Volkswagen eyes three new electric models in China

Volkswagen has been losing market share in China for some time, which is why the Group announced a model offensive through its three China-based joint ventures back in 2025. The goal is to introduce 30 new vehicles in China by 2027. Three of these are now set for an imminent launch, as indicated by homologation applications submitted to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), which typically precede vehicle launches in China by several weeks or months.

Let’s examine the new electric models in detail. Built by VW Anhuihe, the ID. UNYX 09 is another product of the collaboration with Xpeng (following the ID. UNYX 07 and ID. UNYX 08). According to VW Anhui, this saloon targets the B-segment and is expected to launch in the second half of the year. Citing the MIIT homologation application, Chinese media reports that the model will be available in two variants – rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive – and will be equipped with an LFP battery comprised of CATL cells. Battery assembly is handled by Volkswagen Anhui Components Co.

The ID. UNYX 09 measures 5.08 x 1.98 x 1.51 metres with a wheelbase of 3.03m. The rear-wheel-drive variant delivers up to 230kW and weighs 2.2 tonnes. The all-wheel-drive version adds a second motor at the front, increasing the total output to 370kW. This version weighs 2.3 tonnes. The application also reveals that both versions reach a top speed of 200 km/h. No details on battery capacity have been disclosed yet.

The strategic partnership between Volkswagen and Xpeng dates back to a deal in July 2023, when the German automaker announced a USD $700 million investment in the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer. At the time, the two companies agreed to jointly develop two Volkswagen-branded models based on Xpeng’s G9 platform, as well as its software for connectivity and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). The first model from this partnership – the electric SUV ID. UNYX 08 – was launched in China in April. The ID. UNYX 09 is now the second model to emerge from this collaboration.

Another model from the Volkswagen Group set to launch in China shortly is the Jetta M6 – another electric saloon. Its launch is planned for the second half of the year. According to Car News China, the model is equipped with batteries from CALB and electric motors from CRRC. At 4.80m in length and with a wheelbase of 2.82m, the saloon is slightly shorter than the ID. UNYX 09. It stands at a similar height of 1.50m but is significantly narrower at a maximum width of 1.90m.

The application lists two power levels for the drivetrain. The base model delivers a peak output of 113kW and a top speed of 166km/h. The more powerful version offers 145kW and can reach speeds of up to 172km/h. Both versions use unspecified lithium-ion batteries from the Chinese manufacturer CALB, with the finished battery packs assembled directly by the joint venture FAW-Volkswagen.

Depending on the motor and battery configuration, the vehicle’s kerb weight ranges between 1,557 and 1,628kg. This makes the Jetta model over half a tonne lighter than the ID. UNYX 09. According to Car News China, the electric saloon is aimed primarily at “budget-conscious EV buyers”. Volkswagen and FAW introduced the new brand earlier this year. The full name of the subsidiary is FAW Volkswagen Jetta Automotive Technology Co Ltd. However, Jetta will not be a purely electric brand: by 2028, five models are planned, four of which will be new energy vehicles (NEVs). At least one model will feature an internal combustion engine, and even among the NEVs, plug-in hybrids or range-extender models are possible.

The third new vehicle in the lineup is the ID. Aura T6, an electric SUV from FAW-Volkswagen, which is also expected to launch in the second half of the year. The five-seater measures 4.81m in length, 1.88m in width, and 1.65m in height, with a wheelbase of 2.84m. The homologation application reveals two versions, both with a peak output of 170kW. The difference lies in the battery: one version uses LFP cells from Gotion High-tech, while the other uses LFP cells from CATL. No details on battery capacities have been released yet. The kerb weights are listed as 2.03 and 2.13 tonnes, with top speeds of 180km/h and 186km/h, respectively.

The ID. AURA T6 is the first representative of a new NEV series from FAW-Volkswagen called ‘ID. AURA’. Its exterior design was unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show in April this year. The vehicle is also based on the new electronic and electrical architecture CEA (China Electronic Architecture), which was jointly developed by Volkswagen and Xpeng.

cnevpost.com, carnewschina.com (both ID. UNYX 09), carnewschina.com (Jetta M6), carnewschina.com, cnevpost.com (ID. Aura T6)