VW’s new-age Grand Tourer
ID version 2.0 kicks off with a sleek, Project Trinity-derived premium exec in 2026. By Georg Kacher.
THE SCOOP
Illustration: Avarvarii
FRUITS OF LABOUR
Like Project Artemis for Audi, Project Trinity is VW’s set of blueprints for next-generation electric cars. VW’s ID range will be reinvented using Trinity R&D learnings, kicking off with this model, which insiders describe as a downsized, less opulent Audi GrandSphere (above) that pioneers VW’s new design themes and autonomous tech.
ID’S HIGH IQ
After the MEB and PPE (above) platforms comes SSP, a sole new architecture which can be used with any size car from any VW Group brand. Standardised batteries that can be scaled up or down depending on range and performance requirements, 800-volt electronics, bidirectional charging and much better range are all promised.
DNA MIX-UP
Don’t get confused between this and the ID.7 coming next year. That saloon car, previewed by the Arteon-sized ID. Aero concept (pictured), runs on the conventional MEB architecture with a predicted e-range of around 380 miles. This Trinity-based car is expected to be larger, with more advanced tech on board.
IT’S JUST THE START
The new saloon won’t be a generic clone. ‘We can still address specific vehicle and brand requirements,’ says VW Group board member for R&D (and Audi boss) Markus Duesmann. ‘From 2026, Trinity will scale SSP into volume. By the end of this decade, it’ll cover a bigger volume than MEB and PPE put together.’
FACTFILE
- POWERTRAIN 100kWh battery (est), twin e-motors, all-wheel drive
- CHASSIS Steel monocoque
- DUE 2026 Project Trinity starts here for
- VW: a large, slick four-door express