Electric Cars

Volkswagen is embarking on an ambitious journey to electrify its SUV portfolio, with strong indications pointing towards an all-electric successor to the iconic Touareg. This strategic move aims to leverage existing manufacturing capabilities and introduce a premium electric vehicle, potentially named ID.Touareg, into the market. The initiative comes as the internal combustion engine Touareg model approaches its discontinuation, creating an opportune moment for Volkswagen to redefine its presence in the burgeoning electric SUV segment.

The current Touareg is scheduled to cease production next year, a decision that has opened up significant manufacturing capacity at Volkswagen's Bratislava, Slovakia, facility. German publication Automobilwoche suggests that this available capacity, combined with a strategic gap in VW's electric vehicle (EV) lineup for a larger SUV, makes the introduction of an ID.Touareg a logical and timely step. Such a vehicle would not only maintain the Touareg's legacy but also align with Volkswagen's broader electrification goals, potentially becoming a cornerstone of its next-generation EV strategy.

While Volkswagen has been emphasizing the development of smaller, more affordable electric models, industry analysts highlight the importance of a larger, premium-priced electric SUV like the ID.Touareg. This approach would enable the automaker to safeguard profit margins, a crucial consideration given the higher price point historically associated with the Touareg within VW's product range. The ID.Touareg could mark a significant milestone, potentially being the inaugural model to utilize Volkswagen's advanced Scalable Systems Platform (SSP) EV architecture in mass production.

Previous plans for SSP-based models, such as the next-generation e-Golf and the forthcoming ID.Cross, have faced delays due to the substantial investment required to retool the Wolfsburg, Germany, plant for their production. However, the impending cessation of current Touareg production frees up resources and manufacturing space in Bratislava, making it a prime candidate for an SSP production line as early as 2029. This timeline, however, remains subject to change, with some reports suggesting that the e-Golf might still arrive by 2028, indicating ongoing adjustments in Volkswagen's EV rollout schedule.

It is anticipated that the ID.Touareg will feature a distinct platform strategy compared to its internal combustion predecessor. Unlike the original Touareg, which shared its architecture with the Porsche Cayenne, the electric version is unlikely to follow suit. The upcoming Porsche Cayenne Electric, slated for a debut later this year, is built on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture, a co-development between Porsche and Audi. The PPE platform is expected to remain exclusive to these luxury brands and other high-end divisions within the Volkswagen Group, underscoring a clear differentiation in platform utilization across the company's diverse brands.

For the U.S. market, a large electric SUV like the ID.Touareg could position Volkswagen as a direct competitor to models such as the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Kia EV9. Despite these opportunities, Volkswagen's broader EV strategy for the U.S. seems to be progressing cautiously. While a next-generation ID.4, possibly rebranded as the ID.Tiguan, is expected by 2026, the company has yet to confirm additional new electric models for the U.S. market beyond that period, reflecting a measured approach to its electric offensive in North America.

The potential introduction of an all-electric ID.Touareg represents a pivotal step in Volkswagen's electrification strategy, aiming to merge the heritage of a successful SUV with cutting-edge electric vehicle technology. This move not only addresses the evolving market demand for electric SUVs but also strategically utilizes existing production capacities and advanced platform development to ensure Volkswagen remains a competitive force in the global automotive landscape. The future of this electric SUV and its impact on both the European and North American markets will be closely watched as Volkswagen navigates its transition to an all-electric future.

Mitsubishi is poised to launch an all-electric iteration of its Eclipse Cross, a vehicle that, beneath its Japanese badging, shares its core engineering with the award-winning Renault Scenic E-Tech. This strategic alliance could subtly reintroduce Renault's technology to the American automotive landscape, a market the French automaker exited decades ago. The vehicle blends Mitsubishi's contemporary design philosophy with a robust electric powertrain, advanced infotainment, and comprehensive driver-assistance systems, offering a compelling package for the European compact SUV segment and potentially opening doors for a broader market presence.

The Eclipse nameplate, once associated with a sporty coupe, has evolved into a compact crossover, a transformation that has generated discussion among automotive enthusiasts. This new electric variant is crucial for Mitsubishi's survival and market strategy. If this EV makes its way to the United States, it would signify more than just a new electric model; it would represent a significant, albeit indirect, return for Renault, embedding its sophisticated electric platform within an accessible American-market vehicle.

The Electric Eclipse Cross: A Gateway for Renault's American Return

The Eclipse Cross has undergone a significant transformation, evolving from its sporty coupe origins to become a compact crossover, a move critical for Mitsubishi's continued presence in the automotive market. This evolution now includes a fully electric variant, which, despite bearing the Mitsubishi badge, is fundamentally a re-engineered version of the acclaimed Renault Scenic E-Tech. Should Mitsubishi introduce this electric Eclipse Cross to the United States, it would subtly facilitate the return of Renault's advanced engineering to the American market, a presence that has been absent for decades. This strategic rebadging leverages the strengths of both brands, offering consumers a familiar nameplate with cutting-edge French electric vehicle technology underneath.

The decision to bring the electric Eclipse Cross to America would be a pivotal moment, effectively allowing Renault's CMF-EV platform to re-enter a market it left in the late 1980s following the end of its alliance with American Motors. This reintroduction would be under the guise of a Mitsubishi, making the crossover a blend of Japanese and French automotive innovation. The vehicle boasts an 87 kWh battery, providing an estimated 373 miles of range on the WLTP cycle, with a mid-range variant planned for 2026. Its permanent-magnet synchronous motor delivers approximately 214 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 0–62 mph acceleration in 8.4 seconds and a top speed of 106 mph. The Eclipse Cross EV is equipped with flexible charging options, including AC charging up to 22 kW and DC fast charging up to 150 kW, along with four levels of regenerative braking and customizable drive modes, ensuring both efficiency and responsive performance.

Advanced Design and Interior: Blending Aesthetics with Technology

Unveiled in Brussels, the electric Eclipse Cross is built on the CMF-EV platform, a foundation shared with both Renault and Nissan, showcasing a collaborative effort in electric vehicle development. The exterior design incorporates Mitsubishi's latest Dynamic Shield language, echoing the aesthetics of models like the Xforce and Destinator 7-seater SUV popular in Southeast Asia. This design features a sculpted three-dimensional grille, a wide hexagonal rear motif, and offers a choice of 19- or 20-inch wheels. With dimensions of approximately 176 inches in length, 73 inches in width, and 62 inches in height, the vehicle is perfectly positioned within the competitive European compact SUV market, balancing a modern visual appeal with practical utility.

The interior of the Eclipse Cross EV is designed to provide a premium and technologically advanced experience. A full-size electrochromic panoramic roof allows ample natural light to fill the cabin, complemented by customizable 48-color LED ambient lighting. The cockpit features a 12.3-inch portrait infotainment display seamlessly integrated with a matching digital driver screen, offering a sophisticated and user-friendly interface. Modern conveniences include Google built-in services, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a high-fidelity 410-watt Harman & Kardon audio system, ensuring a connected and enjoyable journey. The vehicle further enhances its appeal with over-the-air update capabilities, remote functions accessible via the Mitsubishi Motors app, and an extensive array of driver-assistance features, providing a comprehensive and contemporary driving packag