Volkswagen's Compact Electric SUV Set for 2026

author: FutureCar Staff    

Volkswagen has announced that it will introduce a 'high-volume' compact SUV in 2026. This new SUV will serve as a rugged alternative to the Volkswagen ID 3 and will be manufactured in Wolfsburg, Germany. It 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 coincides with Volkswagen's announcement about its factory network plans until 2028. The company aims to maximize efficiency by grouping platform-sharing models together and allocating upcoming models to its global production hubs. Christian Vollmer, Volkswagen's production boss, emphasized the company's goal of reducing complexity and increasing efficiency in its production operations.

Wolfsburg will not only produce the new SUV but will also continue manufacturing the Volkswagen Golf hatchback, which will receive significant updates in early 2024. Additionally, the latest version of the Volkswagen Tiguan and the seven-seat Volkswagen Tayron SUV, a replacement for the Tiguan Allspace, will be built in Wolfsburg.

In a surprising move, Volkswagen has announced that it will not construct a dedicated factory for its highly anticipated Trinity flagship. Instead, the company plans to build this highly autonomous EV at its existing facility in Zwickau, 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 create space for a new model within the existing network.

FutureCar Staff