Volkswagen is considering launching its Chinese electric vehicles in Europe. The models on the list are Unyx 08, 09, and Era 9X.
Volkswagen is exploring whether it’s possible to introduce vehicles developed in China for use in Europe, not just for the Chinese market. Following a July article in Handelsblatt, it’s already clear which models make sense and which will likely remain in China.
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This would be an interesting shift. For years, Volkswagen has brought German technology to China; now it’s looking the other way. And it’s not about exotic concepts, but rather ready-made cars from Chinese joint ventures, some of which are developed with Xpeng.
The Most Serious Candidates
The most frequently mentioned is the Volkswagen ID. Era 9X. It’s a huge SUV at 5,207 meters long from SAIC-Volkswagen, equipped with an EREV system where a 1.5 turbo gasoline engine acts as a generator while electric motors drive the wheels. The vehicle has two engines, producing 370 or 380 kW of power, batteries with capacities of 51.1 or 65.2 kWh, and a claimed electric range of 347–406 km under CLTC standards. The total range reaches up to 1,651 km under CLTC conditions. It sounds very Chinese and hardly European, but this model is already being considered for entry into Europe.
The second strong contender appears to be the ID. Unyx 08. It’s an electric SUV with an 800 V architecture, batteries of 82 or 95 kWh from CATL, and up to 370 kW of power in AWD configuration. The manufacturer claims a charging speed of 315 kW, with the 10–80 percent charge taking about 20 minutes. On paper, it resembles the kind of vehicle Volkswagen in Europe is somewhat lacking—modern, fast, large-scale, built at “Chinese speed” rather than following old German standards.
There’s also the ID. Unyx 09, a fastback sedan developed with Xpeng in 24 months. The car is 5.081 meters long, with RWD power of 230 kW or AWD power of 370 kW. Volkswagen hasn’t yet disclosed the battery capacity or range, but the fact that such a sedan was created at all says a lot about the brand’s Chinese division. Honestly? It looks fresher than most of VW’s sedans in recent years.
Models More “To Be Tested” Than “Ready to Launch”
The ID. Era 5X might even be more important for Europe than the 9X, as it targets a more mass-market segment. It’s an SUV that is 4.560 meters long, with a wheelbase of 2.815 meters, a 155 kW engine, and a CATL LFP battery. It also has LiDAR and the Xingyun driving assistance system with urban NOA. The problem is that we still don’t know the battery capacity or range.
Model
Powertrain
Power
Battery
Range
Length
Notes
Volkswagen ID. Era 9X
EREV AWD
370-380 kW
51.1 / 65.2 kWh
347-406 km CLTC, up to 1,651 km total
5,207 mm
6 seats, 800 V
Volkswagen ID. Unyx 08
BEV RWD/AWD
230 / 370 kW
82 / 95 kWh LFP
up to 730 km CLTC
5,000 mm
charging up to 315 kW
Volkswagen ID. Unyx 09
BEV RWD/AWD
230 / 370 kW
LFP
n/a
5,081 mm
sedan, designed with Xpeng
Volkswagen ID. Era 5X
BEV FWD
155 kW
LFP
n/a
4,560 mm
CMP, LiDAR
Volkswagen ID. Era 5S
PHEV
80 + 130 kW
n/a
160 km CLTC EV range
4,836 mm
plug-in sedan
The ID. Era 5S is also interesting, but it’s no longer a BEV—it’s a PHEV. The sedan features a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with 80 kW of power and an electric motor with 130 kW of power. It’s expected to cover 160 km on electric power alone under CLTC standards, with a total range exceeding 2,000 km. If Volkswagen aims to cater to European demand for plug-in hybrids, such a vehicle could make sense—especially if it’s manufactured locally rather than imported from China.
Where’s the catch?
There are several. The first is software. These vehicles were developed for the Chinese ecosystem, Chinese suppliers, and Chinese ADAS systems. Translating this to Europe isn’t just about changing the language in the menu; it requires adapting the assist functions, homologation processes, materials, and electronics.
The second issue is trade policy. BEVs imported from China enter the EU with tariffs and additional anti-subsidy fees. That’s why the idea of local production emerged, and discussions in Germany have mentioned a plant in Zwickau.
The least likely options? The ID. Aura T6 and Jetta M6. The former because Volkswagen already has many electric SUVs of this size in Europe. The latter because the Jetta as a separate brand practically doesn’t exist in terms of sales here.
If Volkswagen truly brings a Chinese-made version of its car to Europe, it will be a strong signal that Germany has stopped pretending everything can be done the old way. The question is: which model makes the most sense here — the large EREV 9X, the more versatile 5X, or perhaps the Unyx 08 with 800 V and a charging speed of 315 kW?