VW’s Concepts Signal the Beginning of 30 New Models for China’s Electric Vehicle Future | Carscoops

      The ID. Aura sedan and ID. Evo SUV are completely electric, while the ID. Era three-row SUV features a powertrain with a range extender.

      VW has introduced three new ID concept vehicles in China, named the Aura, Evo, and Era. These three prototypes are set to transition into production models through various joint ventures. The company aims to launch over 30 new models in China, which will include 20 new-energy vehicles (NEVs).

      Volkswagen made a significant debut at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, showcasing a trio of electrified concept cars that hint at future production models. The spotlight is on the ID. Aura sedan, along with the ID. Evo and ID. Era SUVs, each symbolizing a distinct joint venture in China.

      The automaker is determined to launch more than 30 new models in China, which includes 20 NEVs. Some of these will be the production versions of the ID concept cars, which may incorporate fully electric or range-extender powertrains. Moreover, they will be equipped with AI-based systems for highly automated driving.

      Tailored for the Chinese Market

      Volkswagen has stressed that the design and technology of these new ID concepts have been specifically adapted to meet the preferences of Chinese customers, aiming to provide market-specific features. Thomas Schafer, the CEO of the Volkswagen brand, remarked, “The three concept vehicles are the visible outcome of our ‘In China, for China’ strategy.” He also indicated that the company has strategically positioned itself to maintain leadership among foreign automakers in China.

      Regarding design, the new concepts follow the ID. Code SUV introduced last year. Andreas Mindt, VW's head of design, referred to the ID. Code as the “jumping-off point for our new design direction in China,” noting that the team has “refined this in recent months and tailored it for each of our joint ventures.”

      Starting with the sedan, the ID. Aura is developed through the FAW-Volkswagen joint venture. This model is entirely electric and built on the Compact Main Platform (CMP), created specifically for the Chinese market. The ID. Aura does not resemble the ID.7 Next or ID.7 Vizzion, both of which are already available in the region. Instead, it features a sharply sculpted profile and sleek, full-width LEDs at the front and rear. Inside, it offers a state-of-the-art, smartphone-like interface for its infotainment system, alongside an AI-powered humanoid assistant for a more futuristic driving experience.

      The second concept is the ID. Evo SUV from the Volkswagen Anhui joint venture, targeted at "young, lifestyle-oriented buyers," resembling a futuristic VW Tiguan. The bold split LED headlights stretch towards the side profiles, while the robust rear shoulders contribute to a sporty back end. The ID. Evo will be built on an 800-volt architecture and will be entirely electric. This SUV aims to provide a broad range of digital services, maintaining freshness through regular over-the-air updates.

      Lastly, the ID. Era, from the SAIC Volkswagen joint venture, completes the lineup. This spacious three-row SUV will feature a range-extender powertrain. Its design includes a vertical front, split LED headlights, and a wrap-around greenhouse with a square rear that integrates a diffuser.

      Volkswagen claims that the production model will deliver an impressive driving range exceeding 1,000 km (621 miles), with 300 km (186 miles) provided by the battery alone and an additional 700 km (435 miles) from the range-extender internal combustion engine.

      Thomas Ulbrich, CEO of the Volkswagen China Technology Center, emphasized the goal of developing production models within 34 months. He stated that the expedited timeline will enable Volkswagen to launch the right models effectively and efficiently with appropriate partners in China.