On the 22nd, Volkswagen unveiled three concept cars previewing its future electric vehicle lineup in Shanghai, China. Alongside this, it announced a strategy to launch over 30 new vehicles in the Chinese market by the end of 2027.

Volkswagen has indicated a new direction in technological innovation, design, and customer service through the ‘ID. CODE’ concept car revealed in Beijing, China, last year.

The three concept cars, including ‘ID. AURA’, ‘ID. ERA’, and ‘ID. EVO’, introduced in partnership with Volkswagen's joint venture in China, represent the next chapter of the ID. code story and serve as a teaser for Volkswagen's future product strategy.

Volkswagen plans to launch over 30 new vehicles in the Chinese market by the end of 2027, including 20 types of new energy vehicles (NEVs) such as pure electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs). This will also include production models of the concept cars unveiled in Shanghai. Each model's design and advanced technology will be tailored to suit the preferences and demands of Chinese customers.

Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand, noted, “The three concept cars we are unveiling this time signify a tangible achievement of the ‘In China, for China’ model strategy,” adding, “We are fully prepared to maintain our leading position among imported car brands in the Chinese market.”

First, the ‘ID. AURA’, presented in collaboration with FAW-Volkswagen, is the first concept car based on the CMP (Compact Main Platform) designed for the Chinese market. It utilizes AI-based high-performance computing capabilities to ensure driving stability and a natural driving style for its autonomous driving system. The ID. AURA combines modern technology and dynamic design as an entry-level pure electric sedan, featuring a smartphone-like UI/UX system on the center console, with an AI-based humanoid assistant that aids in smooth control of vehicle functions and infotainment.

Developed in collaboration with Shanghai Volkswagen, the ‘ID. ERA’ is a large SUV model equipped with range extender technology, making it Volkswagen's first vehicle of its kind. It can travel 300 km on pure electric power, and while driving, an internal combustion engine generator can charge the battery, extending the range to over 700 km. The spacious ID. ERA achieves over 1,000 km of driving distance with just a single charge and refueling.

Lastly, the ‘ID. EVO’, showcased by Volkswagen Anhui, is a full-size SUV aimed at young customers who value individuality and are sensitive to lifestyle trends. The ID. EVO is the first large SUV within Volkswagen's ID. UNIX (ID. UNYX) lineup based on the 800V platform. It adopts a high-performance electronic architecture to deliver a wide range of new digital services, continually enhancing the user experience through rapid OTA update cycles.

Stefan Mecha, CEO of Volkswagen's passenger car division in China, emphasized, “Over the next three years, Volkswagen plans to release more than 20 types of new energy vehicles equipped with cutting-edge technologies for various customers in China,” adding, “Through our ‘In China, for China’ strategy, we aim to maximize our potential in the Chinese market and showcase our innovative capabilities.”

Thomas Ulbrich, CEO of the Volkswagen China Technology Center (VCTC), stated, “Through the newly established development center in Hubei, Volkswagen has embraced ‘China speed,’ aiming to complete the development of all new vehicles within 34 months, working alongside suitable partners to launch optimized models at the right time.” He added that the three concept cars unveiled will satisfy the diverse technological needs of Chinese customers across a range of segments, from popular sedans equipped with pure electric drive systems to large SUVs with range extender technology.

Volkswagen reflected the demands of the Chinese market in terms of design as well. The ID. AURA, ID. ERA, and ID. EVO, unveiled in Shanghai, each possess different design languages, while simultaneously sharing Volkswagen's unique design DNA. Andreas Mindt, Volkswagen's chief designer, explained, “The ID. CODE, revealed last year in Beijing, was the starting point for a new design direction in China, and the designs of the concept cars were completed after refining and tailoring them to fit each joint venture.”

All production models of these concept cars will be equipped with AI-based driving assistance systems. Vehicles equipped with this system will provide level 2++ autonomous driving capabilities, such as autonomous overtaking, steering, and merging onto roads, under the supervision of the driver, starting next year. The three concept cars will be displayed alongside other Volkswagen models at Auto Shanghai 2025 until early May.

[OSEN]