by New VW ID.Era 8X: Chinese electric vehicle with range extender
Volkswagen continues to do in China what it should be doing in other parts of the world, introducing new and interesting electric vehicles and models with a range extender. The latest is the VW ID.Era 8X, which features modern design and reliable technology.
These photos show that the 8X looks almost the same as the slightly larger 9X, which is not necessarily bad but could lead to confusion with the flagship model on the road. Across the front, an LED strip and daytime running lights stretch, while the main headlight units are positioned vertically below them.
Read: VW built a larger ID SUV than the X7, but you can’t get it
Other key features include a glossy black grille with active elements, black fenders, and black side mirrors. The rear is also mostly the same as the 9X, with a very similar LED strip and illuminated VW logo.
Dimensions and size
As for dimensions, the 8X has a length of 197.6 inches (5020 mm), width of 78.6 inches (1997 mm), and height of 68.9 inches (1750 mm) with a wheelbase of 116.9 inches (2970 mm). For comparison, the 9X is longer at 205 inches (5207 mm), has the same width, and is slightly taller at 71.2 inches (1810 mm). It also has a longer wheelbase of 120.8 inches (3070 mm).
Powerful range extender
Four different versions of the ID.Era 8X will be sold. All use a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine as a range extender. The base version will combine this engine with a 51.1 kWh battery and an electric motor, delivering total power of 295 hp (220 kW) and an electric-only range of 162 miles (260 km).
A slightly lighter version with the same powertrain and battery will also be offered, increasing the electric range to 171 miles (275 km). Additionally, VW will sell two variants with a larger 65.2 kWh battery, boosting the electric range to 205 miles (330 km) and 214 miles (345 km), respectively. The SUV’s weight will range from 5478 lbs (2485 kg) to 5709 lbs (2590 kg) depending on specification.
Interestingly, Volkswagen is choosing the path of hybrid technologies with a range extender for the Chinese market, allowing it to combine the advantages of an electric vehicle with the ability to travel long distances without worrying about charging. This approach could be a compromise for markets where charging infrastructure is not as developed as in Europe or the US. Given that the ID.Era 8X is almost identical to the larger 9X, this may indicate a strategy of design unification to reduce production costs, though it risks creating confusion among buyers.
