What are VAG platforms?
-> What is SFD protection?
-> VCDS vs OBDeleven comparison
VAG Platforms: MQB, MLB, MEB, PPE, and SSP
For several years now, the Volkswagen Group has been using various modular platforms shared by its brands: Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT, CUPRA, Škoda, and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
These platforms make it possible to share much of the technical architecture across different vehicles, while still offering different models, powertrains, features, and body styles.
For diagnostics and coding, it can be helpful to know your vehicle’s platform, particularly to understand the differences in electronic architecture and ECU generations.
⚠️ Caution: The platform alone is not sufficient to determine whether a code is compatible. The model, generation, year, ECU, its hardware part number, and software version must also be taken into account.
The Main VAG Platforms
| Platform | Architecture | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| MQB | Transverse engine | Golf 7, A3 8V, Leon 5F, Octavia 3 |
| MQB A0 | Compact Transverse Motor | Polo 6, A1 GB, Ibiza 6F |
| MQB A1 / A2 | Transverse engine | T-Roc, Q3 F3, Tiguan |
| MQB evo | MQB Evolution | Golf 8, A3 8Y, Leon KL |
| MLB / MLB evo | Longitudinal engine | A4 B9, A6 C8, Q5, Q7 |
| SEM | 100% electric | ID.3, ID.4, Enyaq, Q4 e-tron |
| MEB+ | SEM Evolution | New Generations of Electric Vehicles |
| PPE | Premium Electric | Q6 e-tron, A6 e-tron |
| MSB | High-end | Panamera, Continental GT |
| SSP | New Generation | Future VAG Generations |
MQB – Modular Transverse Platform
The MQB is one of the Volkswagen Group’s main platforms.
The term MQB stands for Modularer Querbaukasten, which refers to a modular architecture designed for vehicles with a transverse engine.
Introduced in 2012, it has enabled the group to share numerous technologies across its various brands. Volkswagen describes the MQB as a highly flexible architecture that, among other things, allows for the standardization of certain dimensions and components while developing different models.
First-generation MQB
Audi
- Audi A3 8V — 2013–2020
- Audi Q2 — 2016–2024
- Audi TT 8S — 2014–2023
SEAT
- SEAT Leon 5F — 2012–2020
Škoda
- Škoda Octavia 3 — 2012–2020
- Škoda Superb 3 — 2015–2024
Volkswagen
- Volkswagen Golf 7 — 2012–2020
- Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan — 2014–2020
- Volkswagen Passat B8 — 2014–2023
- Volkswagen Touran 2 — 2015–2023
- Volkswagen Arteon — 2017–2023
- Volkswagen Tiguan 2 — 2016–2023
🔌 Interface Compatibility
VAGCOM HQ V1 – ATMEGA162: 🟢 Partial to full support depending on the vehicle and features.
VAGCOM HQ V2 – STM32F405/429 ARM: 🟢 Full support.
OBDeleven: 🟢 Full support.
MQB A0
The MQB A0 is a compact version of the MQB platform designed primarily for vehicles in the A0 and B segments.
Main Vehicles
Audi
- Audi A1, 2nd Generation (UK) — 2018–2026
SEAT
- SEAT Ibiza 5F — 2017–2026
- SEAT Arona — 2017–2026
Škoda
- Škoda Scala — 2019–2026
- Škoda Kamiq — 2019–2026
- Škoda Fabia 4 — 2021–2026
Volkswagen
- Volkswagen Polo 6 — 2017–2026
- Volkswagen T-Cross — 2019–2026
- Volkswagen Taigo — 2021–2026
🔌 Interface Compatibility
VAGCOM HQ V1 – ATMEGA162: 🟠 Partial support.
VAGCOM HQ V2 – STM32F405/429 ARM: 🟢 Full support.
OBDeleven: 🟢 Full support.
MQB A1
The MQB A1 platform is used, in particular, in several compact SUVs from the Volkswagen Group.
Main Vehicles
- SEAT Ateca — 2016–2026
- Škoda Karoq — 2017–2026
- Volkswagen T-Roc — 2017–2026
- Volkswagen T-Roc Convertible — 2020–2026
🔌 Interface Compatibility
VAGCOM HQ V1 – ATMEGA162: 🟠 Support may be limited.
VAGCOM HQ V2 – STM32F405/429 ARM: 🟢 Full support.
OBDeleven: 🟢 Full support.
MQB A2
The MQB A2 platform is used in several larger SUVs, among others.
Main Vehicles
Audi
- Audi Q3, 2nd generation (F3) — 2018–2025
SEAT
- SEAT Tarraco — 2018–2024
Škoda
- Škoda Kodiaq 1 — 2016–2024
Volkswagen
- Volkswagen Tiguan 2 — 2016–2023
- Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace — 2017–2024
- Volkswagen Tiguan L / X — depending on the market
🔌 Interface Compatibility
VAGCOM HQ V1 – ATMEGA162: 🔴 Very limited or virtually no support.
VAGCOM HQ V2 – STM32F405/429 ARM: 🟢 Full support.
OBDeleven: 🟢 Full support.
MQB evo
The MQB evo is an evolution of the MQB platform used in many newer vehicles.
In particular, it introduces new generations of computer systems and a more modern electronic architecture.
Main Vehicles
- Audi A3 8Y — 2020–2026
- CUPRA Formentor — 2020–2026
- SEAT Leon KL — 2020–2026
- Škoda Octavia 4 — 2020–2026
- Škoda Superb 4 — 2024–2026
- Škoda Kodiaq 2 — 2024–2026
- Volkswagen Golf 8 — 2019–2026
- Volkswagen Caddy 5 — 2020–2026
🔌 Interface Compatibility
VAGCOM HQ V1 – ATMEGA162: 🔴 Not compatible.
VAGCOM HQ V2 – STM32F405/429 ARM: 🟠 Compatible, but some functions may be limited by SFD protection.
OBDeleven: 🟢 Compatible, with support for certain SFD operations depending on the vehicle and feature.
⚠️ The presence of SFD does not mean that all diagnostic procedures are impossible. The limitation mainly applies to certain protected procedures, such as coding and certain adjustments.
👉 See also: What is SFD protection on VAG vehicles?
MLB – Modular Longitudinal Construction System
Unlike the MQB, the MLB platform is designed for vehicles with a longitudinal engine layout.
It is primarily used in the group’s larger and higher-end vehicles, particularly those from Audi.
Main Vehicles
- Audi A4
- Audi A5
- Audi A6
- Audi A7
- Audi A8
- Audi Q5
- Audi Q7
- Audi Q8
The MLB evo generation is equipped with, among other things:
- Audi A4 B9 — 2015–2024
- Audi A5 F5 — 2016–2024
- Audi A6 C8 — 2018–2025
- Audi A7 C8 — 2018–2025
- Audi A8 D5 — 2017–2026
- Audi Q5 Model Year — 2017–2025
- Audi Q7 4M — 2015–2026
- Audi Q8 4M — 2018–2026
🔌 Interface Compatibility
VAGCOM HQ V1 – ATMEGA162: 🟠 Support varies depending on the vehicle generation and control modules.
VAGCOM HQ V2 – STM32F405/429 ARM: 🟢 Full support for compatible features.
OBDeleven: 🟢 Support varies by vehicle and available features.
⚠️ On newer vehicles, certain features may be restricted or require specific permissions.
MEB – Modular Electric Drive System
MEB is the platform designed specifically for the Volkswagen Group’s 100% electric vehicles.
In particular, it standardizes certain components related to high-voltage batteries, electric motors, axles, and wheelbases. The first production vehicles based on the MEB platform began production in 2020.
Main Vehicles
Volkswagen
- ID.3
- ID.4
- ID.5
- ID.7
- ID. Buzz
Audi
- Q4 e-tron
- Q4 Sportback e-tron
Škoda
- Enyaq
- Enyaq Coupe
CUPRA
- Born
MEB is also used in partnerships with other automakers.
🔌 Interface Compatibility
VAGCOM HQ V1 – ATMEGA162: 🔴 Not compatible.
VAGCOM HQ V2 – STM32F405/429 ARM: 🟠 Limited compatibility depending on the vehicle and features.
OBDeleven: 🟢 Compatibility depends on the vehicle and available features.
⚠️ Electric vehicles use a different electronic architecture than internal-combustion vehicles. Therefore, you should not automatically transfer code from a Golf MQB to an ID.3 MEB.
MEB+
MEB+ is the next evolution of the MEB platform.
The Volkswagen Group reports that production of the new MEB+ platform began in early 2026 for a new family of electric vehicles.
This update brings improvements in the following areas, among others:
- the battery
- autonomy
- recharging
- performance
- Electrical and electronic architecture.
🔌 Interface Compatibility
VAGCOM HQ V1 – ATMEGA162: 🔴 Not compatible.
VAGCOM HQ V2 – STM32F405/429 ARM: 🟠 Compatibility must be verified based on the vehicle and the ECU.
OBDeleven: 🟢 Compatibility varies by vehicle and available features.
⚠️ Since MEB+ is a relatively new architecture, the compatibility of encoding functions must be verified on a case-by-case basis.
PPE – Premium Platform Electric
The PPE (Premium Platform Electric) is a platform designed for premium and high-end electric vehicles.
It is used, in particular, by Audi and Porsche. The Volkswagen Group states that the PPE is intended for premium, sports, and luxury electric vehicles.
Main Vehicles
Audi
- Audi Q6 e-tron
- Audi SQ6 e-tron
- Audi A6 e-tron
- Audi S6 e-tron
Porsche
- Porsche Macan Electric
🔌 Interface Compatibility
VAGCOM HQ V1 – ATMEGA162: 🔴 Not compatible.
VAGCOM HQ V2 – STM32F405/429 ARM: 🟠 Limited compatibility depending on the vehicle and features.
OBDeleven: 🟠 Compatibility varies depending on the vehicle, the ECU, and the supported features.
⚠️ The PPE uses a very recent electronic architecture. The fact that a diagnostic tool is compatible does not necessarily mean that all coding functions are available.
MSB – Modular Standard Drive System
The MSB is a platform designed primarily for the Volkswagen Group’s luxury and sports cars.
In particular, it has been used on:
- Porsche Panamera
- Bentley Continental GT
- Bentley Flying Spur
This platform is much less common on popular Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT, CUPRA, and Škoda models.
🔌 Interface Compatibility
VAGCOM HQ V1 – ATMEGA162: 🔴 Very limited compatibility.
VAGCOM HQ V2 – STM32F405/429 ARM: 🟠 Compatibility varies by vehicle and features.
OBDeleven: 🟠 Compatibility varies by vehicle and features.
SSP – Scalable Systems Platform
The SSP (Scalable Systems Platform) represents the Volkswagen Group’s next-generation architecture.
It is intended to gradually reduce the number of platforms used by the group and to integrate the electrical, electronic, and software architectures.
The Volkswagen Group is presenting the SSP as a next-generation platform that will gradually replace several current architectures, including MQB, MLB, MSB, MEB, and PPE.
The SSP is designed around an architecture:
- electric
- highly digitized
- software-driven
- scalable
- common to various segments and brands.
The Volkswagen Group is currently working on this transition to a more unified architecture.
🔌 Interface Compatibility
VAGCOM HQ V1 – ATMEGA162: 🔴 Not compatible.
VAGCOM HQ V2 – STM32F405/429 ARM: 🟠 Compatibility to be determined based on future vehicles and their ECUs.
OBDeleven: 🟠 Compatibility to be determined based on future vehicles and supported features.
⚠️ Since SSP is an architecture currently being rolled out, diagnostic and coding capabilities will evolve as new vehicles and tools become available.
Compatibility Summary Table
| Platform | VAGCOM HQ V1ATMEGA162 | VAGCOM HQ V2STM32F405/429 | OBDeleven |
|---|---|---|---|
| MQB | 🟢 Partial to total | 🟢 Total | 🟢 Total |
| MQB A0 | 🟠 Midterm | 🟢 Total | 🟢 Total |
| MQB A1 | 🟠 Limited | 🟢 Total | 🟢 Total |
| MQB A2 | 🔴 Very limited / nonexistent | 🟢 Total | 🟢 Total |
| MQB evo | 🔴 Not compatible | 🟠 SFD possible | 🟢 Compatible* |
| MLB / MLB evo | 🟠 Variable | 🟢 Compatible* | 🟢 Compatible* |
| SEM | 🔴 Not compatible | 🟠 Limited | 🟢 Compatible* |
| MEB+ | 🔴 Not compatible | 🟠 To be verified | 🟢 To be verified |
| PPE | 🔴 Not compatible | 🟠 Limited | 🟠 To be verified |
| MSB | 🔴 Very limited | 🟠 To be verified | 🟠 To be verified |
| SSP | 🔴 Not compatible | 🟠 To be determined | 🟠 To be determined |
* Interface compatibility does not mean that all programming functions are available. Some functions may be protected by SFD/SFD2, depend on the ECU, or require authorization.
VAGCOM HQ V1, VAGCOM HQ V2, or OBDeleven?
To sum up:
🔵 VAGCOM HQ V1 – ATMEGA162
This generation of interface remains relevant primarily for older VAG vehicles.
The newer the vehicle, the more restrictions there are.
In particular, it is not suitable for modern architectures such as MQB evo, MEB, or PPE.
🟢 VAGCOM HQ V2 – STM32F405/429 ARM
This generation of interface is much better suited for recent VAG vehicles.
It covers a wide range of modern vehicles, but some functions may still be limited by electronic safety features such as SFD.
🟢 OBDeleven
OBDeleven is a particularly attractive alternative for newer vehicles.
In particular, it enables diagnostics, coding, and adjustments based on the vehicle and the selected scan profile, as well as One-Click Apps.
⚠️ Again, the presence of a compatible interface does not mean that all of the vehicle’s security features can be bypassed.
⚠️ Platform and coding: Be mindful of compatibility issues
Two vehicles can use the same platform while having completely different control modules.
For example:
Golf 7
→ MQB
→ previous-generation electronics
Golf 8
→ MQB evo
→ next-generation electronics
→ SFD on certain control units
Even though both vehicles are based on the MQB platform, code intended for a Golf 7 should not automatically be applied to a Golf 8.
Always check the following:
- the model
- the generation
- the year
- the calculator
- the control unit part number
- the software version
- vehicle equipment
- possible protection of the computer.
🔧 Which interface is right for your vehicle?
Classic VAG Vehicle
VAGCOM HQ V1 – ATMEGA162 may be sufficient for many diagnostic and coding tasks.
MQB Vehicle
VAGCOM HQ V1 may still be suitable, depending on the vehicle and the function.
For broader compatibility, choose the VAGCOM HQ V2 – STM32F405/429 or OBDeleven.
MQB evo vehicle
Choose:
VAGCOM HQ V2 – STM32F405/429 or OBDeleven.
Be careful with SFD protections, though.
MEB / MEB+ Electric Vehicle
Use an interface designed for newer vehicles and verify that the desired feature is compatible before making any modifications.
PPE Vehicle
The possibilities depend even more on the generation of the computers and the software used.
Key Takeaways
The VAG platforms provide insight into the technical evolution of the group’s vehicles:
MQB → MQB evo → MLB / MLB evo → MEB → MEB+ → PPE → SSP
But when it comes to VCDS or OBDeleven coding, the platform is only an initial indicator.
The model, generation, engine control unit, and its software version remain key factors.
That’s why VAG Coding’s tutorials are organized by make, model, and generation, so you can find the procedure that matches your vehicle exactly.
👉 Before you start coding, always make sure the tutorial matches your model and vehicle generation exactly.
Vous trouverez nos liens pour l’achat d’un câble VCDS ou OBDeleven sur la boutique de notre partenaire VAG CUSTOM :
