Volkswagen is continuing the narrative it began with the ID. CODE concept car, first revealed in Beijing in 2024. That vehicle set the tone for a new era in design, innovation, and customer-centric technology. Building on this momentum, Volkswagen, in collaboration with its Chinese joint venture partners, is now introducing three new concept vehicles at Auto Shanghai: the ID. AURA (FAW-Volkswagen), the ID. ERA (SAIC VOLKSWAGEN), and the ID. EVO (Volkswagen Anhui).
These forward-looking models represent a new generation of smart electric vehicles and preview Volkswagen’s strategic roadmap for the Chinese market. By the end of 2027, the company aims to launch over 30 new models across relevant segments, including 20 new energy vehicles (NEVs). Among them will be production versions of the concept cars now debuting in Shanghai—each designed with the specific needs and preferences of Chinese consumers in mind.
The ID. AURA, ID. ERA, and ID. EVO were unveiled to the public for the first time during Volkswagen Group Night, held Tuesday evening local time. They will be showcased alongside other Volkswagen models at Auto Shanghai through early May.
All three concept vehicles fall under the NEV category, which in China encompasses fully electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and models equipped with range extender systems. “The three concept vehicles are the visible outcome of our ‘In China, for China’ strategy. We have thus made all the necessary preparations to remain in pole position among foreign automakers in China,” said Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand.
Meet the Concepts:
- ID. ERA (SAIC VOLKSWAGEN): This full-size SUV with three rows of seating is Volkswagen’s first model to feature range extender technology. A fuel-powered generator charges the battery while driving, enabling an additional range of over 700 kilometers. Combined with its 300-kilometer electric range, the ID. ERA can travel more than 1,000 kilometers in total.
- ID. EVO (Volkswagen Anhui): Targeted at young, style-savvy consumers who value individuality, the ID. EVO is the first fully electric full-size SUV in Volkswagen’s ID. UNYX family. Built on an 800-volt platform, it features a next-gen zonal electronic architecture that enables a rich array of digital services and frequent over-the-air updates to enhance the user experience.
- ID. AURA (FAW-Volkswagen): This electric notchback is the first concept vehicle based on the Compact Main Platform (CMP), designed specifically for the Chinese market. With AI-driven, high-performance computing and a system geared toward highly automated driving, the ID. AURA brings a new standard of intelligent mobility to the A-segment. Its design emphasizes affordability without compromising on modern technology. A smartphone-style UI/UX and AI-powered humanoid assistant make interaction with the car intuitive and seamless.
All production versions of the Shanghai concept vehicles will feature AI-powered systems supporting highly automated driving. By next year, these vehicles are expected to achieve Level 2++ autonomy—allowing them to perform functions like overtaking, turning, and merging with minimal driver input under certain conditions. “Over the next three years, we will bring out more than 20 state-of-the-art NEVs alone with forward-looking technologies to cater to all our different customers in China. With our ‘In China, for China’ strategy we will now realize our full potential and demonstrate our innovative strength at local level,” commented Stefan Mecha, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars Brand for China.
“We picked up ‘China speed’ with our new development center in Hefei. Our goal is to develop our models within 34 months at most. We will launch the right models at the right speed and with the right partners. The three concept vehicles meet the different technological requirements of Chinese customers with their all-electric drive systems for the volume and full-size segments and range extender technology,” added Thomas Ulbrich, CEO of Volkswagen China Technology Center (VCTC).
