FAW-Volkswagen introduces the Jetta M6 electric sedan
The Jetta brand from FAW-Volkswagen has launched pre-sales in China for its M6 electric sedan. The model was announced in mid-summer this year and is Jetta's first all-electric car. The new model is set to officially hit the Chinese market in mid-October.
Image: FAW-Volkswagen
The new Jetta sub-brand from the FAW-Volkswagen joint venture aims to appeal primarily to cost-conscious buyers. Volkswagen and FAW launched the new brand at the beginning of the year. The full name of the corresponding subsidiary is FAW Volkswagen Jetta Automotive Technology Co Ltd. Although Jetta is not designed as a purely electric brand, by 2028, four of its five planned models will be NEVs. This means at least one model will have an exclusively internal combustion engine, since even among the New Energy Vehicles, plug-in hybrids or range-extender vehicles are possible.
The now market-ready M6, however, is a pure battery-electric vehicle. As a modern, understated electric sedan, the model is intended to make an impact in the volume segment. The communicated prices range between 80,800 and 99,800 yuan, equivalent to between 10,600 and 13,100 euros. The official market launch is scheduled for mid-October.
According to Chinese industry news sites, the M6 is based on the company’s own “Jiesi” architecture and features exclusively front-wheel drive with a choice of 113 or 145 kW peak power. The dimensions are given as 4.81 x 1.90 x 1.50 metres, with a wheelbase of 2.82 metres. The sedan will be available in three variants — 465 Pro, 555 Max, and 555 Ultra — in the Chinese market, with the numbers in the model names indicating the range according to the Chinese test cycle. The as-yet undefined battery cells are to be supplied by CALB.
From the mandatory type approval application in China, we also know that, depending on the motorisation, a top speed of 166 or 172 km/h is planned, and the kerb weight of the M6 ranges between 1,557 and 1,628 kilograms. In July, it was already stated that while the battery cells come from CALB, the finished battery packs are assembled directly by the FAW-Volkswagen joint venture.
With prices below the 100,000 yuan mark, Jetta is deliberately targeting the Chinese entry-level EV market. In the medium term, the new sub-brand aims to produce and sell roughly 400,000 to 500,000 vehicles per year, according to portal _CN EV Post_. Jetta emphasised its primary focus on electric vehicles at the Beijing Auto Show in April with the presentation of its Jetta X concept.