Volkswagen reveals ID. AURA, ERA, and EVO concepts to lead China's EV market

Volkswagen launches three electric concepts — ID. AURA, ID. ERA, and ID. EVO — at Auto Shanghai, showcasing its future-focused EV strategy in China.

Volkswagen has unveiled three next-generation concept vehicles — the ID. AURA, ID. ERA, and ID. EVO — at Auto Shanghai, highlighting its aggressive push into China’s booming electric vehicle market. These models are more than styling exercises; they are key elements of the brand’s “In China, for China” strategy, which aims to launch over 30 new vehicles, including 20 NEVs, in China by 2027.

Each concept was developed in partnership with one of Volkswagen’s Chinese joint ventures — FAW-Volkswagen, SAIC VOLKSWAGEN, and Volkswagen Anhui — reflecting a diversity of design philosophies and technologies. The ID. ERA, developed with SAIC, is a spacious full-size SUV featuring a range extender system: a fuel-powered generator charges the battery on the go, offering a combined driving range of over 1,000 kilometers. This is the first such vehicle of its kind from Volkswagen in China.

The ID. EVO, built by Volkswagen Anhui, is aimed at a younger, style-conscious audience. It’s based on an 800-volt platform that delivers rapid charging, extensive digital services, and a high-performance zonal architecture with frequent over-the-air updates. It's the first full-size all-electric SUV in Volkswagen’s new ID. UNYX family.

Meanwhile, the ID. AURA from FAW-Volkswagen debuts on the new Compact Main Platform (CMP), specifically engineered for China. Targeting the price-sensitive A-segment, it combines affordability with advanced features like an AI-powered assistant and a smartphone-like central UI/UX interface. It's a clear nod to the digital habits of Chinese consumers.

All three concept cars feature AI-based systems enabling Level 2++ automation. This allows the cars to handle complex driving maneuvers — such as overtaking or merging — with driver supervision. In a market already saturated with advanced players like XPeng and BYD, this technology could offer a crucial edge.

The reveal sparked significant attention in the Chinese media. Automotive outlets praised Volkswagen’s intensified localization efforts and its shortened development timeline — aiming to bring models from concept to market in just 34 months. As new competitors like Zeekr and Xiaomi enter the EV space, timing and adaptability will be critical, and Volkswagen appears ready for the challenge.

Production models of the three concept vehicles are expected to reach the market in the coming years, though exact launch dates have yet to be announced.

Source: volkswagen-newsroom.com