Volkswagen unveils three new electric concept cars—ID. AURA, ID. ERA, and ID. EVO—at Auto Shanghai 2025, showcasing next-gen design, AI-driven automation, and a bold EV strategy for the Chinese market.
At Auto Shanghai 2025, Volkswagen unveiled three new electric concept vehicles—ID. AURA, ID. ERA, and ID. EVO—showcasing its next-generation design and technology vision for the Chinese market. These concept models were developed in partnership with Volkswagen’s joint ventures—FAW-Volkswagen, SAIC VOLKSWAGEN, and Volkswagen Anhui—and signal a major expansion in the brand’s local EV strategy under the banner of “In China, for China.”
Volkswagen plans to launch more than 30 new models in China by 2027, including 20 New Energy Vehicles (NEVs). The three concept cars revealed in Shanghai preview some of the upcoming models that will be tailored specifically for Chinese consumers.
“The three concept vehicles are the visible outcome of our ‘In China, for China’ strategy. We have thus made all the necessary preparations to remain in pole position among foreign automakers in China,” said Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand.
The new models, revealed at Volkswagen Group Night ahead of the show’s official opening, will remain on display through early May. Classified as NEVs under China’s regulatory framework, the vehicles span various powertrain technologies including fully electric, plug-in hybrid, and range extender formats. All three concepts feature AI-based systems capable of Level 2++ highly automated driving, allowing autonomous functions such as lane changes, turns, and merging under driver supervision.
A Closer Look at the New EV Trio
The ID. ERA, developed by SAIC VOLKSWAGEN, is a spacious full-size SUV with three rows of seats. It marks Volkswagen’s first use of range extender technology in China. A small fuel-powered generator recharges the battery while driving, delivering an additional 700 kilometers of range. Combined with a 300-kilometer battery-only range, the vehicle offers a total driving distance of more than 1,000 kilometers.
The ID. EVO, created by Volkswagen Anhui, targets young, lifestyle-oriented consumers. Built on an 800-volt platform, it’s the first all-electric full-size SUV in the ID. UNYX family. Its high-performance zonal electronic architecture supports a wide range of digital services and enables frequent over-the-air updates, enhancing the ownership experience over time.
The ID. AURA, presented by FAW-Volkswagen, is based on the newly developed Compact Main Platform (CMP)—a modular electric platform tailored specifically for the Chinese market. This sleek notchback sedan is designed for the price-sensitive A-segment. It features a smartphone-like UI/UX interface in the center console and a humanoid AI assistant that offers intuitive control of vehicle functions and infotainment.
Localized R&D and Accelerated Timelines
Volkswagen is ramping up development speed in China, thanks in part to its new technology center in Hefei. “We picked up ‘China speed’ with our new development center in Hefei. Our goal is to develop our models within 34 months at most. We will launch the right models at the right speed and with the right partners,” said Thomas Ulbrich, CEO of Volkswagen China Technology Center (VCTC).
“Over the next three years, we will bring out more than 20 state-of-the-art NEVs alone with forward-looking technologies to cater to all our different customers in China. With our ‘In China, for China’ strategy we will now realize our full potential and demonstrate our innovative strength at local level,” added Stefan Mecha, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars Brand for China.
A Fresh Take on Volkswagen Design
While each concept vehicle expresses its own design identity, all remain distinctly Volkswagen. “The ID. CODE show car we exhibited in Beijing last year was the jumping-off point for our new design direction in China,” said Andreas Mindt, Head Designer at Volkswagen. “We have refined this in recent months and adapted it specifically for each of our joint ventures.”
Volkswagen’s Shanghai showcase demonstrates a clear commitment to localized innovation, digitalization, and electrification. With these concepts, the brand is setting the stage for a wave of intelligent, China-focused vehicles poised to reshape its position in the world’s largest automotive market.
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