Cars You Didn’t Know Shared a Platform

What is Platform Sharing?

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In the automotive world, a "platform" refers to the foundational framework used to design and build vehicles. This includes structural components like the chassis, powertrain configurations, and other essential engineering elements. Automakers often share platforms across models to reduce costs, improve production efficiency, and maintain consistency in quality.

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Over the years, platform sharing has evolved. While early examples like the Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 shared nearly identical designs, modern platforms offer greater flexibility. For instance, a single platform can support compact hatchbacks and large SUVs alike, ensuring distinct designs and driving characteristics while maintaining a shared foundation.

Chevrolet Tahoe, Cadillac Escalade, & GMC Yukon

The Chevrolet Tahoe, Cadillac Escalade, and GMC Yukon exemplify platform sharing within General Motors. Built on the GMT T1XX platform, these full-size SUVs offer different levels of luxury and performance while sharing essential engineering components.

The Tahoe and Yukon have starting MSRPs of $52,195 and $54,195, respectively, both featuring a standard 5.3L V8 engine with an optional 6.2L V8 upgrade. The Escalade, starting at $77,990, comes standard with the 6.2L V8 and provides advanced luxury features. Notably, the GMC Yukon Denali trim rivals the Escalade in luxury, showcasing the adaptability of platform sharing in offering diverse options for consumers.

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Hyundai IONIQ 5 & Kia EV6

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6 are two standout electric vehicles (EVs) built on Hyundai's Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). Despite sharing this advanced platform, the two models cater to distinct audiences. The EV6 boasts a sporty design aimed at competing with the Tesla Model Y, while the IONIQ 5 focuses on a more futuristic aesthetic and family-friendly features.

The E-GMP platform demonstrates the future of platform sharing, allowing a single foundation to accommodate a wide range of vehicle sizes and purposes, from compact cars to three-row SUVs. This approach optimizes production and enhances innovation in the EV market.

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BMW Z4 & Toyota Supra

The BMW Z4 and Toyota Supra collaboration showcases how two automakers can share a platform to produce vehicles with unique identities. The Toyota Supra, reintroduced in 2020, uses BMW’s engines and iDrive system, offering a performance edge reminiscent of its predecessor featured in "The Fast and the Furious."

Tuning differences ensure distinct driving experiences for both models, despite their shared engineering. Step into the Supra, and you’ll find a BMW-inspired interior, illustrating how strategic partnerships can result in competitive, high-performance vehicles.

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Nissan 370Z & Infiniti QX70

The Infiniti QX70, a mid-size crossover, shared its platform with the Nissan 370Z sports car, thanks to Nissan's FM (front midships) architecture. This design pushed the engine closer to the center of the vehicle, ensuring better weight distribution and a sportier driving experience, even for an SUV.

This platform-sharing approach blurred the lines between sports cars and crossovers, proving that even utility-focused vehicles can deliver engaging handling dynamics.

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Jeep Grand Cherokee & Mercedes GLE

The Jeep Grand Cherokee and Mercedes-Benz GLE share a historical connection through the Daimler-Chrysler merger. From 2011 to 2021, the Grand Cherokee utilized Chrysler’s WK2 platform, derived from Mercedes-Benz’s W166 platform. While the partnership ended, their shared engineering ensured high-quality drivetrains and transmissions during their production overlap.

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This collaboration highlights how corporate mergers can lead to shared innovation, even if the brands eventually part ways.

Lamborghini Urus & Audi A4

It might surprise you that the Lamborghini Urus, a high-performance luxury SUV, shares its platform with the Audi A4 sedan. Both vehicles use Volkswagen Group’s MLBevo platform, a modular architecture allowing diverse models to share core components while maintaining unique identities.

This platform enables Lamborghini to blend speed and luxury with practicality, offering one of the fastest crossovers on the market. Similarly, the Audi A4 benefits from the robust engineering that defines its Lamborghini sibling, showcasing the versatility of modern platform sharing.