Volkswagen unveiled its new ID. UNYX electric SUV in China on Wednesday. With a starting price of less than $30,000, VW’s new electric SUV is positioned to compete with best-selling electric cars in an expanding market. The electric SUV is the first to bring the gold logo of its new sub-brand as VW looks to compete with BYD and Tesla in the world’s largest electric vehicle market.
“With the new UNYX identity card, we are expanding the spectrum of our electric ID models in China with a state-of-the-art product,” said Stefan Mecha, CEO of the VW brand, at the launch event.
VW’s new SUV is designed “technically and visually” for young drivers in China. The ID. UNYX is the latest addition to VW’s ID car series and was introduced in China with 3 versions: Pro, Ultra and Max.
The base style starts at just under $29,000 (RMB 209,900). Meanwhile, the mid-level trim costs $31,700 (RMB 229,900) and the style starts at $34,400 (RMB 249,900).
All editions are powered by an 82. 4 kWh battery via CATL, which offers up to 385 miles (621 km) of CLTC range. The most expensive dual-motor edition reaches 565 km.
Based on VW’s MEB platform, the new SUV measures 4,663 mm long, 1,860 mm wide and 1,610 mm high. In comparison, the Tesla Model Y measures 4,751 mm long, 1,921 mm wide and 1,624 mm high.
Tesla’s Model Y starts at $34,400 (249,900 RMB) in China with a CLTC of up to 344 miles (554 km). The Long Range AWD model costs $40,000 (RMB 290,900) with a CLTC of up to 427 miles (688 km).
Volkswagen Anhui was established in 2017 as a joint venture between VW and Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group (JAC). VW owns 75% of the company, while JAC controls the remaining 25%.
Identification. UNYX was born at VW’s new development center in Hefei, China. It is also being built at VW’s complex electric vehicle plant in Hefei.
VW plans to launch four new cars with this sub-brand over the next three years. These will come with SUVs and sedans.
VW is hoping its new electric SUV can be a game-changer in the world’s largest electric vehicle market. Volkswagen Group deliveries fell by 7% in the first part of 2024 amid “intense competition”.
China’s electric vehicle leaders, such as BYD, are launching less expensive and more complex models, ditching the market from foreign brands.
“China for China” is a valid strategy for automakers. There are many China-specific needs, whether software or hardware, as well as many EU/NA needs that are not applicable in China (and would possibly be excluded from China-only models).
Although BYD is best known for its electric vehicles, such as the Dolphin, Seagull and Atto 3, it is expanding into new markets, adding pickup trucks, luxury supercars and electric supercars.
The BYD CEO said that new power vehicles (EVs and PHEVs) have entered the “elimination round” with lower prices and higher production. In the next three to five years, BYD expects the percentage of foreign automakers in China to fall from 40% to 10%.
What do you think of VW’s new electric SUV? Can this revitalize the logo in China?Leave us a comment below and let us know what you think.
Source: CnEVPost, Volkswagen Anhui
Peter Johnson covers the automotive industry’s step-by-step transformation to electric vehicles. He is an experienced investor, monetary writer, and electric vehicle enthusiast. His enthusiasm for electric vehicles, basically Tesla, is one of the main reasons he pursued a career in investing. If he doesn’t tell you about his latest discoveries in the 10K, you can find him enjoying the outdoors or exercising.