VW eyes ID. Touareg as potential first SSP electric model

An ID. Touareg as the first model of the upcoming Scalable Systems Platform (SSP) would come as a surprise, given that reports repeatedly suggested the SSP would debut with the ID. Golf or ID. Roc, which will both be build at the main plant in Wolfsburg. However, the launch of both models is now reportedly delayed until 2030.This delay, linked in part to a later-than-planned relocation of the ICE Golf production to Mexico, could work in favour of a possible ID. Touareg. VW has not confirmed the model, but arguments presented by Automobilwoche appear plausible.SSP preparations in Bratislava enabled by end of combustion TouaregLast month, German media reports suggested that VW would cease production of the ICE Touareg next year, effectively conceding that the SUV could not compete with BMW and Mercedes models. Yet, the end of production at the Bratislava plant would allow VW to quickly set up an SSP assembly line.The SSP line in Bratislava could be ready by 2029, potentially producing the first SSP model for the group: an electric Touareg, which, according to VW’s new naming strategy, would likely be called ID. Touareg. Automobilwoche notes that this approach “almost makes sense. Firstly, premium vehicles remain the most profitable cars. VW would launch a model that could generate substantial revenue.”Additionally, Bratislava offers more time to establish SSP production than Wolfsburg would for the ID. Golf and ID. Roc. The report underlines that the case for an electric ID. Touareg is primarily based on logic, though no further details on the model are available. One additional note is that the ID. Touareg could also feature a range extender.Cayenne sibling to use PPECurrently, the combustion Touareg shares its platform with Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne, Lamborghini Urus and Bentley Bentayga. Porsche has announced that the next-generation Cayenne will be available as an EV from 2026.However, the electric Porsche SUV will not and cannot be based on the SSP architecture, which will not even be completed by then, unlike a possible ID. Touareg. It will sit on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) jointly developed by Audi and Porsche, also employed in the Porsche Macan, Audi A6 e-tron and Audi Q6 e-tron. Meanwhile, the existing Cayenne with combustion and hybrid powertrains will continue production with updates.VW had previously considered launching a large electric SUV in the North American VW Atlas format, referred to as ID.8 by former CEO Herbert Diess, though details were not disclosed.The SSP platform was originally intended to debut with the premium Trinity model, whose launch has reportedly been pushed back to 2032. Recent reports suggest the SSP could first appear in the Audi A4 e-tron around 2028, with the ID. Golf and ID. Roc following later – now likely delayed to 2030.First publicly mentioned in 2021, the SSP architecture is designed for all segments from small cars to luxury models. It will feature an 800-volt system for fast charging and employ a “unified cell” produced by VW’s battery subsidiary PowerCo. Using common components under the body should create economies of scale and reduce complexity, with VW aiming for a 20 per cent cost reduction compared with the current MEB and PPE platforms.Last year, Volkswagen invested in Rivian and established a joint venture with the US EV maker. The partnership aims, among other things, to integrate Rivian’s software stack and electric/electronic architecture into the SSP.automobilwoche.de (in German)This article was first published by Florian Treiß for electrive’s German edition.