Only 10,600 € and 555 km: Volkswagen’s electric car rivaling the Tesla Model 3 that would dominate in Spain

Just a few days ago, Volkswagen’s CEO, Thomas Schäfer, confirmed that the company is already considering importing one or several electric vehicles manufactured in China to Europe.

While various media outlets speculate that the first Volkswagen electric vehicle “made in China” to arrive would be the Volkswagen ID. UNYX 9x, a futuristic “electric Passat” measuring 5.08 meters in length, it is actually this other Volkswagen model that should definitely make its way there—especially to markets like Spain—that deserves attention: it’s called the Jetta M6. It offers a range of up to 555 kilometers, and best of all, it costs as little as 79,800 yuan in the Chinese market, which is slightly over 10,600 euros at current exchange rates. It would dominate the Spanish market and pose a serious challenge to the Tesla Model 3.

A full Jetta – Chinese-made, that is – for just 10,600 €

Volkswagen’s future strategy for Europe involves importing Chinese cars or those manufactured in China, just as Tesla already does. Although its CEO said it will be “one or more vehicles,” those that truly should be imported, given their technology-to-price ratio – even with the likely price increase in Spain – are the “cheap” cars. As an example, Volkswagen is already focusing on budget-friendly cars in Europe and Spain… like the new Volkswagen ID.Cross for only 20,500 €.

Under these circumstances, Volkswagen should import affordable models to Europe that can ensure significant sales volumes, such as the electric SUV ID. ERA 5X developed in partnership with MG or this Jetta M6. Although it is a Chinese car, it at least shares its name and silhouette with the Jetta—a sedan based on the compact Golf model that is still widely used in our country.

Undoubtedly, the most surprising aspect of this Chinese-made Volkswagen electric vehicle—measuring 4.8 meters long (compared to a Tesla Model 3 at 4.69 meters) with a wheelbase of 2.82 meters—is its price: starting just over 10,600 euros at current exchange rates. But be aware that for around 10,600 euros in China—and hopefully soon in Spain, though at a higher price—one can obtain an electric sedan with two different power options and two battery capacities, the larger one offering the aforementioned 555 kilometers of range.

555 km of range and solid equipment

Mechanically, this Chinese electric vehicle is equipped with a front-mounted motor available in 113 kW / 154 HP and 145 kW / 197 HP versions, delivering 230 Nm and 260 Nm of torque respectively. As for the batteries, both being LFP type, Volkswagen has not confirmed their capacity, but they are expected to provide ranges of 465 km and 555 km according to China’s CLTC testing cycle, which would equate to around 380 km and 450 km under the WLTP cycle used in Spain and Europe.

Of course, the version priced at 10,600 € is the one with 154 HP and a range of 465 km, but even in its most expensive model, this Chinese electric Volkswagen remains a very affordable car, costing up to 99,800 yuan or 13,300 €.

As for the equipment, despite its low price, this “made in China” electric Volkswagen already comes standard with features such as a 15.6” central screen with 2.5K resolution, an 8.88” digital dashboard, 17 or 18-inch alloy wheels, and a comprehensive ADAS system including semi-autonomous driving and automated parking.

In its top-tier version, with a range of 555 km, it also comes standard with amenities like a panoramic sunroof, electrically heated and ventilated front seats, and a wireless phone charger.