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Volkswagen Group’s Electric Urban Car Family Secures Nearly 150,000 Orders Ahead of Launch

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Volkswagen Group’s Electric Urban Car Family (EUCF) has attracted almost 150,000 orders ahead of customer deliveries, marking a major milestone for the group’s affordable electric vehicle strategy. Featuring the CUPRA Raval, Volkswagen ID. Polo, Škoda Epiq and Volkswagen ID. Cross, the four-model lineup combines shared MEB+ electric vehicle technology with distinct designs, brand identities and body styles. Presented together for the first time at the 2026 Paris Motor Show, the family highlights Volkswagen Group’s ambition to make electric mobility more accessible across Europe.

Volkswagen’s Electric Urban Car Family Targets Europe’s Affordable EV Market

The European electric vehicle market is entering a crucial phase, with manufacturers increasingly focused on making battery-powered cars more accessible to mainstream buyers. Volkswagen Group believes its new Electric Urban Car Family could play a significant role in that transition.

Developed under the group’s Brand Group Core, the EUCF consists of four entry-level electric vehicles designed to address different customer preferences while benefiting from a common technological foundation. The lineup includes two compact hatchbacks and two electric SUVs, giving the group a broader presence in one of Europe’s most important vehicle segments.

The CUPRA Raval and Volkswagen ID. Polo represent the hatchback side of the family, while the Škoda Epiq and Volkswagen ID. Cross target buyers who prefer the versatility and elevated stance of an SUV.

The four models are being presented together for the first time at the 2026 Paris Motor Show, marking a significant step forward from the prototypes and concept vehicles shown at IAA Mobility 2025.

More importantly, the nearly 150,000 orders received before customer deliveries begin suggest that Volkswagen Group’s strategy is already generating considerable interest.

Four Electric Cars, One Shared MEB+ Platform

At the heart of the Electric Urban Car Family is Volkswagen Group’s MEB+ platform, which provides the technical foundation for all four models.

The modular architecture allows the company to develop multiple vehicles around common components and technologies instead of engineering each model independently. According to Volkswagen Group, more than 80 percent of the components and technologies used across the family are shared.

This high degree of commonality creates opportunities to reduce development costs, streamline procurement and improve manufacturing efficiency. Those savings are particularly important in the entry-level electric vehicle segment, where competitive pricing can determine whether a vehicle appeals to a broad customer base.

The four models share front-wheel drive, electric powertrain technology and battery-related components. Their common technical foundation also supports a coordinated approach to efficiency and driving range, although final specifications and performance characteristics depend on the individual model and configuration.

However, Volkswagen Group is not attempting to turn four different badges into essentially identical cars. Each vehicle retains its own design language, functionality, driving experience and brand character.

The CUPRA Raval is positioned to appeal to buyers seeking a sportier personality, while the Volkswagen ID. Polo builds on the familiarity of one of the brand’s most recognisable nameplates. The Škoda Epiq and Volkswagen ID. Cross extend the family into the compact electric SUV category, where practicality and everyday versatility are central selling points.

This balance between shared engineering and distinct product identities is fundamental to the EUCF strategy: reduce costs where customers are unlikely to notice the differences, while preserving the characteristics that make each vehicle unique.

CUPRA Raval and Volkswagen ID. Polo Lead the Hatchback Lineup

The two hatchbacks form an important part of Volkswagen Group’s plan to bring electric mobility into a more affordable vehicle category.

The CUPRA Raval introduces the Spanish brand’s distinctive design and sportier positioning to the entry-level electric car segment. It is intended for customers who want the benefits of an electric city car without sacrificing an expressive appearance and a more dynamic brand identity.

The Volkswagen ID. Polo takes a different approach, applying the Volkswagen ID. family’s electric technology to the Polo nameplate. Its compact proportions and familiar positioning are intended to appeal to buyers looking for a practical electric alternative to conventional small hatchbacks.

Although the two vehicles share much of their underlying technology, their separate identities allow Volkswagen Group to address different audiences without duplicating the entire development process.

Manufacturing is also closely coordinated. Both hatchbacks will be produced at the Martorell facility in Spain, strengthening the site’s role in the group’s transition towards electric vehicle production.

Škoda Epiq and Volkswagen ID. Cross Expand the Electric SUV Offering

The other half of the Electric Urban Car Family consists of two compact electric SUVs: the Škoda Epiq and Volkswagen ID. Cross.

Their inclusion reflects the continuing importance of SUV-style vehicles in Europe, even as manufacturers seek to lower the entry price of electric mobility. By applying a shared platform to two different SUV concepts, Volkswagen Group can extend its reach beyond traditional hatchback buyers.

The Škoda Epiq brings the Czech brand’s emphasis on practical design and everyday usability into the compact electric SUV segment. The Volkswagen ID. Cross, meanwhile, expands Volkswagen’s electric ID. range with a vehicle aimed at customers seeking SUV proportions in a relatively accessible package.

Both models are scheduled for production at Volkswagen Group’s Pamplona facility in Spain.

Together, the four vehicles create a more comprehensive offering than a single entry-level electric car could provide. Buyers can choose between different body styles and brand personalities while benefiting from the same broader engineering strategy.

Spain Becomes a Key Production Hub for Volkswagen’s Affordable Electric Cars

The Electric Urban Car Family is not simply a product-development exercise. It also represents a significant restructuring of Volkswagen Group’s European industrial footprint.

Production responsibilities are divided between two Spanish facilities. Martorell will manufacture the CUPRA Raval and Volkswagen ID. Polo, while Pamplona will build the Škoda Epiq and Volkswagen ID. Cross.

This arrangement creates an integrated production network on the Iberian Peninsula, aligning the group’s product strategy with its investment in Spanish manufacturing.

According to Volkswagen Group, the shared industrial approach is designed to strengthen competitiveness, accelerate production and capture economies of scale across multiple brands.

Thomas Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, CEO of the Volkswagen brand and Head of Brand Group Core, described the initiative as a new approach to mobility in high-volume vehicle segments.

The strategy, he explained, is to develop vehicles jointly where scale and speed are essential while maintaining independent products for individual brands. He also highlighted the importance of manufacturing all four models within a coordinated Iberian production region.

The nearly 150,000 orders received so far provide an encouraging early indication that the approach is resonating with customers.

Volkswagen Group Commits €10 Billion to Spain’s Electric Vehicle Transformation

The Electric Urban Car Family forms part of a broader investment programme intended to establish Spain as a major centre for electric vehicle manufacturing and battery technology.

SEAT & CUPRA, Volkswagen Group’s Brand Group Core, PowerCo and partners involved in the Future Fast Forward initiative are investing a combined €10 billion in Spain.

The programme includes PowerCo’s battery cell factory in Sagunto and an additional €300 million investment by SEAT & CUPRA in a battery system assembly plant in Martorell.

SEAT & CUPRA has also invested €3 billion in its transition from combustion-engine vehicles to electric mobility.

These investments are intended to support more than the production of four new models. By developing battery manufacturing, battery system assembly and vehicle production capabilities within the same industrial ecosystem, Volkswagen Group is seeking to strengthen its supply chain and improve the economics of building electric cars in Europe.

For the company, the long-term objective is clear: make electric vehicles more competitive while maintaining a strong European manufacturing base.

The scale of the investment also underlines the importance of the affordable EV segment. As electric mobility expands beyond early adopters and premium-car buyers, manufacturing efficiency and supply-chain integration become increasingly important to achieving competitive prices.

Nearly 150,000 Orders Signal Strong Early Demand

The headline figure for the Electric Urban Car Family is almost 150,000 orders received before customer deliveries have begun.

That number represents an encouraging start for a family of vehicles positioned in the volume segment, where affordability, practicality and running costs can be just as important as performance or technology.

The early response suggests that customers are interested in the combination of accessible electric mobility, modern technology and the established identities of Volkswagen Group’s brands.

It also provides an early indication of the potential benefits of the group’s shared-platform strategy. Rather than relying on a single model to attract buyers, Volkswagen Group has created four distinct vehicles that can appeal to different customer groups while drawing on the same core engineering and production resources.

However, orders received ahead of launch should not be confused with completed sales or customer deliveries. The ultimate success of the family will depend on production volumes, final market pricing, vehicle availability and how the cars perform in everyday use.

Even so, attracting nearly 150,000 orders before deliveries begin gives the programme considerable momentum as it enters the next phase of its rollout.

Can the Electric Urban Car Family Make EVs More Accessible?

The affordability of electric vehicles remains one of the industry’s most important challenges. Battery technology has advanced considerably, but purchase prices, charging access and the availability of suitable models continue to influence consumer decisions.

Volkswagen Group’s response is to combine platform sharing, common components and coordinated production with a range of vehicles tailored to different customer preferences.

The MEB+ architecture provides a common technical foundation, while the division of production between Martorell and Pamplona supports industrial efficiency. Meanwhile, the CUPRA, Volkswagen and Škoda brands can position their respective vehicles according to their established identities.

This approach could help bring technologies and features associated with more expensive electric vehicles into a lower-priced segment. However, the actual affordability of each model will ultimately depend on its market-specific pricing, equipment levels, battery options and available incentives.

The four cars also arrive at a time when competition in Europe’s compact electric vehicle market is intensifying. Manufacturers must deliver more than an electric powertrain to win buyers: range, charging performance, interior space, software, safety equipment and ownership costs all play important roles.

Volkswagen Group’s advantage is its ability to spread development and manufacturing costs across four models rather than treating each vehicle as a separate programme.

Four Models, One Strategy for Europe’s Electric Future

The presentation of the CUPRA Raval, Volkswagen ID. Polo, Škoda Epiq and Volkswagen ID. Cross together at the 2026 Paris Motor Show marks an important milestone for Volkswagen Group’s electric vehicle strategy.

What began as a joint development concept has evolved into a four-model product family supported by a common platform, a coordinated Spanish production network and a multibillion-euro investment programme.

With almost 150,000 orders already received, the Electric Urban Car Family has demonstrated substantial early customer interest before deliveries begin. Its longer-term significance, however, will depend on whether the four models can deliver competitive pricing, useful real-world range and the everyday practicality buyers expect from mainstream cars.

If Volkswagen Group succeeds, the EUCF could become an important pillar of its European electric vehicle portfolio, demonstrating how shared technology and distinct brand identities can work together to bring electric mobility to a wider audience.

For the automotive industry, the message is straightforward: the next stage of electric vehicle adoption will not be determined by premium technology alone. It will increasingly depend on making electric cars attractive, practical and affordable for the mass market.

Source: Volkswagen

News

2027 Škoda Peaq First Look: The Biggest Škoda Yet Thinks Big—and Mostly Delivers

Škoda’s new electric flagship arrives with seven seats, nearly 400 miles of claimed range, and enough practicality to make a Swiss Army knife look under-equipped.

Who doesn’t appreciate a car that tells you exactly what it is?

The Smart Fortwo was a smart car for two. The Hyundai Coupe was, well, a coupe. And now Škoda gives us the Peaq—a name that leaves little room for interpretation. It’s the biggest, most luxurious, and most expensive model the Czech automaker has ever produced. No marketing gymnastics required.

Of course, naming conventions get a little confusing when the Peaq arrives alongside the much smaller Epiq, but that’s a problem for Škoda’s branding department. The important part is that the Peaq represents the brand’s most ambitious electric vehicle yet, and after getting behind the wheel of a prototype ahead of its official reveal, it’s clear Škoda isn’t interested in merely participating in the growing electric SUV segment. It wants to lead it.

Modern Solid, Maximum Presence

Scheduled for its full debut on June 23 in southeastern France, the seven-seat Peaq will become the fourth member of Škoda’s expanding EV lineup. Measuring nearly 193 inches long (4.9 meters), it’s around 10 inches longer than the Enyaq and more than 4 inches longer than the combustion-powered Kodiaq.

The styling introduces Škoda’s latest “Modern Solid” design language on its largest canvas yet. Preview sketches reveal a striking front end defined by the brand’s illuminated Tech-Deck Face, distinctive T-shaped LED lighting signatures, thick rear pillars, and a dramatic front fascia that Škoda designers describe as “volcano-shaped.”

While our heavily camouflaged prototype kept some secrets hidden, its proportions closely mirror those of the Vision 7S concept that previewed both the Peaq and Škoda’s new design direction. The result is cleaner, bolder, and more confident than previous Škoda SUVs without resorting to unnecessary visual theatrics.

As Karl Neuhold, the designer responsible for the exterior, explains, the goal was to create a vehicle with “clean lines, balanced proportions and distinctive elements.” Translation: fewer gimmicks, more substance.

Bigger Than a Kodiaq, Smarter Than Before

Underneath sits an extended version of Volkswagen Group’s familiar MEB electric architecture. Think Enyaq, but stretched and optimized for family-hauling duty.

Three powertrains are expected. Entry-level “60” models will pair a 59-kWh battery with a 201-hp rear-mounted motor. Above that sits what is likely to become the sweet spot of the range: a rear-wheel-drive version with 282 horsepower and an 86-kWh battery offering more than 380 miles of claimed range.

At the top of the lineup, the dual-motor 90X adds all-wheel drive and bumps output to 295 hp.

Fast charging peaks at an impressive 195 kW, helping the Peaq remain competitive against rivals like the Peugeot E-5008 while significantly undercutting premium alternatives such as the Kia EV9, Hyundai Ioniq 9, and Volvo EX90. Pricing is expected to land between £50,000 and £60,000 in the UK.

And yes, when asked about a future vRS performance version, Škoda executives responded with knowing smiles and a carefully chosen “anything is possible.” We’ll take that as a very strong maybe.

The Most Technological Skoda Yet

Beyond its size, the Peaq introduces a long list of firsts for the brand.

There’s one-pedal driving. Vehicle-to-load charging. An electrochromic panoramic roof. Magnetic wireless phone chargers. A reclining “Relax” seat package complete with a fold-out table. A premium Sonos audio system. Even the flush door handles are electrically deployable and feature a self-extracting function if frozen.

Inside, the centerpiece is a new 13.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen—the first vertical display fitted to a Škoda. The layout is logical enough: navigation and camera functions occupy the upper section within easy sightlines, while climate and shortcut controls remain lower down for easier reach.

It works well, though the vertical orientation comes with one casualty: Škoda’s wonderfully tactile Smart Dials, which don’t fit beneath the screen. That’s a shame because they remain one of the cleverest infotainment solutions in the industry.

Room for Seven—Sort Of

The stretched wheelbase pays immediate dividends inside.

Compared with the Kodiaq, second-row passengers gain over two inches of additional legroom, while third-row occupants benefit from a meaningful increase in available space. Adults won’t be volunteering for cross-country journeys back there, but children will have little reason to complain.

Cargo capacity remains a strong suit. Even with all seven seats in place, there’s 299 liters of storage available. Fold the third row and capacity expands to a substantial 935 liters. There’s also a small 35-liter front trunk, though realistically it will spend most of its life housing charging cables.

Which is exactly what most owners will want.

Surprisingly Agile for Something This Large

Out on the roads around Italy’s Lake Como, the Peaq immediately feels familiar—in the best possible way.

Essentially, it drives like a larger Enyaq.

That means composed handling, sensible chassis tuning, and a degree of maneuverability that seems at odds with its dimensions. The rear-wheel-drive version’s turning circle measures just 9.9 meters—actually tighter than a Volkswagen Golf’s—and it shows. Tight urban streets and crowded parking areas present surprisingly little challenge.

Steering is nicely weighted and responsive enough to disguise some of the vehicle’s considerable mass. Ride quality remains a standout. Despite the absence of air suspension, the prototype absorbed broken pavement and rough surfaces with impressive composure, even while riding on 20-inch wheels.

Adaptive dampers are available, offering 14 different settings between Comfort and Sport. Unsurprisingly, the middle setting proves best. Sport introduces unnecessary nervousness, while Comfort becomes a touch too relaxed. The default calibration strikes the most natural balance.

Plenty of Power, Plenty of Sense

Our test vehicle used the 282-hp rear-drive setup, and it feels entirely adequate.

Škoda claims a 0–62 mph time of 7.1 seconds, though the more impressive achievement is how smoothly the power is delivered. Rather than launching occupants into the headrests at every green light, the Peaq accelerates with a linear, progressive character that feels mature and well judged.

In a market increasingly obsessed with eye-watering power figures and sub-five-second acceleration times, that restraint is refreshing.

The rear-drive model also appears likely to offer the best balance of performance, range, and refinement. The entry-level version may struggle under full passenger loads, while the all-wheel-drive flagship sacrifices some efficiency for gains many buyers may rarely exploit.

Early Verdict

Škoda views the Peugeot E-5008 as the Peaq’s most direct competitor, and it’s easy to see why. The electric seven-seat SUV market remains surprisingly thin, populated mostly by expensive premium offerings and a growing number of Chinese challengers.

If the finished production car remains faithful to what we’ve experienced here, the Peaq could quickly establish itself as one of the segment’s benchmark offerings.

It’s spacious, thoughtfully engineered, packed with genuinely useful technology, and drives with the calm confidence that has become a Škoda trademark.

Most importantly, it doesn’t try too hard to reinvent the family SUV formula. Instead, it simply executes it exceptionally well.

For a company whose motto is “Simply Clever,” that feels entirely appropriate.

Source: Škoda

NEW CARS

Škoda Epiq: The Czech Brand’s €26,000 Electric Gatecrasher That Thinks Small, Acts Big

At a world premiere in Zurich, Škoda Auto pulled the wraps off the all-new Škoda Epiq—a compact electric SUV that looks engineered with a ruler, a spreadsheet, and a very clear mission: make EV ownership feel normal, spacious, and (crucially) affordable.

Priced from around €26,000, the Epiq isn’t trying to be a halo car. It’s trying to be the car. And in true Škoda fashion, it leans hard into practicality while quietly packing some of the brand’s most advanced tech yet.

Modern Solid, Meet Real-World Logic

The Epiq is the first production expression of Škoda’s “Modern Solid” design language, and it shows. The front end is clean and tightly resolved, dominated by T-shaped LED signatures framing a glossy black “Tech-Deck Face” panel. It’s minimalist without feeling sterile, more “engineered object” than styling exercise.

At 4,171 mm long, it sits squarely in the compact SUV class, but its stance suggests something more substantial. A high shoulder line, wide track visuals, and short overhangs give it that planted, slightly chunky confidence Škoda buyers tend to prefer.

Aerodynamics, meanwhile, have clearly been taken seriously. A drag coefficient of 0.275 is achieved through active cooling flaps, wheel deflectors, underbody shielding, and carefully sculpted airflow channels—proof that efficiency is now as much a design constraint as aesthetics.

MEB+ and Front-Wheel Drive: A Škoda First

Under the skin, the Epiq debuts Volkswagen Group’s updated MEB+ architecture for compact EVs, and notably becomes Škoda’s first front-wheel-drive electric model.

That shift matters. It allows tighter packaging, reduced mass, and more interior space where it counts. The result is a car that prioritizes cabin volume over mechanical complexity—very Škoda, just electrified.

Battery options range from a 38.5 kWh LFP unit to a 55 kWh NMC pack, supporting outputs from 85 kW to 155 kW. The top Epiq 55 version delivers up to 440 km of range and DC fast charging from 10–80% in about 24 minutes.

Performance isn’t headline-grabbing, but it’s not supposed to be. Even the most powerful variant tops out at 160 km/h, reinforcing its role as an efficiency-first everyday SUV rather than a backroad bruiser.

Space: The Real Party Trick

If there’s one area where the Epiq punches above its weight, it’s packaging.

Despite its compact footprint, it offers a 475-liter boot—one of the largest in its class—plus a 25-liter frunk and over 28 liters of additional cabin storage. Door bins, hooks, compartments, and clever cubbies are everywhere, continuing Škoda’s long-standing obsession with “Simply Clever” solutions.

Rear passenger space also benefits from the long wheelbase (2,601 mm), giving the Epiq proportions that feel more MPV-adjacent than traditional crossover.

Inside: Recycled, Reconfigured, Refined

The interior is where Škoda’s EV pivot becomes most obvious. Materials are fully animal-free, with upholstery made entirely from recycled polyester fibres. Across trims, the cabin mixes minimalist surfaces with textured fabrics and subtle ambient lighting.

Different design themes—Studio, Loft, and Suite—range from functional black-and-grey simplicity to more upscale suede-like finishes with layered patterns. Even higher-spec versions lean into warmth rather than luxury excess.

There’s also a clear push toward sustainability beyond marketing buzzwords: more than 34 kg of recycled materials are used per vehicle, including interior plastics and practical accessories like scrapers and cable storage gear.

Tech and Assistance: Small Car, Big Systems

The Epiq is equipped with a 13-inch Android-based infotainment system featuring Google Maps, Spotify, and YouTube integration, alongside Škoda’s connected services via the MyŠkoda app.

Driver assistance is surprisingly comprehensive for the segment. Travel Assist 3.0 brings adaptive lane centering, traffic light response, and advanced parking functions including remote operation. Safety tech includes Side Assist, Front Assist, fatigue monitoring via camera, and up to seven airbags.

Optional upgrades push further into semi-automated territory with intelligent park assist and enhanced camera systems.

Škoda’s Most Important EV Yet?

The Epiq isn’t chasing headlines with outrageous acceleration figures or concept-car theatrics. Instead, it’s doing something arguably more important in today’s EV landscape: making the electric crossover feel like a rational default choice.

Compact outside. Big inside. Efficient, connected, and priced to actually matter.

If Škoda executes it as promised, the Epiq won’t just expand the brand’s EV lineup—it could become the model that normalizes it.

Source: Škoda