Enhance Your Luxury Ride: Key Fob Additions for Porsche, Lamborghini, Audi, Bentley, and Volkswagen Since 2016
- defenselocksmith
- Nov 19
- 3 min read
Luxury car owners know that convenience and security go hand in hand. Since 2016, many high-end vehicles from Porsche, Lamborghini, Audi, Bentley, and Volkswagen have adopted advanced key fob technology based on the MLB key platform. This platform makes duplicating keys extremely difficult, offering enhanced protection against theft and unauthorized access. If you own one of these vehicles and need to add a key fob, understanding how this system works and what options are available can save you time and frustration.
What Is the MLB Key Platform?
The MLB (Modular Longitudinal Matrix) key platform is a security and electronic architecture used by Volkswagen Group brands, including Porsche, Lamborghini, Audi, Bentley, and Volkswagen. Starting from model years 2016 to 2025 depending on the brand, this platform introduced a new generation of key fobs with advanced encryption and communication protocols.
The MLB platform’s key features include:
High-level encryption that prevents easy duplication
Rolling codes that change every time the key is used
Integrated immobilizer chips that communicate directly with the vehicle’s security system
Because of these features, copying or cloning a key fob without the proper tools and authorization is nearly impossible. This protects your luxury vehicle from theft but also means adding or replacing keys requires specialized equipment.
Which Models Use the MLB Key Platform?
The MLB key platform rollout varies by brand and model year:
Porsche: Key fobs from 2017 onward use the MLB system
Lamborghini: Urus- After 2018 adopted MLB keys
Audi: MLB keys have been standard since 2017
Bentley: MLB keys introduced from 2016 models
Volkswagen: Some models started using MLB keys as early as 2016, with others adopting it in 2022
Knowing your vehicle’s model year helps determine if your key fob is based on the MLB platform and what options you have for adding or replacing keys.
Why Adding a Key Fob Is Challenging
Because of the MLB platform’s security design, adding a key fob is not as simple as copying a traditional key. The key must be:
Physically compatible with your vehicle’s lock and ignition system
Programmed electronically to communicate with your car’s immobilizer and security system
Without the right tools, many locksmiths cannot add a key fob for these vehicles. The programming process requires access to specialized diagnostic equipment and software that can interface with the car’s onboard computer.
How Defense Locksmith Can Help
Defense Locksmith specializes in luxury vehicle key services and has the tools and expertise to add key fobs for Porsche, Lamborghini, Audi, Bentley, and Volkswagen models using the MLB platform. Here’s what they offer:
Key fob additions only: If you have at least one working key, Defense Locksmith can add a new key fob programmed to your vehicle.
Programming services: If all keys are lost- After ordering a new key from the dealer, Defense Locksmith can program it to your car, saving you a tow to the dealership.
Expertise with MLB keys: Their technicians understand the complexities of the MLB platform and have the right equipment to handle these advanced keys.
This service is especially valuable because the MLB platform’s security makes it difficult for unauthorized providers to duplicate or program keys.
What to Do If You Lose All Keys
Losing all keys to a luxury vehicle with an MLB key system is a difficult situation. Currently, adding a new key without any existing keys is not possible outside of the dealership. The process generally involves:
Ordering a new key from the vehicle manufacturer or authorized dealer
Having the key physically cut and electronically programmed to your car
While Defense Locksmith cannot add a key if all keys are lost at the moment, they can assist with programming the new key once you have it. This can reduce your wait time and cost compared to going through the dealer alone.
Practical Tips for Luxury Car Owners
To avoid key-related headaches, consider these tips:
Keep a spare key in a safe place to avoid losing all keys at once
Use Defense Locksmith’s services to add extra keys before you need them
Understand your vehicle’s key system by checking the model year and key type
Order replacement keys early if you notice your key fob is damaged or malfunctioning
By planning ahead, you can maintain convenience and security without unexpected delays.
Summary
Since 2016, Porsche, Lamborghini, Audi, Bentley, and Volkswagen have used the MLB key platform to secure their vehicles with advanced key fobs. This system makes key duplication difficult but offers strong protection against theft. Defense Locksmith has the specialized tools and knowledge to add key fobs for these luxury cars when you have at least one working key. If you lose all keys, you will need to order a new one from the dealer and then have it programmed, a service Defense Locksmith can provide.
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