Volkswagen Unveils Plans For 5 Series/E-Class Fighter

Cameron Aubernon
by Cameron Aubernon

The world is not enough for Volkswagen AG, as it now has plans to introduce a mid-size sedan to slot between the Passat and the Phaeton.

AutoBild reports the proposed model will do battle with the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class, with sedan and wagon variants on the table, with U.S. and Chinese markets receiving the sedan while the Europeans can buy either style.

Regarding platforms for the sedan, VW is considering either its MQB architecture — following the next-gen Passat in 2017 — or Audi’s MLB platform, which underpins the A6. Power is expected to come from four- and six-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines, and would be linked to all four corners via DSG and Audi’s Quattro AWD system.

The proposed base price for the model would begin at €37,500 ($46,500 USD), and would be assembled in either China, Mexico or North America. The new model would go on sale sometime near the end of this decade.

Cameron Aubernon
Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

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  • Corey Lewis Corey Lewis on Dec 10, 2014

    Aiming too high, VW. Audi is for Merc and BMW competition. VW is not. You did this with the Phaeton, and all you did was suck out some A8 sales, while everyone else continued to buy what they were gonna buy anyway, a 7 or S. Adding more model divisions is not going to improve your sales much. Improve your cars, that will improve your sales. People willing to put up with crap reliability and electrical woes want the badge to let people know it.

    • RobertRyan RobertRyan on Dec 10, 2014

      They are more interested in their projected 10 million turnover, even in a feeble global economy and making MAN Trucks have a complete rebuild Outside of wanting to be No.1 in light vehicles, they want to take the fight up to Mercedes and Volvo in Trucks, who are No 1 and No 2 respectively in Global Commercial Trucks

  • LeMansteve LeMansteve on Dec 10, 2014

    A cheaper A6 alternative enabled by VW's new modular manufacturing initiative. A6 decontented with different styling. Instead of going to the BMW dealer, A6 buyers go to the VW dealer next door.

  • Mason Mason on Dec 10, 2014

    I would love to do a poll on this forum. How many readers have actually owned a VW model,and a specific list of the problems you had that has led to such negative criticism. I've owned and worked on many late model sedans, and while VW has its flaws there's very few cars I'd rank above the reliability of a diesel powered VW. I'm speaking from real world experience, not a bunch of opinionated keyboard fingering.

    • See 15 previous
    • Mason Mason on Dec 11, 2014

      @suckbangblow The gassers of that era seemed problematic from what I've seen, but know nothing about them being I've only owned diesel. VW is predominantly diesel powered everywhere in the world BUT here. The only issues ever associated with any diesel engine in the states were directly related to US epa regs and fuel specs and were/are not any different than any other manufacturer trying to meet the same tier. Even those failures were/are in the 1%, and are rock solid engines.

  • Whatnext Whatnext on Dec 11, 2014

    2011 Jetta TDI highline with 80,000 km. My driver's side seat heater broke and was repaired without question under warranty. Oh the humanity!

    • See 1 previous
    • Brewster12333 Brewster12333 on Dec 11, 2014

      @mason 2012 A4 with 80Km - Replaced cyl 4 injector @ 65 Km due to slight miss under brisk acceleration when cold (winter). Fixed.

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