VW launches first car in new China-only range

Volkswagen has launched an e-SUV coupe that is the first product under its ID. UNYX sub-brand that aims to “more closely reflect the needs of its Chinese customers”. The ID. UNYX01 will be followed by four further vehicles, including both SUVs and saloons, within the next three years.

The new sub-brand is part of Volkswagen’s so-called ‘in China, for China’ strategy, under which the marque has regularly stressed its collaboration with Chinese OEM Xpeng also falls, despite suggestions that any fruits of the joint venture (JV) could be marketed internationally.

The ID. UNYX01 was developed at Volkswagen's new innovation and development centre in Hefei, eastern China, which focuses exclusively on design of the VW’s latest generation of smart EVs for the local Chinese market. It will also be manufactured in Hefei.

The entry-level version of the new vehicle is powered by a 210kW (286PS) electric drive motor on the rear axle. The motor is powered by a 77kWh battery. The drive system can achieve ranges of up to 621km (China Light-Duty Test Cycle standard). There will also be an all-wheel-drive version with two electric drive motors and an output of 250kW (340PS).

The ID. UNYX retail concept foresees 40 “exclusive stores specially designed for lifestyle-oriented customers” in 20 Chinese cities

“With the new ID. UNYX, we are expanding the spectrum of our electric ID. models in China with an avant-garde product,” says Stefan Mecha, CEO of the Volkswagen brand in China. “Intelligently networked electric models such as the new ID. UNYX are the key to attracting young, lifestyle-oriented target groups and retaining existing customers for the Volkswagen brand.”

Volkswagen’s 'master plan for China' envisages the introduction of a total of 34 new models by 2030. Encompassing its long-standing JVs with Chinese OEMs Saic and FAW Volkswagen, as well as the new Volkswagen Smart E-Mobility Hub, Volkswagen’s product range in China, including the ID. UNYX programme, will expand by 16 new electric ID. models, 12 new Volkswagen ICE models and six new PHEVs.