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Volkswagen ID. Tiguan Revealed: New Electric SUV Offers 600 km Range, Up to 299 PS and 4MOTION AWD

October 9, 2026 Francis Mitterrand Leave a comment

Volkswagen is preparing to strengthen its position in the electric SUV market with the new ID. Tiguan, an all-electric mid-size SUV scheduled to launch in early 2027. Replacing the ID.4 and ID.5 in the German automaker’s electric lineup, the new model combines a more imposing exterior design, a significantly upgraded interior, advanced driver assistance technology and a claimed WLTP driving range of up to 600 kilometres.

Designed to complement the combustion-engine Volkswagen Tiguan rather than replace it, the ID. Tiguan will be produced in Emden, Germany, while its conventional counterpart continues to be manufactured in Wolfsburg. Volkswagen is positioning the electric newcomer as one of its most important models for the coming years, bringing the popularity of its best-selling SUV together with the experience gained from its existing ID. electric vehicle family.

Pre-sales in Germany and numerous other European markets are scheduled to begin on 13 October 2026, with prices starting at €42,695. The first customer deliveries are expected to follow the vehicle’s market launch in early 2027.

Volkswagen ID. Tiguan Gets a More Muscular SUV Design

The new Volkswagen ID. Tiguan introduces a substantial visual departure from the softer crossover styling associated with the ID.4 and ID.5. Instead, Volkswagen has adopted its latest Pure Positive design language, giving the electric SUV a more upright, confident appearance intended to make it look like a vehicle from a higher market segment.

Precise body lines, tightly sculpted surfaces and a more substantial overall presence contribute to the updated design. The aim is to deliver a combination of visual strength, understated sophistication and the familiar proportions expected from a Volkswagen SUV.

Another notable change is the return of conventional pull-style exterior door handles. This decision reflects Volkswagen’s broader focus on practical usability, with the company moving away from some of the more unconventional solutions associated with earlier electric models.

The exterior redesign is part of a wider effort to give the ID. Tiguan a more premium character. Volkswagen has paid particular attention to the relationship between proportions, surface treatment and perceived build quality, seeking to position the model as a more sophisticated alternative to mainstream electric SUVs.

The new electric SUV will be available in four equipment grades: Trend, Life, Style and R-Line. This range should allow buyers to choose between a straightforward everyday configuration, a more comfort-oriented specification or a sportier appearance.

Volkswagen ID. Tiguan Powertrain Options and Battery Specifications

Volkswagen will introduce the ID. Tiguan with three powertrain configurations, covering rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive applications. The lineup combines two battery capacities with power outputs ranging from 190 PS to 299 PS.

The entry-level version uses a rear-mounted electric motor producing 140 kW, equivalent to 190 PS, and a 58 kWh battery. Above it sits a more powerful rear-wheel-drive variant delivering 210 kW, or 286 PS, paired with a larger 77 kWh battery.

At the top of the initial range is the ID. Tiguan 4MOTION, which uses an all-wheel-drive system and produces 220 kW, equivalent to 299 PS. This version also features the 77 kWh battery, providing additional traction for drivers who need greater capability in changing road conditions.

The key specifications announced by Volkswagen are outlined below.

Volkswagen ID. Tiguan version	Power output	Drive system	Battery capacity
Entry-level	190 PS	Rear-wheel drive	58 kWh
Mid-range	286 PS	Rear-wheel drive	77 kWh
4MOTION AWD	299 PS	All-wheel drive	77 kWh

Depending on the selected powertrain and battery, the new electric SUV will offer a maximum WLTP driving range of up to 600 km. Volkswagen has not specified the exact range of each configuration in the announcement, so the headline figure should not be assumed to apply to every version.

The combination of rear-wheel drive, a larger battery option and a dedicated all-wheel-drive variant gives the ID. Tiguan a broad range of potential uses. The entry-level model is aimed at buyers prioritising everyday electric mobility, while the 286 PS version offers a stronger balance of performance and range. The 4MOTION variant adds all-wheel-drive capability for those who regularly encounter wet roads, snow or other demanding conditions.

The new model is based on Volkswagen’s updated MEB+ electric vehicle platform, which underpins the company’s ambition to improve range, usability and overall technology in its next generation of electric cars.

Towing Capacity, Luggage Space and Everyday Practicality

While electric SUVs are often judged primarily on battery capacity and driving range, Volkswagen has also focused on the practical requirements of family life.

The ID. Tiguan offers a luggage compartment with a capacity of up to 534 litres. A 32-litre front storage compartment, commonly known as a frunk, provides additional room for smaller items and charging accessories.

Towing capability is another important feature. According to Volkswagen, the version equipped with the 58 kWh battery can tow up to 1,800 kg, while models fitted with the 77 kWh battery can handle up to 2,000 kg.

These figures position the ID. Tiguan as more than an urban electric crossover. Its combination of passenger accommodation, luggage capacity and towing capability should make it suitable for family holidays, outdoor activities and drivers who need to transport trailers or recreational equipment.

The availability of several equipment levels should also help buyers tailor the SUV to their priorities, whether those involve affordability, additional comfort or a sportier visual identity.

A Completely Redesigned Volkswagen ID. Tiguan Interior

The cabin is one of the most extensively revised areas of the new ID. Tiguan. Volkswagen says it has incorporated customer feedback into the development process, with particular attention paid to material quality, ergonomic improvements and the ease of operating frequently used functions.

The result is an interior designed to feel more sophisticated than that of the outgoing electric SUVs. Improved materials, carefully selected colours, ambient lighting and a cleaner dashboard layout are intended to create a more premium atmosphere without sacrificing everyday functionality.

A key element of the redesign is the return of physical controls for important functions. Volkswagen has reintroduced conventional buttons and switches in areas where they can improve usability, responding to criticism of touch-sensitive interfaces in previous vehicles.

The steering wheel now features physical buttons instead of touch controls, while the air-conditioning system is operated through a dedicated button bar in the centre console. The driver-side door panel has also been redesigned, including the controls for all four electric windows.

Audio adjustments and track or radio-station selection are primarily handled by an accessible controller in the centre console. This approach should allow drivers to perform common tasks without relying entirely on touchscreen menus.

Volkswagen has also redesigned the interior door handles to improve ergonomics and make them more comfortable to use.

Together, these changes suggest that the ID. Tiguan is intended to deliver a more intuitive driving environment, balancing digital technology with controls that remain familiar to drivers transitioning from conventional vehicles.

Volkswagen Introduces Its First European ID. Model With a Passenger Display

One of the most significant technology additions is a dedicated display for the front passenger. Volkswagen describes this as the first feature of its kind in a European Volkswagen model.

The new digital cockpit consists of three main screens. A 10-inch Digital Cockpit provides driver information, a 15-inch central infotainment touchscreen handles the main multimedia and vehicle functions, and a separate 12-inch display serves the front passenger.

The passenger screen creates an additional entertainment and information space within the cabin. Depending on the available functions, the front passenger can use it to access infotainment, information and gaming without interfering with the driver’s primary display.

Volkswagen has also addressed the potential for distraction by incorporating a privacy mode. Similar in principle to the privacy filters used on laptop screens, the system prevents the driver from seeing the passenger display from the driver’s seating position.

Compatible Bluetooth headphones allow the passenger to listen to audio independently, further separating the entertainment experience from the driver’s environment.

This arrangement gives the ID. Tiguan a more advanced digital interface than many conventional family SUVs, while allowing the driver to concentrate on navigation, vehicle information and the road ahead.

Two inductive smartphone charging pads are also positioned at the front of the centre console. They comply with the Qi2 wireless charging standard and incorporate magnetic rings designed to position compatible smartphones securely.

Retro Digital Displays Bring Volkswagen Heritage Into the Electric Era

Despite the emphasis on modern technology, Volkswagen has included a distinctive feature aimed at enthusiasts: Retro displays inspired by earlier models from the brand’s history.

Activated through the View button on the multifunction steering wheel, the Retro mode transforms the Digital Cockpit with blue and red graphics reminiscent of the instrument cluster from the fourth-generation Volkswagen Golf.

The display recreates a traditional speedometer on the left and a stylised rev counter on the right. Because the ID. Tiguan is fully electric, the latter does not show engine speed. Instead, it displays the energy flow through the electric drivetrain.

The central infotainment screen also receives a corresponding Retro interface that can be personalised. Drivers can select from six Volkswagen models displayed in a virtual garage: the Golf I, Golf II Country, Golf IV, Tiguan I, Race Touareg and Beetle.

This feature adds an element of nostalgia to an otherwise modern electric SUV. It also highlights Volkswagen’s attempt to connect its extensive automotive heritage with its growing range of battery-powered vehicles.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems and One-Pedal Driving

The Volkswagen ID. Tiguan will feature a range of driver assistance and convenience technologies designed to reduce the effort required during everyday journeys.

One-pedal driving will be included as standard equipment. The system allows the driver to control acceleration and strong deceleration primarily through the accelerator pedal, reducing the need to switch constantly between the accelerator and brake in appropriate driving conditions.

Volkswagen is also introducing an updated Connected Travel Assist system. Among its capabilities are assisted lane changes on motorways and a function that can automatically bring the vehicle to a stop at red traffic lights.

These technologies are intended to support the driver rather than eliminate the need for attention. Their operation and availability may depend on road conditions, system limitations and applicable regulations.

The combination of connected assistance functions and one-pedal driving should make the ID. Tiguan particularly appealing to drivers who spend considerable time commuting or travelling on motorways.

Premium Comfort Features and Harman Kardon Audio

Volkswagen will offer a range of optional equipment aimed at buyers seeking a more luxurious driving experience.

Electrically adjustable front seats will be available with massage, memory and ventilation functions. These features should improve comfort on longer journeys, particularly in warmer climates or during extended motorway driving.

A panoramic sunroof will bring additional natural light into the cabin, while an optional Harman Kardon sound system will deliver 480 watts of audio output.

These features complement the redesigned interior and its upgraded materials, reinforcing Volkswagen’s intention to move the ID. Tiguan closer to the comfort and refinement traditionally associated with more expensive SUVs.

The final equipment combination will depend on the selected trim level and market specification.

Digital Key and Vehicle-to-Load Expand the ID. Tiguan’s Capabilities

The new electric SUV also introduces practical digital and energy-related features intended to make ownership more convenient.

A Digital Key will allow compatible smartphones to unlock, lock and start the vehicle. Owners will also be able to share access with family members, friends or colleagues through the Volkswagen app, using text messages, messaging services or email.

This functionality could be useful for households sharing a vehicle or for situations in which another driver needs temporary access without a conventional key.

Another addition is the PowerSocket adapter for Vehicle-to-Load functionality. Connected to the vehicle’s charging socket, the adapter enables the ID. Tiguan to supply electricity to compatible external devices.

Potential applications include powering an electric grill, charging an e-bike or operating other suitable electrical equipment during outdoor activities. Vehicle-to-Load capability adds another layer of practicality to the SUV, particularly for drivers who enjoy camping, cycling and other activities away from conventional power outlets.

The actual power output and compatibility of individual devices will depend on the vehicle’s specifications and the equipment being used.

Volkswagen ID. Tiguan Price and European Launch Date

Volkswagen has announced a starting price of €42,695 for the ID. Tiguan in Germany. Pre-sales are scheduled to open on 13 October 2026 in Germany and many other European countries, ahead of the planned market launch in early 2027.

The starting price provides an initial indication of where Volkswagen intends to position the new electric SUV. However, buyers should expect prices to vary according to battery capacity, powertrain, equipment level and national taxes.

The Trend, Life, Style and R-Line grades will give customers several configurations to choose from, although the complete pricing and equipment structure will depend on the individual market.

Volkswagen has not yet provided a complete breakdown of prices for all three powertrain versions in the information released. The €42,695 figure should therefore be treated as the announced starting price rather than the price of every specification.

The Volkswagen Tiguan and ID. Tiguan Will Form a Two-Pronged SUV Strategy

The arrival of the ID. Tiguan represents an important development in Volkswagen’s electric vehicle strategy. Rather than immediately abandoning its established combustion-engine SUV, the company will offer two distinct models designed to serve different powertrain preferences.

The conventional Tiguan will continue with petrol, diesel and hybrid powertrains, while the fully electric ID. Tiguan will target buyers ready to transition to battery-powered mobility.

Volkswagen brand CEO Thomas Schäfer described the electric model as a combination of the company’s successful Tiguan and ID.4/ID.5 nameplates. He also highlighted its Pure Positive design, intuitive controls and potential 600 km driving range as key elements of the vehicle’s appeal.

Production locations will distinguish the two models as well. The combustion-engine Tiguan will continue to come from Wolfsburg, while the electric ID. Tiguan will be manufactured in Emden.

This strategy allows Volkswagen to serve a broader range of European customers during the transition to electrification, retaining familiar combustion and hybrid options while expanding its electric SUV offering.

Can the Volkswagen ID. Tiguan Compete With Premium Electric SUVs?

The new ID. Tiguan enters a competitive segment in which driving range, charging performance, interior quality, software and overall ownership costs increasingly influence buying decisions.

Its announced specifications provide several potentially strong selling points. The range of up to 600 km should help address concerns about long-distance usability, while outputs of up to 299 PS and the availability of 4MOTION all-wheel drive offer a choice of performance and traction.

Practicality is another advantage on paper. A luggage compartment of up to 534 litres, a 32-litre frunk and towing capacity of up to 2,000 kg give the electric Volkswagen a broad set of everyday capabilities.

Inside, the dedicated passenger display, physical controls, upgraded materials and optional premium audio system could help distinguish it from more basic electric family SUVs. The Retro interface also adds a unique touch of Volkswagen character.

Nevertheless, several important details remain to be confirmed, including the exact WLTP range of each configuration, charging times, maximum DC charging power, battery-specific equipment and final prices across European markets. These specifications will be essential in assessing how the ID. Tiguan compares with its principal competitors.

The announced 600 km range is a WLTP figure, and real-world driving range will vary with temperature, speed, terrain, wheel choice, climate-control use and driving style.

Source: Volkswagen

NEW CARS

2026 Lexus NX Revealed: New Hybrid Power, Sharper Design and a More Personalized Driving Experience

September 1, 2026 Francis Mitterrand

Lexus is taking its popular compact luxury SUV into a new chapter with the introduction of the new NX, combining a redesigned exterior, a more sophisticated cabin and an all-new hybrid system designed to sharpen performance while expanding the model’s electrified capabilities.

Since arriving in 2014 as Lexus’ first compact crossover SUV, the NX has become one of the brand’s most important global models. By the end of July 2026, cumulative NX sales had reached approximately 1.9 million units across more than 90 countries and regions, cementing the SUV’s position as a cornerstone of the Lexus lineup.

For the latest generation, Lexus is building on that success with a philosophy centered around the idea of “DISCOVER YOUR EDGE”—a concept intended to encourage drivers to explore beyond the predictable and find new possibilities behind the wheel.

2026 Lexus NX Embraces a New Electrified Era

The new Lexus NX retains the fundamental formula that made the nameplate successful: compact dimensions, sporty styling, everyday practicality and a premium driving experience.

But Lexus says the latest model has been developed for what it calls the electrified era, with an all-new hybrid system intended not only to improve efficiency but also to enhance the way the SUV drives.

The company describes the development philosophy in straightforward terms: the NX should be a vehicle that makes drivers want to take the long way home.

That philosophy is reflected in the engineering. Rather than treating electrification simply as a way to reduce fuel consumption, Lexus is using hybrid technology as a tool for improving acceleration, responsiveness and overall driving character.

The new NX will be offered in several powertrain configurations, including the plug-in hybrid NX 450h+, hybrid NX 350h and NX 300h variants, depending on market specification.

Lexus NX 450h+ Targets More Than 40 Miles of EV Range

At the top of the electrified range is the NX 450h+, equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive.

Prototype specifications indicate system output ranging from approximately 215 to 240 kW, depending on configuration. Lexus quotes a 0-to-100-km/h acceleration time of around 6.0 seconds.

More importantly for drivers who regularly charge at home, the NX 450h+ is designed to deliver more than 40 miles of electric driving range in North America. European specifications target more than 100 km of EV range, while Japanese specifications list more than 140 km.

Those figures make the plug-in hybrid NX particularly interesting for urban drivers who can complete much of their daily commuting on electric power while retaining the flexibility of a gasoline engine for longer journeys.

NX 350h Offers Hybrid Performance Without Plugging In

The NX 350h continues the conventional hybrid approach, combining a 2.5-liter inline-four engine with Lexus’ electronically controlled continuously variable transmission.

Depending on specification, system output is listed between approximately 140 and 180 kW, with 0-to-100-km/h acceleration estimated at 7.1 to 7.8 seconds.

The NX 350h is available with all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive, giving customers greater choice depending on their priorities.

For buyers who want electrification without having to connect the vehicle to a charger, the conventional hybrid configuration remains one of the most practical options in the NX lineup.

NX 300h Adds a More Accessible Hybrid Configuration

The new NX also expands its powertrain range with a 300h configuration featuring a 2.0-liter inline-four engine.

Prototype specifications list approximately 145 kW of system output and a claimed 0-to-100-km/h time of around 9.2 seconds.

This version is positioned as a front-wheel-drive option and provides an alternative for buyers who prioritize efficiency, everyday usability and Lexus’ premium SUV experience over outright performance.

The availability of individual powertrains will vary by market.

A Sharper Lexus NX Exterior

While the new NX represents a significant evolution underneath the skin, Lexus has also revised the SUV’s exterior design.

The latest model measures 4,690 mm in length, representing an increase of 30 mm compared with the previous specification. Width remains at 1,865 mm, while overall height is 1,660 mm. The wheelbase continues to measure 2,690 mm.

That means the NX remains firmly within the compact luxury SUV category while gaining a slightly longer footprint.

Lexus says the exterior has been designed to create anticipation before the driver even enters the vehicle. The objective is to make the NX appear dynamic and athletic while retaining the practical proportions expected from a family-oriented crossover.

The result is an evolution rather than a radical departure from the NX design language.

Interior Focuses on Simplicity and Relaxation

Inside, Lexus is taking a different approach.

Rather than filling the dashboard with unnecessary visual complexity, the new NX adopts a simple, horizontal-themed interior designed to create a greater sense of openness.

The emphasis is on making the cabin feel relaxed and intuitive, while maintaining the premium atmosphere expected from a Lexus.

The interior is also an important part of Lexus’ broader attempt to differentiate the NX from competitors through sensory experiences rather than relying solely on materials, screens and performance figures.

That approach becomes particularly apparent with one of the model’s most unusual new technologies.

Sensory Concierge Brings Personalized Lighting and Fragrance

The new Lexus NX introduces a feature called “Sensory Concierge,” which combines personalized lighting and fragrance to create a more relaxing cabin environment.

Lexus describes the system as an attempt to create a living-room-like atmosphere inside the vehicle.

The concept is increasingly relevant as luxury automakers search for ways to make their vehicles feel different from conventional transportation. Instead of simply adding more digital displays, Lexus is focusing on the physical atmosphere experienced by occupants.

Lighting and fragrance can be selected according to the occupants’ preferences and mood, adding another layer of personalization to the NX experience.

It is an unusual feature in the compact luxury SUV segment and could become one of the characteristics that distinguishes the new NX from more conventional rivals.

Lexus Wants the NX to Encourage Exploration

The philosophy behind the new Lexus NX goes beyond its specification sheet.

Lexus introduced the brand message “DISCOVER—Imitate No One” at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, signaling an effort to further differentiate the brand through unique experiences.

The NX is one of the vehicles being used to express that philosophy.

The “DISCOVER YOUR EDGE” theme essentially challenges drivers to move beyond simply choosing the safest or most conventional option. Lexus wants the NX to become a vehicle that encourages exploration, whether that means discovering a different route home, traveling farther on electric power or simply enjoying the driving experience.

That philosophy is particularly important for a model that has already established itself as a mainstream success for the brand.

1.9 Million Sales Give the New NX a Strong Foundation

The NX’s sales record gives Lexus considerable room to experiment with the latest generation.

Approximately 1.9 million NX vehicles have been sold worldwide since the model debuted in 2014, with sales spanning more than 90 countries and regions.

Those numbers demonstrate how important the NX has become to Lexus. What began as the company’s first compact crossover SUV has evolved into one of its core global products.

The challenge for Lexus is therefore not to reinvent the NX completely, but to modernize it without losing the qualities that attracted existing customers.

The latest model appears to take exactly that approach.

2026 Lexus NX Prototype Specifications

According to the preliminary prototype specifications supplied by Lexus, the new NX measures 4,690 mm long, 1,865 mm wide and 1,660 mm high, with a 2,690-mm wheelbase.

The NX 450h+ uses a 2.5-liter inline-four engine, all-wheel drive and an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. Prototype system output is listed at 215-240 kW, with a 0-to-100-km/h time of approximately 6.0 seconds.

The NX 350h also uses a 2.5-liter inline-four engine and is offered with AWD or FWD. Depending on configuration, system output ranges from approximately 140 to 180 kW, while acceleration to 100 km/h takes approximately 7.1-7.8 seconds.

The NX 300h uses a 2.0-liter inline-four engine, front-wheel drive and produces approximately 145 kW of system output. Lexus quotes approximately 9.2 seconds for 0-100 km/h acceleration.

Curb weight ranges from approximately 1,690 to 2,130 kg depending on powertrain and specification.

The prototype is listed with 235/60R18 or 235/50R20 tires, depending on configuration.

2026 Lexus NX: Specifications at a Glance

Length: 4,690 mm
Width: 1,865 mm
Height: 1,660 mm
Wheelbase: 2,690 mm
Powertrains: 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines
NX 450h+: Plug-in hybrid, AWD
NX 350h: Hybrid, AWD or FWD
NX 300h: Hybrid, FWD
Transmission: Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission
Maximum prototype system output: Up to approximately 240 kW
NX 450h+ 0-100 km/h: Approximately 6.0 seconds
NX 350h 0-100 km/h: Approximately 7.1-7.8 seconds
NX 300h 0-100 km/h: Approximately 9.2 seconds
NX 450h+ EV range: More than 40 miles in North America, more than 100 km in Europe and more than 140 km in Japan, depending on market testing standards
Tire sizes: 235/60R18 or 235/50R20
Curb weight: Approximately 1,690-2,130 kg

The New Lexus NX Could Be One of the Brand’s Most Important SUVs

The latest Lexus NX is not trying to abandon the formula that made the nameplate successful. Instead, Lexus is adding more technology, more electrification and a stronger emphasis on personalization while retaining the compact dimensions and sporty-utility balance that have defined the model.

The NX 450h+ in particular could become an appealing proposition for customers who want meaningful electric driving capability without giving up the convenience of a combustion engine for long-distance travel.

At the same time, the NX 350h provides a conventional hybrid alternative for buyers who do not want to plug in, while the NX 300h broadens the range with a simpler front-wheel-drive configuration.

With approximately 1.9 million units already sold, Lexus does not need to convince the market that the NX works. The task with the new model is more subtle: make an already successful compact luxury SUV feel fresh, more engaging and more relevant to the electrified future.

If Lexus has achieved that balance, the new NX could become more than just another update. It could be the model that defines the next phase of the Lexus compact SUV story.

Source: Lexus

News

Ford Confirms New SUV Based on Geely’s Electric Vehicle Platform

August 26, 2026 Francis Mitterrand

Ford is preparing a new compact SUV that could mark one of the most unexpected collaborations in the European automotive industry. The upcoming model will use Geely’s Global Intelligent Electric Architecture (GEA), combining Ford’s design and brand identity with technology developed by one of China’s largest automotive groups.

The new details shed further light on a strategic partnership between Ford and Geely that is set to reshape production at Ford’s Valencia factory in Spain. The agreement, finalized in July, will see Geely begin manufacturing vehicles at the Ford-owned facility, which has operated significantly below its potential capacity for several years.

The partnership is expected to bring new investment and production activity to the Spanish plant while giving both manufacturers access to technologies and manufacturing capabilities that would be more difficult to develop independently.

Ford’s New SUV Will Be Based on Geely’s GEA Platform

The biggest revelation is that Ford will use Geely’s Global Intelligent Electric Architecture for a new compact crossover.

Geely Auto Group chairman An Conghui confirmed the plan during an earnings call, according to Automotive News. The GEA platform already underpins several Geely vehicles, including the electric EX5 and plug-in hybrid Starray.

For Ford, adopting the architecture provides access to a modern platform designed to accommodate multiple powertrain configurations. That could allow the new SUV to be offered with both electrified hybrid technology and a fully electric powertrain.

Ford has described the vehicle as a “multi-energy” compact crossover, suggesting that the company is deliberately avoiding an all-electric-only strategy.

That approach could prove particularly important in Europe, where demand for electric vehicles continues to develop unevenly and manufacturers are increasingly looking at flexible platforms capable of supporting several types of powertrains.

Rally-Inspired Styling Could Set the Ford Apart

Although the new Ford SUV will share its underlying architecture with Geely models, Ford appears determined to give it a distinct identity.

The company has indicated that the crossover will feature “rally-bred” styling. That description suggests a more aggressive and performance-oriented design than the typical compact electric SUV.

Ford has a long history of leveraging rally-inspired design and engineering for its road cars, particularly through models such as the Ford Puma and various performance-oriented derivatives. The new vehicle could therefore bring some of that visual character into Ford’s next generation of electrified compact SUVs.

Importantly, sharing Geely’s platform does not mean the Ford will simply be a rebadged Geely.

Instead, the partnership appears to follow a growing industry trend in which manufacturers share expensive underlying technologies while developing distinctive exterior designs, interiors, software and driving characteristics for their respective brands.

Geely Will Build Vehicles at Ford’s Valencia Factory

The partnership is particularly significant because Geely will manufacture vehicles at Ford’s Valencia plant.

Ford’s Spanish factory has been operating well below its annual production capacity for several years. Bringing Geely products to the facility could therefore provide a major boost to utilization and help secure the plant’s long-term future.

The all-electric Geely EX2 is expected to be among the first Geely models produced at Valencia, although it will not be the only vehicle manufactured there.

Geely has previously confirmed plans to build two new-energy models at the Spanish facility, with the first expected to enter production in 2028.

The company has also stated that the joint venture is expected to produce three Ford-branded multi-energy vehicles, although it has not yet revealed the complete lineup.

That leaves open the possibility that Ford and Geely are planning a broader product strategy than the single compact crossover currently known.

Ford Bronco SUV Will Join the Valencia Lineup

The new Geely-based Ford SUV will reportedly be built alongside another important Ford model: a Bronco-branded SUV.

The Bronco model is expected to arrive around 2028, although it will use a different platform from the Geely-based crossover.

That distinction is important because it suggests Ford is pursuing two separate SUV strategies at Valencia. One will rely on Geely technology and focus on a compact, multi-energy crossover, while the other will use a separate architecture and carry the increasingly valuable Bronco name.

Ford has been expanding the Bronco family as it seeks to capitalize on growing demand for rugged SUVs with strong brand identities.

Adding another Bronco-branded vehicle could give Ford an opportunity to compete in another segment while preserving the distinctive positioning of the Bronco name.

Why Ford and Geely Are Working Together

The Ford-Geely partnership reflects a broader transformation taking place across the global automotive industry.

Developing new electric platforms, batteries, software architectures and manufacturing systems requires enormous investment. At the same time, automakers are under pressure to reduce costs and bring new vehicles to market faster.

Strategic partnerships can help manufacturers spread those costs while accessing technology that might otherwise take years to develop.

For Geely, the agreement represents an opportunity to expand its manufacturing footprint in Europe and strengthen its presence in the European market.

For Ford, the partnership provides access to Geely’s modern GEA architecture while allowing the company to use an existing European production facility more efficiently.

Geely Auto Group vice president Alex Nan described the cooperation as an important step toward greater collaboration between the two companies and said it would further strengthen Geely’s European presence.

What We Know About Ford’s New Geely-Based SUV

At this stage, Ford has not revealed the vehicle’s name, final design, pricing or complete technical specifications.

However, several key details are now emerging.

The new Ford SUV is expected to be:

A compact crossover
Based on Geely’s Global Intelligent Electric Architecture
Available with multi-energy powertrains
Expected to include hybrid and fully electric versions
Designed with rally-inspired styling
Built at Ford’s Valencia factory in Spain
Expected to enter production as part of the companies’ broader 2028 strategy

The use of Geely’s GEA platform could also give Ford considerable flexibility when determining battery sizes, electric powertrains and hybrid configurations.

More technical information should emerge as development progresses.

A Potentially Important New Chapter for Ford in Europe

Ford and Geely’s Spanish partnership is more than a simple manufacturing agreement. It represents a significant change in how two major automotive groups are approaching the European market.

Ford gains access to Geely’s electric vehicle technology and a flexible vehicle architecture, while Geely gains additional European manufacturing capacity and a deeper industrial presence on the continent.

The biggest question now is how Ford will translate Geely’s technology into a vehicle that feels unmistakably like a Ford.

If the company succeeds, the new crossover could become one of the most interesting examples of cross-border automotive cooperation in the next generation of European vehicles.

With production expected to begin around 2028, Ford’s Geely-based SUV is still several years away. But the combination of Ford’s rally-inspired design language, Geely’s GEA platform and production in Spain could make this one of the more closely watched new Ford models as the European automotive market enters a rapidly changing era.

Source: Auto News

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