Volkswagen dominates with its new electric car priced at 10,374 €: 10,000 orders in the first 19 hours since its launch
In China, the Jetta name carries much more weight than we imagine in Europe. Volkswagen’s sedan has been produced there for over three decades, and by 2019 it became a brand of affordable, basic cars under FAW-Volkswagen, the joint venture between the German group and the state-owned manufacturer FAW. Now it launches its first electric car, the M6 sedan, and the response has been immediate, with over 10,000 firm orders placed just 19 hours after its release.
Until now, Jetta has only offered gasoline-powered models, which is becoming increasingly challenging in a market dominated by electric vehicles. That’s why the Jetta M6 is so important to the brand—it is manufactured in Chengdu and priced at 79,800 yuan (10,374 euros). It should be noted that this is a new model distinct from the Volkswagen Jetta we knew in Spain, which was discontinued several years ago. For now, it is available only in China.
Firm orders and a promise regarding driver assistance
The 10,000 orders are what China calls “locked reservations,” meaning the buyer can no longer back out without losing the deposit, which for these cars typically ranges from 3,000 to 5,000 yuan (390 to 650 euros). These are not just expressions of interest, nor are they final orders. Not all orders will turn into sales.
In addition, FAW-Volkswagen commits to covering any accidents caused by the driver assistance systems during the first year—a benefit reserved for the first private owner of models with navigation assistance. That first owner also receives a lifetime warranty on the battery, engine, and electronics, provided they do not use the car as a taxi or VTC, according to the manufacturer.
Two engines, two batteries, and only front-wheel drive
The range comes in three versions, all using a single front-mounted engine. The entry-level 465 Pro model produces 154 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in 8.3 seconds. Its lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery has a capacity of 42.9 kWh, offering an estimated range of 465 kilometers under the Chinese CLTC cycle.
The 555 Max and 555 Ultra versions, priced at 89,800 and 99,800 yuan (11,674 and 12,974 euros) respectively, deliver 197 horsepower, accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds, and feature a 51.9 kWh battery claiming a range of 555 kilometers. The CLTC cycle is much more optimistic than the European WLTP standard, so under WLTP the figures would be approximately 377 and 450 kilometers.
The two LFP batteries are supplied by CALB and can reach 30% to 80% charge in 25 minutes. According to the manufacturer, its official energy consumption starts at 10.5 kWh per 100 kilometers.
A 4.8-meter sedan also designed for sleeping
The Jetta M6 falls into the D-segment. It measures 4,806 mm in length, 1,868 mm in width, and 1,500 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,820 mm. Its trunk has a capacity of 542 liters, though Volkswagen has not specified whether there is another small trunk space in front. The suspension is simple, featuring a McPherson setup at the front and a torsion beam axle at the back.
The most interesting feature of it is the double bed, as the two front seats fold down completely to form a long, flat surface. This makes sense because in China, many electric sedans at this price point are used as VTC vehicles, with drivers resting during charging stops. Additionally, it has a V2L function (vehicle to external device) that delivers up to 3.5 kW, making it a great companion for camping trips.
The price has also worked in its favor. During the pre-order phase of the Jetta M6, the 465 Pro and 555 Max versions cost 80,800 and 90,800 yuan respectively, but they are now 1,000 yuan cheaper at launch. Jetta has been in China for 35 years, selling over 5.3 million cars there, and its first electric model has seen more than 500 confirmed orders per hour since its release.