In the age of the EV, the modern automotive platform has evolved from being the foundations of your car’s mechanicals to an essential component in new-energy tech – we look at Volkswagen’s MQB and its MEB electric relative. 
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A Modular Masterpiece
Back in 2016 we explored the importance of vehicle platforms with an in-depth look at Volkswagen’s wide-ranging Modularer Querbaukasten (MQB), or Modular Transverse Matrix, platform. And while the workings, merits and all considerations in between remain as relevant today as they did back then, the automotive world has since moved increasingly toward electrification. We revisit this renowned platform and take a look at its EV offshoot, the MEB platform, to better understand the foundations of our future cars. Volkswagen’s MQB is perhaps the best example of a modern, modular vehicle platform, it comprises the following components:
- Vehicle floor
- Suspension components
- Firewall
- Steering system
- Axles
- Seats
- Electrical architecture
The MQB platform features a mixture of fixed and variable dimensions. The major fixed dimension is the distance between the front axle and the firewall dividing the engine and occupant compartments. Thanks to such variable dimensions as the wheelbase, track width, front and rear overhangs and wheel size, the platform is capable of accommodating a range of powertrains and body styles. For instance, versions of this modular platform have been used for most transverse-engine, front-wheel-drive Volkswagen Group products in the C-segment and larger.
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Advantages of a Modular Platform
- Cost savings – no need to build bespoke platforms for different vehicles
- Quality control – development is based off a platform shared with proven products, so less likelihood of teething problems
- Standardisation – using the same platform makes it easy to move production to different plants or have a variety of vehicles built on the same line.
- Variety – modular platforms can underpin a wide variety of models, from hatchbacks to large SUVs
- Characteristics carry over – positive traits of models already underpinned by a certain modular platform (ride quality, handling, weight saving) can carry over to a new product utilising the same, or similar platform.
Since its introduction in 2012 MQB and its variants has underpinned more than 32 million VW Group vehicles, these include: VW Golf, VW Tiguan, VW Polo, VW Touran, Audi A1, Audi A3, Audi Q3 and Skoda Superb.
Related: 2022 VW Lamando L is a swooshy MQB Evo based liftback
The Electric Revolution
Volkswagen’s MEB (Modularer E Antrieb Baukasten or modular electric matrix) is to electric cars what MQB is to VW Goup’s ICE (internal combustion engine) offerings. Much like MQB, this single, scalable platform accommodates various lengths of wheelbase and track, making suitable for a variety of small to medium-sized vehicles such as hatchbacks, vans, sedans and SUVs. The big difference lies with the adaptations to their respective powertrains. As an ICE platform, MQB sites the powerplant on the front axle and the fuel tank towards the rear. MEB features a modular battery array in the floor and can mount electric motors on the front, rear, or both axles. Whereas MQB has underpinned both combustion-engine and EV spinoffs, MEB only supports EVs – basically, any MEB-based vehicle has to be developed from the ground up as an electric vehicle.
Highlights of the MEB EV Platform
- Packaging – without the need to accommodate bulky ICE powertrains and driveshafts, MEB cars feature spacious cabins with flat floors and plentiful storage space.
- Reduced production costs – as with MQB, parts commonality between models (suspension, steering, drivetrain components) help reduce development costs while speeding up production.
- Powertrain modularity – MEB’s standardised modular design can accommodate various powertrain and battery module arrangements allowing customers can choose between different variants – more batteries and motors for performance and off-road driving, or fewer for more compact cars where cabin space is important. This can also influence the price of the vehicle.
- Driveability – the in-floor placement of the battery modules lowers the car’s centre of gravity, aiding dynamic handling. Without engine bay packaging constraints the passenger cell can be moved forward, improving the vehicle’s turning circle.
The Electric Future
The VW Group will launch a range of smaller EVs on a version of MEB for the likes of its Skoda and Cupra brands; all of which will be focused on affordable motoring. The firm’s PPE (Premium Platform Electric) will aim higher up the market in terms of size, power and pricing – the newly revealed Porsche Macan EV being the latest example. Later in the decade, VW Group’s SSP (Scalable Systems Platform) – a broad-purpose modular platform capable of underpinning anything from an 85 kW city car to an 850 kW supercar – will replace both MEB and PPE, and will form the foundation of more than 40 million cars worldwide during its lifespan.
An Open-Source Platform?
MEB’s flexibility will go beyond just its innovative packaging. Whereas MQB was purely earmarked for products under the VW Group umbrella, the company is now looking to offer its EV tech offerings to other carmakers. A recent agreement has already seen the MEB platform being adopted for the latest iteration of Ford’s Explorer SUV. Now, VW is in advanced discussions with Mahindra regarding the Indian manufacturer’s potential use of MEB architecture (motors, powertrain components and battery modules) in the creation of its INGLO EV platform that’s set to underpin a number of all-electric SUVs in coming years. Cars like the Audi Q4 e tron, VW ID. 3, VW ID. 4, VW ID.5, VW ID. 6 and VW ID. Buzz are all underpinned by the MEB EV platform.
Find the full article in the May 2024 issue of CAR Magazine.
