Volkswagen has launched its first smart battery energy vehicle (BEV) in China, designed specifically for the local market and available under the company’s new ID. Unyx sub-brand [itself a sub-brand of ID EV].

The new ID. Unyx 01 model is a smart battery powered SUV coupe powered by an 82kWh battery pack supplied by CATL. It has a range of 621km (390 miles) on a single charge and features smart human machine interface (HMI) with a personalisable 3D avatar.

VW described the model as its “latest development stage in intelligently networked vehicles, technically and visually tailored to the lifestyles of young customers in China’s cities”.

It planned to open 40 exclusive outlets in 20 cities across China where prospective customers would be able to “experience the vehicle through modern technologies such as virtual and augmented reality”.

The new BEV is produced by Volkswagen (Anhui) Automotive, a joint venture 75% owned by Volkswagen (China) Investment and 25% by Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group (JAC) in Hefei in Anhui province.

VW planned to launch four more ID. Unyx models in China by 2026, including other SUVs and passenger car models, and describes the sub-brand as “a central component of our master plan for China”.

Volkswagen reiterated it planned to launch 34 new models in China by 2030 across all its Chinese joint ventures, SAIC Volkswagen, FAW-Volkswagen and the Volkswagen Smart E-Mobility Hub.

These would include 16 battery powered ID models and 12 VW ICE and six new plug in hybrid models.

Stefan Mecha, CEO Volkswagen Brand China, said: “We are expanding the spectrum of our electric ID. models in China with an avant garde product. We are combining a confident, progressive design with a sustainable electric drive and 'state of the art' user experience. All of this perfectly matches the pulse of the times. Intelligently networked electric models are the key to attracting young, lifestyle oriented target groups and retaining existing customers for the VW brand."