Volkswagen's 2026 compact electric SUV

author: FutureCar Staff    

Volkswagen has announced its plans to launch a 'high-volume' compact SUV in 2026. This SUV will likely serve as a rugged alternative to the Volkswagen ID 3. It will be built in Wolfsburg, Germany, alongside the ID 3, and is expected to be based on an updated version of the VW Group's MEB platform, known as MEB Evo.

The confirmation of the SUV's launch date comes as Volkswagen reveals details about its factory network until 2028. The company aims to maximize efficiency by grouping platform-sharing models together and allocating upcoming models to its global production hubs. Volkswagen's production boss, Christian Vollmer, stated that the company is using the transition to electromobility as an opportunity to reduce complexity and increase plant efficiency.

In addition to the ID 3 and the new SUV, Wolfsburg will continue to produce the Volkswagen Golf hatchback, which will be heavily updated in early 2024, and the latest version of the Volkswagen Tiguan. The Wolfsburg factory will also be responsible for building the seven-seat Volkswagen Tayron SUV, which is set to replace the Tiguan Allspace starting in 2025.

Volkswagen has also confirmed that it will not build a dedicated new factory for its long-awaited Trinity flagship, at least for now. Instead, the highly autonomous EV will be built at the Zwickau factory in Germany, where the ID 3 and ID 5 are currently produced. This decision was made considering the potential easing of demand for combustion cars, which could free up space for the Trinity model within the existing network.

Overall, Volkswagen's plans for the future involve the introduction of a new compact SUV, optimizing production operations, and utilizing existing factories for upcoming models. These initiatives reflect the company's commitment to efficiency and adaptation to the transition to electromobility.

FutureCar Staff