An electric Tiguan, compact ID.2-based crossover, and a range-topping model will arrive in the coming years.
Volkswagen's ever-growing lineup of EVs is set to expand with fresh electric SUVs arriving in the coming years, reports Autocar. A total of three new models – a compact crossover, midsized offering, and range-topping “halo” SUV – will make an appearance before the end of the decade.
The most important (in terms of potential sales) is what insiders refer to as the electric Tiguan. Unnamed sources told the publication that this model will arrive with a more traditional exterior design, eschewing the organic, modern styling of the ID.4 and ID.5 offerings.
Not much is known about this Tiguan-sized EV, but insiders note it will offer five seats as standard, with a seven-seater option made available. Currently, the Tiguan is offered as a five-seater, although an additional row of seats can be specified with front-wheel drive models.
Interestingly, the newcomer will eliminate FWD in favor of rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. This will likely depend on the chosen electric motor configuration. The electric SUV will reportedly be underpinned by the MEB+ platform, a refined version of the existing MEB architecture used by the aforementioned ID.4 and even the Audi Q4 e-tron.
Upgrades include a new unified battery cell setup, which is only expected to make an appearance in 2025. As such, it's safe to assume the “electric Tiguan” is still some time away and will arrive in the second half of the decade. VW's Thomas Schafer has said the new model won't replace the ID.4 and ID.5 and believes all three models can co-exist without cannibalizing sales. The battery-powered Tiguan successor will likely cater to a different crowd.
We mustn't forget that Volkswagen is preparing to unveil an all-new Tiguan, which will probably stick around for a few more years.
The MEB+ platform will provide the electric Tiguan with charging and range capabilities that are superior to the ID.4. We can reasonably expect a maximum range of more than 275 miles. This model will reportedly be built alongside the facelifted ID.3, which is produced at the Zwickau plant in Germany.
But first, Volkswagen intends to introduce a compact SUV based on the ID.2 concept. We already know the ID.2 will share its platform with two other vehicles to cut costs, so it would make sense for Volkswagen to add another model to the roster.
Rumored to be an electric substitute for the small T-Cross, we can expect this model to arrive in 2026 and be offered exclusively in a single-motor, FWD configuration. Sources told Autocar the vehicle will also use the unified cell battery tech.
It's highly unlikely that this model will make it to the United States, though. Owing to its larger size (and added weight), the new crossover will probably offer less than the WLTP-rated 279-mile range of the ID.2.
On the other end of the scale, Project Trinity will reportedly be reborn as a high-end crossover/SUV that slots between the Tiguan and Touareg models. Volkswagen insiders claim the “halo” electric model will be offered with dual-motor and long-range drivetrains to cater to different needs. The reimagined Project Trinity will ride on Volkswagen's Scalable Systems Platform (SSP), a modular EV platform scheduled to arrive in 2026. VW claims SSP also supports Level 4 autonomous driving.
This sophisticated design will accommodate 800-volt electric architecture that will bring multiple benefits, including bi-directional charging and the ability to charge at speeds higher than 350 kW. Like the previously mentioned EVs, Project Trinity will also gain the unified battery cell tech.
While it will no longer debut as a traditional sedan, Volkswagen has retained the lofty goals set for Project Trinity. That means we can expect Level 4 self-driving, a driving range in excess of 400 miles, and sophisticated Cariad software that will enable over-the-air updates and provide buyers with new features.
This all sounds very promising, but Volkswagen hasn't released any clues about what the newcomer could look like. Rumors suggest it will replace the China-only ID.6 SUV, but that remains to be seen. Project Trinity was purposefully delayed and won't arrive in 2026.
At the time, VW claimed software and logistical problems were to blame, but Schafer was reportedly dissatisfied with how the vehicle looked and ordered designers to reimagine the sedan as a crossover. This actually led to VW designer Jozef Kaban being replaced with Bentley chief designer Andreas Mindt.
It's clear to see the automaker is taking zero chances with its new electric halo car, which promises to be something quite spectacular.
Keyword: Volkswagen To Unveil A Slew Of Compact Electric SUVs By 2030