Togg, Türkiye's electric car brand, has been featured in Der Spiegel, one of Germany's most prestigious weekly magazines. Despite being only two years old, Togg's inclusion in a publication of this scope demonstrates that Türkiye's automotive vision is gaining international visibility.
Founded in 1947, Der Spiegel, a Hamburg-based weekly news and analysis magazine, is considered one of the most influential publications in European media. With a weekly circulation of over one million, the magazine plays a pivotal role in shaping public opinion not only in Germany but throughout Europe through its in-depth analyses of politics, economics, technology, and culture. Therefore, examining Togg here is not merely a car test, but also an indication that Türkiye's technological vision is beginning to be seriously considered in Europe.
“Ein durch und durch türkischer Wagen”
Editors Jürgen and Niko, who conducted the test drive, used the following expression when introducing the Togg T10X:
- “Irrtum, das hier ist ein durch und durch türkischer Wagen.” (You're mistaken, this is a car made entirely in Turkey.)
This emphasis underlines that Togg is not a venture that might be perceived as originating from China, but rather a product of Türkiye's own automotive vision. The editors note that the brand was established in 2018 through a partnership of five major Turkish companies, with a €3.3 billion investment supported by the state, and that production began at the Gemlik factory, adding that Togg has already put 70,000 vehicles on the road in a short time.
Praise for both exterior and interior design.
The editors, drawing attention to the design by Murat Günak and Pininfarina, state that the vehicle has "very balanced and European lines." Regarding the interior, they offer the following comment:
- “Das hier ist wirklich mal was anderes: sehr digital und trotzdem sehr harmonisch.” (This is something truly different: very digital, but also harmonious and balanced.)
The wide screen panel extending from the A-pillar to the other, the digital cockpit, and the five-section touchscreen are highlighted as Togg's strengths. The editors note that this design has not only a technological but also a cultural dimension; for example, the tulip motifs used on the grille and wheels allude to its Anatolian origins.
Criticism of High Consumption and Excessive Digitalization
Alongside positive reviews, some criticisms are also noteworthy. Editors point out that the vehicle's energy consumption is high for its class, stating, "In der Realität allerdings eher bei 22 Kilowattstunden… Das ist schon recht happig" (In reality, consumption is around 22 kWh… that's quite high). Furthermore, the AI integration is considered "too flashy," and the 8-inch control screen is positioned somewhat too low for driving safety.
Der Spiegel reporters' assessment of Togg's price in Germany.
The price of the T10X used in the test was announced as 46,190 Euros, while the entry-level model is said to start at 34,000 Euros. The editors note that the price is competitive, but remind readers that Togg is still in its early stages in terms of service network and brand awareness in Europe. Nevertheless, the fact that Türkiye's young brand is being discussed in the centers of automotive giants like Germany is considered a strategic gain in itself. The article also emphasizes that Togg is not just a car brand, but a symbol of Türkiye's innovation and national technology drive.
Conclusion: Between Praise and Doubt
Der Spiegel's review praises the Togg T10X for its design, interior, and digital vision, but also criticizes it on issues such as energy consumption and excessive digitalization. However, the most important point is that Türkiye's young brand was deemed worthy of review by one of Germany's most prestigious magazines. This proves that Togg is now on the agenda not only in Türkiye but also in Europe.
KeywordsTogg, Togg T10X, Der Spiegel, Togg Germany, Togg review, Togg test drive, Togg price, Togg range, Togg electric SUV, Turkish electric car, Togg Europe, Togg Germany launch, Togg Murat Günak, Togg Pininfarina, Togg digital cockpit, Togg energy consumption, Togg artificial intelligence, Togg Gemlik factory, Togg European press, Togg Türkiye's automotive vision
