Volkswagen’s stylish ID.UNYX electric SUV revealed in China

Volkswagen is expanding its portfolio in China's competitive electric vehicle market with the new ID.UNYX, a compact coupe SUV, is set to launch in mid-July. The ID.UNYX, known as "Yu Zhong" in Chinese, marks Volkswagen's first foray into pure electric vehicle manufacturing in China. This stylish EV, built by Volkswagen Anhui, the company's first new energy vehicle joint venture in China, made its debut at the 2024 Beijing Auto Show, capturing the attention of EV enthusiasts and industry insiders alike.

The ID. UNYX's Chinese name, Yu Zhong, can be interpreted as "for everyone" or "stands out from the crowd." It surely does stand out in the crowded compact SUV segment, measuring a comfortable 183.6 inches in length, 73.2 inches in width, and 63.4 inches in height, with a generous wheelbase of 108.9 inches.

It's the inaugural model in Volkswagen's new "ID.UX" series, a lineup that promises "to make every moment gold" - that's an actual marketing slogan adopted by the company. Future ID.UX vehicles will proudly display a gold Volkswagen logo, a symbol of the brand's commitment to innovation and excellence in the EV space. By 2027, Volkswagen plans to launch five smart pure electric vehicles under this exciting series.

The ID.UNYX is not just about looks; it's a powerhouse on the road. It offers two powertrain options: a single-motor version with a maximum power of 170 kW and a dual-motor version with 80 kW for the front electric motor and 170 kW for the rear. It boasts an 82.4 kWh ternary lithium-ion battery pack provided by CATL, offering an impressive cruising range of up to 386 miles.

In terms of design, the ID.UNYX is a head-turner. Its fastback coupe SUV design and the rear of the vehicle feature a layered design that seamlessly integrates the rear wing, taillights, and high-mounted brake light. The illuminated Volkswagen logo at the center is an interesting touch, and the 21-inch rims complete the car's sporty look.

If you follow the EV world closely, the ID.UNYX will look familiar to you - and for a good reason. Essentially, it is a rebadged Cupra Tavascan. Volkswagen didn't go through too much effort to disguise the similarities between the two cars.

The front bumper on the VW is just missing the aggressive insert from Cupra, and the headlights keep the same shape but miss out on the dramatic light signature. The same thing happened at the rear - the taillights are identical in shape, but they only differ in the signature. It will be interesting to see if the VW tones down the futuristic interior of the Tavascan or if it will simply slap its own badge on the steering wheel and call it quits.

Volkswagen's ID.UNYX hopes to make a significant impact on the Chinese EV market. With its striking design, impressive performance, and long-range capabilities, it's a strong contender in the rapidly growing electric SUV segment. It all will depend on the pricing in the end, an area where VW has struggled before in China with the ID.7 turning into a painful lesson in how not to read the market.

Via