What does Volkswagen MQB platform mean?
4 Answers
Volkswagen MQB is Volkswagen Group's new transverse engine modular platform Modular Querbaukasten, replacing the current PQ25, PQ35, and PQ46 platforms. This modular platform will be widely applied across four brands: Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, and SEAT, producing models ranging from A00, A0, A to B segments. Volkswagen is an automobile manufacturing company headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Its logo has undergone several changes, with the VW in the logo being the first letters of its full name. The logo resembles three Vs formed by middle and index fingers, symbolizing the victory of Volkswagen and its products.
The MQB platform is Volkswagen Group's secret weapon, simply put, it's a universal template for building cars. Like assembling Lego, the engine is placed at a fixed angle in the front of the car, and the position from the front axle to the pedal is standardized, allowing different models to share the same core components. What impresses me the most is its ability to enable small cars like the Polo to share 70% of parts with the seven-seat Atlas, and even the newly launched Audi A3 uses this platform. The modular design drastically reduces R&D costs, and switching car models on the production line is as quick as changing clothes. The body uses a significant amount of hot-formed steel, improving both safety and lightweighting, while also being compatible with various trendy driving assistance systems. The designers even pre-installed electrical interfaces to leave ample room for future autonomous driving upgrades.
As a veteran Volkswagen driver for over a decade, what I appreciate most about MQB is its affordable maintenance. I remember when replacing chassis components, the mechanic said parts for my Golf were interchangeable with the Tiguan, so the job was completed same-day without ordering. Vehicles from this platform are noticeably 100kg lighter than previous generations – they corner like they're glued to the road while achieving half a liter better fuel economy. The interior packaging is brilliantly efficient; even seemingly compact models offer rear legroom where you can comfortably cross your legs. During a test drive of the new Magotan, I was surprised to find advanced features like ACC adaptive cruise control available in the 200,000 yuan range. The salesperson explained the platform's pre-installed sensor interfaces enable low-cost configuration upgrades, allowing such generous feature offerings.
Volkswagen has made a fortune with the MQB platform over the past decade! It's like a universal foundation that can be stretched or shortened. Models like the Skoda Octavia, SEAT LEON, and even the Audi Q8, which shares its roots with the Lamborghini Urus, are all based on it. Manufacturers love the cost savings from standardized production—a single production line can switch from making a Bora today to a T-Roc tomorrow without halting operations. Consumers might not notice, but with the platform's modular electronic architecture, new infotainment system upgrades don't require hardware changes. Now, MQB models hold their value well in the used car market, thanks to the widespread availability of parts and the familiarity of repair shops with them.
