| Volkswagen Group MLB platform | |
|---|---|
 The first generation Audi A5 was the first vehicle to ride on this platform. | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Volkswagen Group |
| Production | 2007–present |
| Body and chassis | |
| Layout | |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | B platform C platform D platform E platform |
| Successor | Premium Platform Combustion (for MLB Evo B platform) |
TheVolkswagen Group MLB platform is the company'splatform strategy, announced in 2012, for sharedmodular construction of itslongitudinal, front-engined automobiles.
It was developed byAudi and first introduced in 2007 on theAudi A5 then, chronologically, on theAudi A4,Audi Q5,Audi A8,Audi A7,Audi A6,Porsche Macan and the second generationAudi Q7 (MLB Evo).[1] Until 2015, only Audi andPorsche were using the MLB platform. In February 2016,Volkswagen introduced the MLB basedPhideon luxury sedan built and sold uniquely in the Chinese market.
Volkswagen Group markets the strategy under the code nameMLB, which stands forModularer Längsbaukasten, translating from German to "Modular Longitudinal Matrix".[2][3] MLB is one strategy within VW's overallMB (Modulare Baukasten or modular matrix) program which also includes the similarMQB strategy for its vehicles with transverse engine orientation.[4]
While a model may be said to use an MLBplatform, it is not so much a platformper se, but rather a system for introducing rationality across disparate platforms that share engine orientation — regardless of model, vehicle size or brand. Thus, MLB uses a core "matrix" of components across a wide variety of platforms — for example, sharing a common engine-mounting core forall drivetrains (e.g., gasoline, diesel, natural gas, hybrid and purely electric). The only things that are non-variable are the pedal box, firewall, and front wheel placement, as well as the windscreen angle; other than this, the vehicle can be stretched and shaped to fit any body style, size range, or drivetrain required. As well as reducing weight, the concept allows diverse models, including those from the company's various brands, to be manufactured at the same plant,[5] further saving cost.[4]Ulrich Hackenberg [de], former[6] chief of Volkswagen’s Research and Development, called MB a "strategic weapon."[4]
Jalopnik said "the biggest feature is the uniform position of all motors and transmissions" and that "by fitting all motors into the same place (the company) hope(s) to cut down on engineering costs and weight/complexity when porting the car over to other models."[7] The British magazine,Car, said "the idea heralds a return to basic principles of mass production in an industry where over the last 100 years, complexity has spiralled out of control. By creating a standardised, interchangeable set of parts from which to build a variety of cars, (the company) plans to cut the time taken to build a car by 30%."[8]
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| Premium Platform Combustion | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Volkswagen Group |
| Production | 2024–present |
| Body and chassis | |
| Layout | |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | MLB Evo B platform (Audi A4 / A5 & Q5) |
Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) is a modularcar platform forinternal combustion cars developed byVolkswagen Group’sAudi unit. It is considered a further development of theMLB platform and can therefore be regarded as the third generation of this platform after MLB and MLB Evo.[17] It made its debut in 2024 with theAudi A5 (B10).[18][19]
The name of the modular platform was chosen in reference to thePremium Platform Electric (PPE), which was developed by Audi and Porsche as an electric-only platform, while the PPC is intended to serve Audi as the last newly developed combustion engine platform. The PPC shares the E³ 1.2 electronics architecture newly developed by Volkswagen subsidiary Cariad with the PPE.[20] Both the PPC and PPE for the premium segment as well as the VWMEB (electric) andMQB Evo (combustion engine) platforms for the volume segment are all to be replaced by the new highly scalable electric-onlyScalable Systems Platform (SSP) across all Volkswagen brands from 2029.[21][22][23]
The PPC serves exclusively as the basis for vehicles with alongitudinally installedcombustion engine in the mid-size and luxury class andfront-wheel orall-wheel drive. A special feature of the modular platform is the further developed second-generationmild hybrid, which Audi calls ‘MHEV plus technology’. In addition to the familiarbelt starter generator, a new powertrain generator with integrated power electronics is placed on the transmission output shaft. In combination with the 48-volt battery, this enables partially electric driving with up to 18 kW of power and 230 Nm of torque. The powertrain generatorrecuperates energy back into the battery at up to 25 kW. The battery is positioned above the rear axle and has a separate cooling circuit. Overall, the system is designed to increase the fuel efficiency.[24]
The engines used are 2-litre in-line four-cylinder petrol engines from the EA888 series, 3-litre V6 petrol engines from the EA839 series and 2-litre in-line four-cylinder diesel engines from the EA288 evo series. Only 7-speed dual-clutch gearboxes are used. Manual gearboxes are no longer fitted.[25] Instead of fake tailpipe trims as in the previous generation, only real tailpipes are fitted in response to customer feedback.[26]
The Modular Longitudinal Matrix is the use of a modular strategy in vehicle platforms in which the drive train is mounted longitudinally to the direction of travel.[..] This concept is already used at Audi since 2007 to develop vehicles. [section header] "MODULAR TRANSVERSE MATRIX (MQB)" - The Modular Transverse Matrix signifies the next quantum leap in the extension of the cross-brand platform and modular strategy. As an extension of the modular strategy, this toolkit can be deployed in vehicles whose architecture permits a transverse arrangement of the drivetrain components. The MQB enables us to [..]
The Q5 borrows its MLP (Modular Longitudinal Platform) architecture from A5 coupe and 2009 A4 sedan and wagon
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