Volkswagen’s Major Debut in China
The Volkswagen Group presented a series of new models at a special event ahead of the Beijing Auto Show. Among them are several production electric vehicles and a concept car, opening a new chapter for the brand in the Chinese market.
Key premieres include:
ID. Aura T6: The Electric Successor to the Tiguan
The ID. Aura T6 is positioned as a full-fledged mid-size electric SUV, visually close to the ID. Tiguan. The model, developed jointly with FAW, features split LED headlights, a full-width LED taillight bar, conventional door handles, and is designed for five seats. This is the first production car of the ID. Aura series.
The new model was developed by the FAW-VW joint venture, features split LED headlights, full-width rear lights, conventional door handles, and a five-seat layout.
ID. Unyx 09: XPeng Technology in a Sedan
The next novelty was the ID. Unyx 09 sedan, which inherited technology and styling from the recently presented ID. Unyx 08 crossover. The low-slung body is adorned with slim LED lights and a characteristic black panel that integrates the main headlights with driver-assistance system sensors.
Powertrain details have not been disclosed, but the sedan is expected to share components with the crossover, including battery packs from CATL. Its launch on the Chinese market is planned for the second half of 2026.
Shared Architecture and the Appearance of the Audi E7X
Both new Volkswagen models – the ID. Aura T6 and ID. Unyx 09 – are built on the new CEA (China Electric Architecture) electric and electronic architecture, created as a result of the partnership with XPeng. This platform supports Level 2+ autonomous driving systems and high-tech multimedia systems with integrated artificial intelligence.
In parallel, the production version of the AUDI E7X electric SUV was shown, which will be produced jointly with SAIC and will join the Chinese lineup alongside the E5 Sportback.
Jetta X Concept: An Affordable Electric SUV
The most surprising premiere was the Jetta X concept – a rugged-looking SUV with an electric powertrain. This model, reminiscent of Dacia in its styling, marks a new era for the sub-brand, which is filling the niche vacated after Škoda’s exit from the Chinese market.
The Jetta X concept signals a new era for the sub-brand, as it takes on the role of Skoda, which earlier this year left the Chinese market after a catastrophic sales slump.
The concept is built on a compact modular platform (CMP) developed in China. The production version from FAV is expected to appear this year, with its starting price potentially dropping below the 100,000 yuan mark. By 2028, the Jetta lineup is set to expand with five new models, four of which will be electric.
The “In China, for China” Strategy
The presented models are part of the Group’s large-scale offensive. As part of the “In China, for China” strategy, Volkswagen plans to launch 20 new electric vehicles this year. The company promises they will be equipped with modern electric architectures, advanced ADAS systems, a “smart” cabin, and AI-based features created specifically for local consumers.
Overall, by 2030, the Volkswagen Group plans to offer around 50 electric vehicles on the Chinese market, of which approximately 30 will be fully electric.
This large-scale showcase of new models vividly demonstrates how critically important the Chinese market is for global automakers. The rapid growth in demand for electric vehicles and fierce competition from local brands are forcing giants like Volkswagen not just to adapt existing models, but to create entire car families specifically for the region, actively engaging local technology partners. The success of such joint projects, like the development with XPeng, could become a decisive factor for maintaining market share in the long term.