Volkswagen unveils ID. UNYX electric SUV coupe in China

17 July 2024

Volkswagen is trying to shake things up a bit in China with the debut of its latest EV, the ID. UNYX. Designed exclusively for the local market, this SUV coupef features an interesting design and improved technology, per the company claims. The ID. UNYX is supposed to help Volkswagen refresh its "people's car" image in China.

That's a big ask for an electric crossover entering the world's busiest EV market. The press release states that this "purpose-built facility focuses solely on developing state-of-the-art EVs tailored to local preferences." There's just one slight glitch here - the ID. UNYX isn't really that original or unique. It simply is a re-badged and toned-down Cupra Tavascan.

One of the standout features of the ID. UNYX is its innovative human-machine interface (HMI), which boasts an interactive, AI-powered 3D avatar. You can personalize its appearance and voice through a dedicated app, creating a driving companion according to your liking.

The entry-level ID. UNYX packs a 210 kW (286 horsepower) electric motor on the rear axle, supported by a 77 kWh battery. According to the China Light-Duty Test Cycle (CLTC), this configuration can go up to 386 miles on a single charge. Cupra Tavascan, with the same specification, has a 340 miles rating from WLTP. No, Volkswagen did not find some magic optimizations - it's just that the CLTC cycle is extremely optimistic.

There's also an all-wheel-drive variant with dual electric motors and a combined output of 250 kW (340 horsepower), but we got no range figures for it.

Visually, the ID. UNYX certainly has a much bolder look than the rest of the ID family. The gold-colored Volkswagen badge and lettering, symbolizing quality and reliability in China, adorn the front and rear of the vehicle. The front end features LED matrix headlights with a horizontal LED strip, while the sharply cut character line adds a touch of dynamism to the SUV coupe's silhouette. At the rear, the 3D-structured LED tail lights and illuminated strip create a floating light effect, further enhancing the vehicle's allure.

Unfortunately, when we compare the interior to the original - the Cupra Tavascan - the UNYX is actually a step back. The dramatic cabin of the Tavascan has been replaced with a tamer, almost-boring VW-style cabin with a splash of color here and there.

Volkswagen's ambitious plan for the ID. UNYX doesn't end with this model. The brand aims to expand the ID. UNYX into a sub-brand with four additional vehicles within the next three years, including SUVs and sedans. This aligns with Volkswagen's broader strategy to introduce 34 new models in China by 2030.

To complement the ID. UNYX, Volkswagen is also rolling out a unique retail concept. The ID. UNYX sub-brand will have 40 exclusive stores across 20 cities, where potential customers can personally experience the ID. UNYX through virtual and augmented reality experiences. Will the UNYX succeed in China, or will it follow in the footsteps of the ID.7 VIZZION? We won't have to wait too long to find out.

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