The future flagship models of Opel and DS will share a platform and will be manufactured in Italy

The most important cars from each brand are those that sit at the top of the catalogue. The flagship models of the brand, the ones that set them apart from all the others. Two of the brands within the Stellantis umbrella are preparing their top-of-the-range models, and there is news on this front. These two models from DS and Opel/Vauxhall are going to share a platform, in pursuit of offering the highest quality, but at a lower cost.

The platform chosen by Stellantis for these two top-of-the-range models is the STLA Medium. It has been designed for high-end vehicles and intended to offer an electric drive solution. In addition, it can also be used by vehicles with combustion engines, so it can serve for a time to offer versions of this type until they disappear completely.

No data on the new models

The two new models have not been revealed, but it is known that this platform can accommodate batteries from 87 kWh up to 104 kWh, offering a range of up to 700 kilometres.

As for DS, it is working under the internal designation D85, although it is expected that when it reaches the market it will be called DS 9 Crossback. It is expected that the Citroën C5 X available in China will share the same dimensions. It is expected to enter production starting in 2024.

As for Opel, this model will replace the Opel Insignia. It has the internal name OV85 and, according to the planned schedule, it will arrive in 2025. Both models will be manufactured at the Stellantis plant in Melfi, Italy. They will not be the only models to centralise their production at this plant.

Two other electric models are expected to be the replacement for the DS7 Crossback and a model from Lancia, which will apparently be called Aurelia. This plant will strengthen its electric car assembly line and its battery manufacturing in order to fit these two new models into the factory.

Currently the Fiat 500X, the Jeep Renegade and the Jeep Compass are built there. In 2021 its output fell compared with 2020, although it is expected that from this year onwards it will return to pre-pandemic figures.