SAIC-VW is launching an E-SUV named ID. ERA 5X in China.

The joint venture SAIC-Volkswagen has submitted the compact SUV ID. ERA 5X for registration in China. This model is Volkswagen’s first vehicle based on the important Compact Main Platform and also the first all-electric model in China-specific ID. ERA series.

Volkswagen aims to stabilize its struggling business in China with the ID. ERA series. So far, two models from this family built by SAIC-VW are known: the ID. ERA 9X, a range-extender SUV available in the Chinese market since March. This week also sees the official launch of the plug-in hybrid sedan ID. ERA 5S. A smaller electric SUV, the ID. ERA 5X, will follow this year, with some key details now available thanks to an official registration application in China.

The ID. ERA 5X is a 4.56-meter-long compact SUV based on the new CMP (Compact Main Platform). The application submitted to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) further states that the model measures 1.90 meters in width and 1.63 meters in height, with a wheelbase of 2.82 meters. The ID. ERA 5X is rated at 155 kW in power and has a top speed of 175 km/h. Similar to the recently introduced FAW-Volkswagen ID.Aura T6, it uses the CEA (China Electronic Architecture) developed in collaboration with Xpeng as its E/E architecture.

As is common with registration applications in China, the energy capacity of the new vehicle’s battery remains unspecified. The document only states that the new compact SUV will be equipped with a lithium-iron-phosphate battery from CATL. It also mentions details such as 17 to 19 inch wheels and optional features like a panoramic sunroof and roof rack.

The goal of the model offensive launched in 2025 is to introduce 30 new vehicles in China by 2027. The strategic partnership between Volkswagen and Xpeng plays a crucial role in this effort. As is known, the collaboration between these two different companies dates back to a deal in July 2023, when the German automaker announced an investment of $700 million in the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer. With these vehicles tailored for the Chinese market, Volkswagen aims to curb its heavy losses there.