Volkswagen Group has officially begun series production of the ID.UNYX 08, the first fully connected all-electric full-size SUV jointly developed with Chinese EV manufacturer XPENG. The vehicle has rolled off the production line at Volkswagen Anhui’s plant in Hefei, marking a key milestone in the company’s “In China, for China” strategy aimed at strengthening its position in the country’s rapidly evolving electric vehicle market.
Developed in just 24 months after the two companies began collaborating, the ID.UNYX 08 represents the first tangible result of Volkswagen’s strategic partnership with XPENG. The SUV combines German engineering with locally developed technologies tailored specifically to Chinese consumers.
The ID.UNYX 08 features advanced electric vehicle technology, including an 800-volt ultra-fast charging system, Level-2 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and over-the-air (OTA) software update capability. These technologies allow the vehicle to receive continuous upgrades throughout its lifecycle while maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and driving comfort.
Oliver Blume, CEO of Volkswagen Group, said the new model demonstrates the success of the company’s China-focused strategy launched three years ago. “The ID.UNYX 08 is impressive proof that our China strategy is unleashing its full power. The car was developed in China for China, combining German engineering with local cutting-edge technology and bringing it to market quickly at attractive prices,” he said.
Ralf Brandstätter, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG responsible for China and Chairman and CEO of Volkswagen Group China, highlighted the scale of the company’s EV push in the region. According to Brandstätter, the automaker plans to introduce one new electric car approximately every two weeks in China this year as part of its largest EV product offensive in the country.
The ID.UNYX 08 is also the first model in a new generation of Volkswagen smart electric vehicles designed specifically for Chinese customer needs. Brandstätter noted that the rapid development timeline and advanced technology reflect the strong cooperation between Volkswagen and XPENG.
He Xiaopeng, Chairman and CEO of XPENG, described the start of production as a major milestone in the partnership. He said the collaboration allows both companies to combine their strengths to deliver innovative electric vehicles and create long-term value.
The development of the model was supported by Volkswagen China Technology Company (VCTC), which oversaw product design, quality standards, and driving dynamics. Meanwhile, Volkswagen’s software unit CARIAD China worked with XPENG to develop the China Electronic Architecture (CEA) — a new locally engineered electrical and electronic platform that will support future Volkswagen models in China, including both electric and combustion vehicles.
Volkswagen plans to launch the ID.UNYX 08 in the first half of 2026. As part of its broader electrification strategy, the company intends to introduce more than 20 locally developed new energy vehicle models in China this year, with plans to expand the lineup to 50 NEV models by 2030.
The launch underscores Volkswagen’s ambition to remain the leading international automaker in China while playing a key role in the country’s intelligent connected vehicle era.
