Volkswagen Launches ID. Era 9X EREV in China: A New Challenge for EV Market

Volkswagen is intensely striving to maintain its leading position in the automotive industry, particularly in China. The German automaker has introduced its latest vehicle, the ID. Era 9X, designed to compete with local favorites such as the Aito M8 from Huawei. This model is impressively large, robust, and technologically advanced.

The ID. Era 9X is classified as an Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV). The concept is straightforward: the vehicle features a gas engine that does not directly drive the wheels. Instead, this engine functions as a portable generator, using gasoline to charge the battery or supply power to the electric motors. The electric motors are solely responsible for propelling the vehicle.

Size is a significant aspect of the new Volkswagen. The vehicle measures just over 17.1 ft in length, stands 5.94 ft tall, and is nearly 7 ft wide, making it longer and slightly taller than a BMW iX. Its 10.07 ft wheelbase provides ample space for passengers. The ID. Era 9X is equipped with large 20-inch wheels, with an optional upgrade to 21 inches.

Designed with families in mind, the car accommodates six passengers across three rows of seating. The interior boasts a modern aesthetic, reflecting the concept car showcased at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show. The front features slim LED headlights and lacks a large grille, given that the engine requires less airflow; however, an active intake opens when cooling is necessary.

The ID. Era 9X utilizes a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine supplied by SAIC as its generator. This engine produces 141 horsepower (105 kW), which is solely used to charge the battery. Buyers can select from three different versions of the vehicle.

The base model features a single electric motor positioned at the rear, delivering 295 horsepower (220 kW) and equipped with a 51.1 kWh battery, providing a driving range of 166 miles. Once the battery is depleted, the gas engine activates to continue propelling the vehicle. Despite its substantial weight of 5,732 lb, this model consumes only about 5.95 liters of gasoline for every 62 miles.

For those seeking enhanced range, the mid-tier option maintains the same rear motor but upgrades to a larger 65.2 kWh battery. This alternative incorporates a different chemical formulation (ternary NMC), elevating the electric-only driving range to 211 miles —a notable figure for a hybrid vehicle. The weight slightly increases to 5,776 lb, yet the fuel efficiency remains consistent with that of the base model.

The high-performance version is designed for those who prioritize speed and power. It adds a second motor to create an all-wheel-drive system, generating a total of 510 horsepower (380 kW). This additional motor contributes 215 horsepower (160 kW) to the overall output. However, due to the increased weight of 5,952 lb, the electric range decreases to 199 miles, and fuel consumption rises to approximately 6.27 liters per 62 miles. All variants are capped at a top speed of 124 mph.

Via