- The ID. Unyx 09 took solely two years to develop.
- It is the second EV engineered by VW with Xpeng.
- The electrical sedan is certainly one of 20+ automobiles the VW Group is launching this 12 months in China.
The 2026 Beijing Auto Present hasn’t even began but, however the Volkswagen Group is already leaping the gun by unveiling a few of its latest fashions. We’ve seen the Jetta reinvented as a boxy electric SUV, and now it’s time to take a look at what stands out as the most fascinating sedan for the reason that Arteon.
The ID. Unyx 09 may not have the catchiest identify, but it surely’s an intriguing addition to VW’s Chinese language lineup. This electrical sedan was engineered with Xpeng, which additionally assisted in growing the ID. Unyx 08 electric SUV revealed late final 12 months. Each fashions are merchandise of the Volkswagen Anhui three way partnership, established in 2017 by VW and JAC Motors, with VW at present holding a 75-percent controlling stake.
Very similar to the SUV, which bears little resemblance to a world VW mannequin, the sedan is a departure from acquainted choices such because the U.S.-market Jetta or the numerous sedans bought in China. Echoing the ID. Unyx 08, it options break up headlights with huge higher LED daytime operating lights flanking an illuminated VW emblem.
Picture by: Volkswagen
The entrance bumper’s uncommon black strip extends into the fenders and even the doorways, whereas the A-pillars, roof, and door mirrors are additionally completed in black. VW is staying tight-lipped about specs, however we are able to spot 21-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero tires and paired with Brembo brakes. The gently sloping roofline hints at an Arteon-style tailgate, though the ID. Unyx 09 seems to retain a traditional trunk.
General, the styling is noticeably much less bulbous than the ID.7 bought in Europe and different markets. With Xpeng’s help, VW wanted solely two years to develop the ID. Unyx 09, but it surely’s a automotive we’re unlikely to see outdoors China. Measuring round 197 inches (5 meters) in size, it’s barely bigger than the ID.7. These beneficiant proportions recommend it may turn into VW’s flagship sedan in China, the place the model already gives a variety of fashions, together with the Lavida Professional, Sagitar, Lamando L, Magotan, and Passat Professional.
The VW Group has massive plans to revive its struggling Chinese language operations, getting ready what it calls its “largest-ever product offensive” within the area. Greater than 20 electrified fashions are set to launch this 12 months alone, with one other 30 new automobiles scheduled by the top of the last decade. None will put on the Skoda badge, because the model is ready to be phased out in China later this 12 months. The Jetta sub-brand is anticipated to fill that hole inside the hierarchy, alongside one other China-only marque: AUDI.
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Supply: Volkswagen
Motor1’s Take: We want VW would take extra design dangers outdoors China. A broader sedan lineup can be a welcome change in at the moment’s SUV-dominated market, particularly after the Passat and Arteon had been discontinued. Nonetheless, a big electrical sedan like this might overlap with the ID.7, giving VW little incentive to promote it globally.
It stays to be seen whether or not the partnership with Xpeng will repay in a market the place VW has been shedding floor for years. The design is actually fascinating, however that alone will not be sufficient for the ID. Unyx 08 to ascertain a powerful foothold amid fierce native competitors.
