What are the differences between the PQ35 platform and the MQB platform?
2 Answers
Compared to the PQ35, the MQB takes the concept of modularity to the extreme. Here are the advantages of the MQB platform: (1) Significantly reduces the development costs of new Volkswagen products and manufacturing costs in production processes; (2) Shortens the cycle for launching new vehicles; (3) Provides users with more customization services for interiors and exteriors. Additional information: 1. In terms of powertrain, the MQB platform can accommodate multiple powertrain systems, including traditional gasoline and diesel engines, plug-in hybrid systems, pure electric powertrains, and dual-fuel systems for natural gas, gasoline, or liquefied petroleum gas, as well as biofuel engines. 2. In terms of lightweighting, the MQB also shows progress. The first car derived from the MQB platform, the Audi A3, will be 176 pounds lighter than the previous generation, while the new-generation Golf 7 on the same platform will see a weight reduction of up to 220 pounds, approximately 100 kilograms. 3. The MQB lowers the price threshold. Volkswagen expects that adopting the MQB standardized platform will save costs across the board, reducing production costs by 20%; it can also cut manufacturing time by up to 30%.
I've been driving Volkswagen cars for many years and have worked on quite a few PQ35 and MQB platform vehicles. The PQ35 platform was introduced in the early 2000s and was used in models like the older Golf or Passat. It had a fixed chassis structure, meaning any modification to one part required readjusting the entire suspension. However, the MQB platform emerged later, and most new cars after 2012 adopted it. The most noticeable difference is its modularity—a single base chassis can be stretched or shrunk to accommodate different vehicle sizes, engine layouts, and even front- or rear-wheel-drive configurations. This saves time on the production line, and as a mechanic, I've noticed increased parts sharing, making it easier to find replacements for components like bulbs or cooling hoses. The MQB also integrates electrical systems more efficiently, using computers to control more functions and reducing wiring complexity. Overall, it's lighter, more fuel-efficient, and slightly cheaper to maintain, though the older PQ models still feel solid in terms of handling. This evolution has made Volkswagen cars more modern and efficient, offering a much more comfortable driving experience for users.
