Volkswagen Unveils ID. AURA, ERA, EVO Concepts in Shanghai

At the Shanghai auto show, Volkswagen introduced three innovative concept vehicles: the ID. AURA, ID. ERA, and ID. EVO. Each model highlights Volkswagen’s vision for the future of electric mobility, combining cutting-edge technology, sustainable design, and advanced features. The unveiling demonstrates the company's commitment to expanding its electric vehicle lineup and shaping the next generation of driving experiences. These concepts reflect Volkswagen's strategic focus on innovation, sustainability, and global leadership in the EV market.

Volkswagen is expanding on the narrative it began with the ID. CODE, a concept first introduced in Beijing in 2024 that set the tone for future designs, innovations, and customer-centric features. Building on that foundation, the company has now revealed three new concept vehicles at Auto Shanghai, collaborating closely with its Chinese joint venture partners. These new models -the ID. AURA from FAW-Volkswagen, the ID. ERA from SAIC VOLKSWAGEN, and the ID. EVO from Volkswagen Anhui  - showcase the next generation of intelligent electric vehicles and offer a glimpse into Volkswagen’s product roadmap for the coming years.

The brand plans to launch more than 30 new models in China by the end of 2027, with 20 of them classified as New Energy Vehicles (NEVs). The Shanghai concept cars will eventually lead to production models, designed specifically to meet the preferences and demands of Chinese consumers.

Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand, emphasized that these three concept vehicles are a direct result of the company's "In China, for China" initiative, positioning Volkswagen to maintain its leadership among foreign automakers operating in the Chinese market.

During the Volkswagen Group Night event held on Tuesday evening in China, the ID. AURA, ID. ERA, and ID. EVO made their public debut. Alongside other Volkswagen vehicles, these concept models will be showcased at Auto Shanghai until early May. All three are categorized under China’s NEV classification, encompassing fully electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and models equipped with range extender technologies.

The production versions of these vehicles will incorporate advanced AI-driven systems capable of enabling highly automated driving. As early as next year, they are expected to achieve Level 2++ automation, allowing for autonomous functions such as overtaking, turning, and merging with traffic - all while still under driver supervision.

Stefan Mecha, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars Brand for China, shared that Volkswagen aims to roll out over 20 next-generation NEVs in China within the next three years. He stressed that the "In China, for China" strategy will help the brand realize its full potential by delivering innovative technologies directly suited to local consumers.

Thomas Ulbrich, CEO of the Volkswagen China Technology Center (VCTC), highlighted the company's rapid development pace, noting that their new center in Hefei allows for model development within a maximum of 34 months. Volkswagen plans to introduce the right models, at the right time, and with the right partners. The three new concepts address a range of technological demands from Chinese consumers, covering both volume and full-size segments with fully electric powertrains and range extender technologies.

Volkswagen has also carefully adapted the design of these concept cars to reflect the tastes of Chinese buyers. Even though each model has its own distinct design identity, all three maintain a clear visual link to Volkswagen’s overall brand language. Head Designer Andreas Mindt explained that the ID. CODE show car, showcased in Beijing the previous year, served as the starting point for this new design approach, which has since been fine-tuned to suit each joint venture partner.

As for the individual vehicles, the ID. ERA, developed by SAIC VOLKSWAGEN, is a roomy full-size SUV featuring three rows of seating and pioneering range extender technology. A fuel-powered generator recharges the battery during trips, allowing the vehicle to achieve a combined range exceeding 1,000 kilometers - 300 kilometers on battery power alone plus an additional 700 kilometers using the generator.

The ID. EVO, designed by Volkswagen Anhui, is aimed at younger, trend-focused consumers looking for standout options. Built on an 800-volt platform, it marks the debut of the ID. UNYX family’s first all-electric full-size SUV. The ID. EVO features a cutting-edge zonal electronic system that supports a broad range of digital services and can evolve with regular over-the-air updates.

Meanwhile, the ID. AURA from FAW-Volkswagen is the first vehicle built on the Compact Main Platform (CMP) with zonal architecture, tailored specifically for China. It brings a new level of AI-driven, highly automated driving behaviors that feel more natural. Designed for the affordable A-segment market, the electric notchback blends technology with dynamic styling. Inside, a smartphone-like UI/UX system is embedded in the center console, and an AI-powered humanoid assistant enables intuitive control over both the car’s features and infotainment system.

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Source: worldautoforum‍