The German company unveiled two major new models for the Chinese market: the mid-size crossover ID. Aura T6 and the flagship sedan ID. Unyx 09.
Aura T6: German Body with Xpeng's "Brain"
The ID. Aura T6 crossover became the first result of a strategic collaboration with Xpeng. The main feature here is not the design, which resembles a mixture of a crossover and a minivan, but the CEA electronic architecture. It allowed for a 30% reduction in the number of control units. This is important for the software performance and support of full "over-the-air" (OTA) updates.
The safety is ensured by a driver assistance system with LiDAR from Carizon, a joint venture of Volkswagen Group and Horizon Robotics.
The Aura T6 features short overhangs, a curved roofline, and semi-hidden door handles. Although the exact power figures are still kept secret, it is known that the Aura lineup will include not only pure electric vehicles (BEV), but also plug-in hybrids (PHEV) and range extender versions (EREV).
Volkswagen ID. Aura T6 crossover. Photo: Volkswagen
ID. Unyx 09: Flagship Scale and Face ID
If Aura is about mass appeal, then the ID. Unyx 09 is a bid for the premium segment. The sedan, over 5,000 mm long, looks aggressive: elongated daytime running lights, massive fenders, and a Face ID sensor in the central pillar for cabin access. This is a product of the Volkswagen Anhui plant, which was created as a joint venture with JAC.
Technically, the sedan will likely follow the path of the younger ID. Unyx 08, which is priced from $33,300 in China. It is expected to use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries with capacities of 82 kWh and 95 kWh. Power will range from 230 kW (308 hp) to 370 kW (496 hp) for all-wheel-drive versions. An L2 autopilot system with Navigate On Autopilot (NOA) function for city and highway is also announced.
Flagship sedan Volkswagen ID. Unyx 09. Photo: Volkswagen
Sales Lifeline
For Volkswagen, launching these models is a survival question in the Chinese market. The share of cars with internal combustion engines is rapidly declining, and previous ID series electric vehicles have not yet thrilled the Chinese as much as BYD or Xiaomi gadgets on wheels. The brand's strategy includes the introduction of more than 20 new products in the NEV segment (vehicles with new energy sources) in the near future.
