VW ID. Unyx 01: Cupra Clone for China

VW also believes it must establish additional sub-brands in China. This time, however, it goes opposite to Europe, where the Cupra Born was introduced as a clone of the VW ID.3. In China, the Unyx01 is a clone of the Cupra Tavascan. Badge engineering, as BLMC and General Motors once eagerly practiced. The technical data appears familiar: the base version of the ID. Unyx is driven by a 210 kW (286 PS) electric motor on the rear axle. The motor is powered by a 77-kWh battery (net). The drive system allows for ranges of up to 621 km under the rather lax CLTC standard, the China Light-Duty Test Cycle – in reality, it's more like 400 km plus or minus x. Additionally, as with the Cupra Tavascan, there will be an all-wheel drive version with two electric motors, offering a total output of 250 kW (340 PS). The ranges would likely roughly align with those of the Tavascan.

VW speaks of its e-SUV coupé as having a "particularly progressive design," praising its "smart human-machine interface (HMI) with personalized 3D avatar" and announces over 600 kilometers of range according to the CLTC standard, though it's not entirely clear.

New sub-brand, new sales concept

In any case, the "specifically tailored to the Chinese market" ID. Unyx01 is said to be the latest development stage of Volkswagen's intelligently connected vehicles. Along with it, they have also invented a new sales concept with 40 exclusive stores in 20 cities where interested customers can experience the vehicle through modern technologies like virtual and augmented reality. Stefan Mecha, CEO Volkswagen Brand China, also boldly declares:

"With the new ID. Unyx, we are expanding our range of electric ID. models in China with an avant-garde product. We are combining a self-assured, progressive design with a sustainable electric drive and state-of-the-art user experience. All this perfectly hits the pulse of the times: Intelligent, connected electric models like the new ID. UNYX are the key to winning over young, lifestyle-oriented target groups and retaining existing customers to the Volkswagen brand."

What he doesn't say: all other VW models currently seem not to be hitting this lifestyle-oriented group at all, especially as the electric ones are already struggling. Therefore, four more ID. UNYX models are expected to follow by 2026: These will include both SUVs and sedans. The ID. Unyx models are said to be "a central component of Volkswagen's master plan for China, which aims to introduce a total of 34 new models by 2030, strengthening Volkswagen's position as the most successful international brand on the Chinese market".

Again, another half superlative, as VW was once by far the most successful brand in China for a long time, but now increasingly suffers (like all other "international brands") from the fact that young Chinese buyers exclusively purchase new Chinese brands. Therefore, the establishment of ID. Unyx.

With the long-standing joint ventures SAIC Volkswagen and FAW-Volkswagen as well as the new Volkswagen Smart E-Mobility Hub, Volkswagen's product range in China – including the ID. Unyx program – will be enriched with 16 new electric ID. models, twelve new Volkswagens with internal combustion engines, and six new models with plug-in hybrid drives. So, they are staying on the throttle, or rather, the accelerator pedal.