Volkswagen unveiled its innovative ID.4 electric SUV in China on Wednesday. As prices dip below $30,000, Volkswagen’s latest electric SUV is poised to take on the competition in a rapidly evolving electric vehicle market dominated by top-selling models. As Volkswagen’s new sub-brand takes shape, its inaugural model earns a coveted spot on the golden pedestal, positioning itself to challenge industry giants BYD and Tesla in the world’s largest electric vehicle market.
Meet Volkswagen’s latest innovation, the ID.4, a cutting-edge electric SUV that redefines the future of driving.
“With the brand new ID. We are expanding the scope of our unique identification (ID) system by amplifying its electrical frequency. “Fashion trends in China are driven by innovative and forward-thinking products,” said Stefan Mecha, CEO of Volkswagen’s high-end brand, during the launch event.
Volkswagen’s latest electric SUV is specifically crafted to appeal to young Chinese drivers, both from a technical and visual standpoint. The ID. Unyx is the latest addition to Volkswagen’s ID lineup of electric vehicles. The vehicle debuted in China, available in three distinct trim levels: Professional, Extremely, and Max.
Starting at around $29,000 (approximately RMB 209,900), the entry-level model is an affordable option. Meanwhile, the mid-range trim starts at $31,700 (RMB 229,900), with the top-end model priced from $34,400 (RMB 249,900).
Equipped with a high-capacity 82.4 kWh battery pack from CATL, the vehicle’s range reaches up to 385 miles (621 km) when tested under the CLTC protocol, allowing for seamless long-distance travel. The top-tier dual-motor variant boasts an impressive estimated range of up to 351 miles (565 kilometres).
Based on Volkswagen’s Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB) platform, the all-new electric SUV measures 4,663 millimeters in length, 1,860 millimeters in width, and 1,610 millimeters in height. Compared to its rivals, the Tesla Model Y measures 4,751 millimeters in length, 1,921 millimeters in width, and 1,624 millimeters in height.
In China, Tesla’s Model Y starts at a price of $34,400 (approximately RMB 249,900), featuring an estimated range of up to 344 miles (554 km) according to the Chinese cycle testing procedure.
Priced at $40,000 (approximately RMB 290,900), the Lengthy Vary AWD model boasts a maximum all-electric range of up to 427 miles (688 km) on the China Light-Duty Test Cycle (CLTC).
Volkswagen Anhui, a joint venture between Volkswagen and Anhui Jianghuai Vehicle Group (JAC), was founded in 2017. Volkswagen (VW) holds a majority stake of 75%, while Jianghuai Automobile Group (JAC) retains a minority share of 25%.
The UNYX was inaugurated at Volkswagen’s new development center in Hefei, China. The Volkswagen ID.4 is also manufactured at the company’s state-of-the-art electric vehicle facility in Hefei.
Volkswagen plans to introduce four new vehicles under its sub-brand over the next three years. The new models will consist of both sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and sedans.
Electrek’s Take
Volkswagen hopes its new electric SUV will help turn the tide in the world’s largest electric vehicle market. Volkswagen Group’s deliveries dropped 7% in the first half of 2024, as the company faced stiff competition.
Chinese electric vehicle (EV) leaders such as BYD are introducing more affordable and feature-rich models, thereby crowding out foreign manufacturers from the market.
Although BYD is best known for its affordable electric vehicles, such as the Dolphin, Seagull, and Atto 3, it’s expanding into new markets, including pickup trucks, luxury, and high-performance electric sports cars.
With prices decreasing and production increasing, BYD’s CEO notes that new vitality autos – encompassing both electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) – have now entered a “knockout stage”. By 2024-2026, BYD forecasts that foreign automobile manufacturers’ market share in China will decline dramatically, dropping from a current 40% to just 10%.
Volkswagen’s latest endeavour – ID.4, a revolutionary all-electric compact SUV, designed to revolutionize the electric vehicle landscape with its sleek design, impressive range and innovative technology. What are the specific challenges facing the model’s adoption in China, and how do we leverage local market insights to inform a tailored strategy for success? What are we waiting for? Let’s dive in!
