Fundamentally, the MEB platform will retain many of its key technical elements, including a rear-drive layout and sophisticated multi-link rear suspension. The switch to front-mounted motors and a more basic rear suspension will be reserved for the smaller MEB Entry models.
GTI or GTX?
Of less clarity is VW’s stance on what’s happening to a potential high-performance derivative. The German brand has shifted on its front-wheel drive-only policy, suggesting that it is open to using the GTI branding as long as the car’s spirit is intact.
Development boss Kai Grünitz told Auto Express: “Bringing performance to battery-electric vehicles is easy, you see that in all brands. But creating fun-driving vehicles is much more difficult, so the first question is ‘what’s the DNA of something like a GTI?’ How much power do we put in?”
Volkswagen will continue to refine both the GTX and GTI brands, potentially bringing with it e-motors that mimic gearchanges, as seen on the likes of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.
“We have a lot of ideas about what to do with this,” added Grünitz. “You will see this, both for GTI and GTX.”
So why rename the ID.Tiguan, but not an ID.3?
Putting it plainly, there’s just too much stock in the Golf moniker to use on what is essentially a refreshed ID.3. Volkswagen will instead keep its central nameplate specific to the ICE-powered Golf hatchback that’s currently on sale, and only use it on an EV when an all-new electric C-segment hatchback comes out later in the decade.
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