Volkswagen launched its new ID.UNYX electrical SUV in China on Wednesday. Beginning beneath $30,000, VW’s new electrical SUV is ready to compete in opposition to top-selling EVs in an intensifying market. The electrical SUV is the primary to put on the golden brand from its new sub-brand as VW seems to be to tackle BYD and Tesla on the planet’s largest EV market.
Meet VW’s new electrical SUV, the ID.UNYX
“With the brand new ID. UNYX, we’re increasing the spectrum of our electrical ID. fashions in China with an avant-garde product,” VW model CEO Stefan Mecha stated on the launch occasion.
VW’s new electrical SUV is “technically and visually” designed for youthful drivers in China. The ID.UNYX is the newest addition to VW’s ID collection of electrical automobiles. It launched in China with three trims: Professional, Extremely, and Max.
The entry-level mannequin begins at just below $29,000 (RMB 209,900). In the meantime, the mid-trim prices $31,700 (RMB 229,900), and the best mannequin begins at $34,400 (RMB 249,900).
All trims are powered by a CATL-supplied 82.4 kWh battery pack, providing as much as 385 miles (621 km) CLTC vary. The upper-priced dual-motor trim will get as much as 351 miles (565 km).
Based mostly on VW’s MEB platform, the brand new electrical SUV is 4,663 mm lengthy, 1,860 mm broad, and 1,610 mm tall. Compared, the Tesla Mannequin Y is 4,751 mm lengthy, 1,921 mm broad, and 1,624 mm tall.
Tesla’s Mannequin Y begins at $34,400 (RMB 249,900) in China with as much as 344 miles (554 km) CLTC vary. The Lengthy Vary AWD mannequin prices $40,000 (RMB 290,900) with as much as 427 miles (688 km) CLTC vary.
Volkswagen Anhui was established in 2017 as a three way partnership between VW and Anhui Jianghuai Car Group (JAC). VW owns 75% of the enterprise, whereas JAC controls the remaining 25%.
The ID.UNYX was dropped at life at VW’s new improvement heart in Hefei, China. It’s additionally constructed at VW’s superior EV plant in Hefei.
VW plans to launch 4 new autos beneath the sub-brand throughout the subsequent three years. These will embrace SUVs and sedans.
Electrek’s Take
VW hopes its new electrical SUV will help flip issues round on the planet’s largest EV market. Volkswagen Group deliveries slid 7% within the first half of 2024 amid “intense competitors.”
EV leaders in China, like BYD, are launching lower-priced, extra superior fashions, squeezing overseas manufacturers out of the market.
Though BYD is finest identified for its inexpensive EVs, just like the Dolphin, Seagull, and Atto 3, it’s increasing into new markets, together with pickup vehicles, luxurious, and electrical supercars.
BYD’s CEO stated new vitality autos (EVs and PHEVs) have entered the “knockout spherical” with decrease prices and extra manufacturing. Over the following three to 5 years, BYD predicts overseas automaker’s share in China will fall from 40% to 10%.
What do you consider VW’s new electrical SUV? Can it assist revamp the model in China? Drop us a remark under and tell us your ideas.
Supply: CnEVPost, Volkswagen Anhui