VW Created a Larger ID SUV Than the X7, But It's Not Available to You | Carscoops

      The new Era 9X EREV, boasting a range of over 600 miles, has been officially introduced in China but is unlikely to be available to most buyers in the West, despite its features like size, range, and innovative drivetrain.

      The VW ID. Era 9X is a large SUV utilizing extended-range electric vehicle technology, offering three powertrain choices that include both rear- and all-wheel drive options. The dual-motor variant generates 510 hp and has an electric range of 199 miles.

      As automakers continue to focus heavily on China's rapidly changing EV market, consumers in other regions are missing out on some compelling vehicles. The VW ID. Era 9X is a recent example, offering significant advantages.

      Announced via submissions to China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and from VW itself, this new SUV results from the SAIC Volkswagen joint venture. It is a spacious, range-extending SUV designed to compete in the growing category of vehicles that combine electric driving with the ability for longer distances.

      While battery-electric SUVs are becoming increasingly common in China, they do not satisfy the needs of every consumer. This is where extended-range EVs (EREVs) excel.

      The VW ID. Era 9X, which shares its 9X badge with Zeekr’s own EREV SUV, is larger than several popular Western models, including the VW Atlas and Touareg, even surpassing the BMW X7 in overall length. It measures 5,207 mm (205 inches) in length, 1,997 mm (78.6 inches) in width, and 1,810 mm (71.2 inches) in height, with a wheelbase of 3,070 mm (120.8 inches).

      For comparison, the BMW X7 measures 5,181 mm (204 inches) long, 2,000 mm (78.7 inches) wide, 1,805 mm (71.1 inches) tall, and has a wheelbase of 3,105 mm (122.2 inches). The ID. Era 9X is therefore slightly longer and taller, although it is marginally narrower and has a shorter wheelbase. Its footprint places it firmly in the full-size luxury SUV category.

      The exterior design closely resembles the original ID. Era concept unveiled by VW last year, maintaining a premium and modern aesthetic through its transition to production.

      Volkswagen has yet to disclose the production interior, but if it closely resembles the concept, we can expect a large, dashboard-wide infotainment system to be included, and there may be an optional roof-mounted display for rear passengers. The specifications confirm that the ID. Era 9X will feature six seats arranged in a 2+2+2 layout.

      The excitement continues with the powertrain options. The ID. Era 9X operates as an extended-range electric vehicle, using a gasoline engine solely to recharge the battery. Volkswagen will provide it in three powertrain configurations, including both rear- and all-wheel drive.

      The base model features a single rear-mounted electric motor offering 220 kW (295 hp), with a 51.1 kWh LFP battery that allows for an all-electric range of up to 267 km (166 miles). Its curb weight is 2,600 kg (5,732 lbs).

      The second version maintains the same electric motor for the rear wheels but incorporates a larger 65.2 kWh NMC battery, extending the electric range to 340 km (211 miles), with a slightly higher weight of 2,620 kg (5,776 lbs).

      At the top end, it retains the 65.2 kWh battery while adding a second electric motor on the rear axle, increasing the total output to 380 kW (510 hp). This dual-motor configuration raises the curb weight to 2,700 kg (5,952 lbs), while the electric range slightly decreases to 321 km (199 miles).

      Although full combined range figures have not yet been disclosed, all three configurations are expected to comfortably surpass 1,000 km (over 600 miles) when utilizing both battery and gasoline, depending on the final gas tank capacity.

      As for global availability, pricing information is still to be announced and is expected in the coming months before the vehicle officially hits the market. While a launch in Western markets isn't confirmed, there is a slight chance for optimism in certain regions.

      Mazda has already introduced its China-made joint venture models in Europe and Australia, launching the new CX-6e SUV recently, and Nissan is preparing to do something similar. Thus, it's not entirely implausible for Volkswagen to consider a similar strategy for the ID. Era 9X in select international markets, although a U.S. launch remains off the table.