Volkswagen Introduces ID. Aura T6 and ID. Unyx 09, Ready to Attack the Chinese EV Market

JAKARTA - Volkswagen introduced two new models developed specifically for the Chinese market, namely the ID. Aura T6 electric crossover and the ID. Unyx 09 sedan. The presence of the two is part of the aggressive move by the German manufacturer.

VW is indeed strengthening its foothold in the new energy vehicle (NEV) segment, with plans to launch more than 20 models in this category in the near future. As reported by Carnewschina, Wednesday, April 22.

ID. Aura is an electric vehicle line developed through a collaboration between FAW-Volkswagen, carrying the CEA electric and electronic architecture developed jointly by Volkswagen and Xpeng. Meanwhile, ID. Unyx was born from the Volkswagen Anhui project.

Where, the entity was originally formed as a joint venture between Volkswagen and JAC, formerly known as Nio's production partner. On April 21, Volkswagen officially unveiled the latest models of both lines.

The ID. Aura T6 comes as a mid-sized crossover with a five-passenger configuration. This model is Volkswagen's first vehicle to adopt the CEA electronic architecture, which is claimed to be able to cut the number of electronic control units by 30 percent.

This technology also enables the integration of an artificial intelligence (AI) based cockpit system, a driving assistance feature tailored for the Chinese market, as well as over-the-air (OTA) software update support.

To support driving ability, the ID. Aura T6 is equipped with a LiDAR-based assistance system from Carizon, a joint venture between the Volkswagen Group and Horizon Robotics. In terms of design, the appearance is reminiscent of the Volkswagen ID.6 with a mix of SUV and MPV characters.

The proportions are characterized by a short overhang, a sloping roof line, and the use of semi-hidden door handles. In the front, the separate main headlights are combined with a daytime running light strip inspired by the ID.3 Neo.

This crossover carries a battery-based pure electric drive system (BEV). However, the details of its dimensions and technical specifications have not been revealed. Volkswagen said that the Aura series will include various powertrain options, ranging from BEVs, plug-in hybrids, to range extenders. More complete information will be delivered closer to the official launch time.

On the other hand, the ID. Unyx 09 is positioned as the flagship sedan of the Volkswagen Anhui facility. Its design is in line with the ID. Unyx 08 crossover that has been introduced first.

The front of this car features separate headlights with two elongated DRL lights that are quite close in position. The black line that stretches from the bumper to the door gives the impression of a longer body.

With a length of more than five meters, the ID. Unyx 09 looks elegant with the use of hidden door handles, smooth seatback design, and the presence of a Face ID sensor on the B-pillar. Other prominent elements include a sleek roof line, headlights that blend in with the bumper, thin taillights, and an illuminated emblem.

This sedan is also equipped with a level 2 driving assistance system that supports the Navigate On Autopilot (NOA) feature for use on city roads and toll roads. As with the ID. Aura T6, Volkswagen has not detailed the complete specifications of the ID. Unyx 09. However, this model is expected to carry a configuration similar to the ID. Unyx 08, which offers two battery options with an 82 kWh and 95 kWh LFP capacity.

Rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) variants are available with power ranges between 230 kW (308 hp) to 370 kW (496 hp). Volkswagen's move to introduce these two models is inseparable from the decline in sales performance in China, which was recorded at 386,284 units or down 15.4 percent compared to the previous year.