The company introduced the VW ID.Unyx, which will be launched later in 2024 as a twin model to the Cupra Tavascan for China
- By 2030, VW will launch 30 new models in China with combustion, plug-in hybrid and fully electric drives.
- The VW ID range will include 16 electric models by the end of the decade, including five from the new ID.UX sub-brand.
- The ID.UX models feature a progressive exterior design and a driver-centric interior with a new HMI concept aimed at young customers.
The new ID.Code concept wasn’t the only news from China for Volkswagen today. The German brand also presented its future plans for the Chinese market, which include the launch of over 30 new models of all powertrains by 2030 and the launch of a new sub-brand ID.UX offering exclusively electric vehicles.
Volkswagen is aiming for greater localization and the use of market-specific platforms to reduce costs and improve competitiveness against Chinese brands such as BYD.
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The announcement also included a teaser of the VW ID.Unyx, which is said to be the first member of the ID.UX series. Thanks to photos and information from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, we’re already familiar with the upcoming electric vehicle, which is essentially a rebranded Cupra Tavascan. While the twins share their bodywork, the ID.Unyx features a redesigned front bumper, distinctive LED graphics at both ends and prominent VW emblems.
VW said that the ID. The family will grow to a total of 16 models by 2030, including 5 electric vehicles from the new ID.UX sub-brand. The latter will officially launch in 2027, although its first model – the ID.Unyx – will go on sale in 2024.
The ID.UX offerings will feature a “lifestyle-focused” and “progressive” exterior design, likely inspired by the ID. The Code concept was unveiled at the Beijing Auto Show this week. On the other hand, its “driver-centric” interior will feature a “completely new display and control concept” aimed at young customers.
China’s MIIT/VW
Unlike other regions where VW maintains a separate product range for its electric vehicles, in China they will gradually introduce electric versions of their existing ICE models. However, combustion engine range will not be ignored, as the company aims to introduce twelve new combustion engine models and six new hybrids by 2030, including plug-in hybrids with a zero-emission range of over 100 km (62 miles).
The new offerings are not just limited to the proven MQB and MEB platforms that underpin the existing offering. Volkswagen plans to introduce new options into the mix and develop a new architecture in collaboration with Chinese automaker Xpeng. As part of this initiative, two new mid-range vehicles are planned for 2026.
In addition, the Volkswagen China Technology Company (VCTC), based in Hefei, is working on the VW Group’s first electric platform, which was developed specifically for the Chinese market. This is called the China Main Platform (CMP) and is expected to support at least four entry-level electric vehicles from 2026.
Last but not least, Volkswagen plans to intensify production, development, procurement and battery manufacturing in China. These efforts are aimed at reducing costs and improving competitiveness against local automakers. Chinese partners such as Xpeng, Horizon Robotics (CARIZON Joint Venture) and Thundersoft (CARThunder Joint Venture) are also involved in the development process at an early stage.
