SAIC-VW launches ID. ERA 5X electric SUV in China
SAIC-Volkswagen has filed for approval of the ID. ERA 5X compact SUV in China. It is Volkswagen’s first model based on the Compact Main Platform and the first fully electric vehicle in the China-specific ID. ERA series.
Volkswagen is counting on its ID. ERA series to help stabilise its struggling business in China. SAIC-VW has so far introduced two models from the family: the ID. ERA 9X, a range-extender SUV available in China since March, and the ID. ERA 5S plug-in hybrid saloon, which officially launched this week. A smaller, fully electric SUV, the ID. ERA 5X, will follow later this year. Its official type approval application in China has now revealed key details about the upcoming model.
The ID. ERA 5X is a 4.56-metre-long compact SUV based on the new Compact Modular Platform (CMP). According to the application submitted to China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the model measures 1.90 metres wide and 1.63 metres high, with a wheelbase of 2.82 metres. The ID. ERA 5X delivers 155 kW and has a top speed of 175 kph. Like the recently unveiled ID. Aura T6 from FAW-Volkswagen, it uses the China Electronic Architecture (CEA), an E/E architecture developed in collaboration with Xpeng.
As is typical for type approval applications in China, the documents do not disclose the battery capacity. However, they confirm that the compact SUV will use a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery from CATL. The ID. ERA 5X will also be available with 17- to 19-inch wheels and optional features including a panoramic sunroof and roof rails.
Volkswagen has been preparing a broad product offensive in China through its three joint ventures for some time. At Auto China 2025, the carmaker presented three electric concept cars, including the ID. ERA study, which previewed the model family of the same name. In mid-July, Chinese type approval applications revealed that the Volkswagen Group is also preparing to launch the battery-electric ID. UNYX 09 and Jetta M6 saloons, as well as the aforementioned ID. Aura T6 electric SUV, later this year.
The goal of the model offensive, launched in 2025, is to introduce 30 new vehicles in China by 2027. A key factor in this strategy is the strategic partnership between Volkswagen and Xpeng. The collaboration between these unlikely partners began with a deal in July 2023, when the German automaker announced a USD 700 million investment in the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer. With these China-specific models, Volkswagen aims to reduce its significant losses in the region.