The Golf VII was even available as an all-electric e-Golf from 2013 to 2020. On the German market, the MQB power line of VAG Group models currently starts at 66 hp, and the most powerful engine has a capacity of 400 hp.

Reduced number of versions...The new gasoline engines and the new diesel engines (EA 288) had standard interfaces for power transmission. This made it possible to combine them with the same transmissions and the same driveshafts on the front axle. As a result, the number of engine and transmission versions has been reduced by almost half. And in the case of units with heating and air conditioning, important components of the front of the vehicle, the number of different versions has even been reduced from 102 to 28.

Efficient production...Volkswagen and the brands of the VAG Group can quickly develop their new models and versions on the flexible basis of MQB. Over the years, the platform has been continually expanded and improved. It is divided into several model ranges and evolutionary stages, with the current Golf being the most recent. All MQB-based vehicles can be standardized and efficiently produced in the factories of the worldwide production network. There are also significant advantages to model changes. When the Volkswagen plant in Wolfsburg started production of the new Golf in 2019, it was possible to continue using around 80% of the existing facilities in the bodyshop. MQB also makes it possible to build vehicles with different wheelbases and gauge widths and models of different brands on the same production line.

The MQB as a reference model for the MEB...Based on the experiences with the MQB platform, Volkswagen developed the modular electric propulsion platform (MEB) for the all-electric models of the ID product line. Like the MQB, the MEB is a clearly defined and at the same time versatile platform for the Group's high-volume brands. The fundamental technological layout of the MEB is based on the principle of housing the electric drive components in a minimum space. The high-voltage battery is located between the axles, while the cabin offers generous space. MEB also covers a wide range of models for global markets: from the city car to the spacious ID. Buzz.

“With the MEB platform, we have made electromobility fit for the vast majority around the world, and we will offer a model in every vehicle segment before 2025. With the SSP, the next generation of an all-electric and digital mechatronics platform will be introduced, as well as highly scalable. This platform will continue the success story from 2026 and will set new criteria, in terms of range, load speed and interconnected driving experience”, adds Brandstätter.

New dimension of the modular assembly platform: the SSP...MEB also forms the basis of the next revolutionary modular platform for electric vehicles, which will also include sports and luxury cars. The future SSP (Scalable Systems Platform) mechatronics platform will feature state-of-the-art electronics and software. In 2026, Volkswagen plans to present its first model on this ultra-scalable platform, with the Trinity project. Trinity is designed to be a great benchmark for the brand in all future technological categories, from autonomy, charging times and digitalisation, to automated driving.

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