Volkswagen has started production of the new ID.Unyx 08 electric SUV in Hefei, eastern China, and while we lost count of how many China-only models VW is selling these days, this one is really important.
That’s because the ID.Unyx 08 is Volkswagen’s first fully-connected, full-size battery electric SUV that features an 800-volt electrical architecture, as well as the first VW EV based on a third-party platform.
In this case, the ID.Unyx is based on Xpeng’s 800-volt, fast-charging EV platform as it was developed together with the Chinese EV maker as part of VW Group’s “In China, for China” strategy. Remarkably, the joint development of the new model took less than 24 months. That is a record for VW considering that the development of a new model used to take around 4 years and the new target set in effect since 2024 is 3 years.
Besides the 800-volt ultra-fast charging tech, VW ID.Unyx 08 also features locally developed technologies, including L2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) capabilities, continuous over-the-air (OTA) software updates, and connectivity features, including an AI assistant.
The Screen-Heavy Interior Barely Has Any Buttons
Volkswagen China
Speaking of connectivity, VW also released the first photos of the ID.Unyx 08’s interior, and it’s a real tech fest. Two 14.96-inch screens with 2.4K resolution affixed to the dashboard—one in the center and one for the front passenger—dominate the cabin, while the driver gets a separate 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster. Physical buttons are in short supply, with the only visibile ones being on the steering wheel and door panels.
The cabin also features two wireless charging pads above a lower storage area, an 18.73-sq ft dimming panoramic glass roof with 10 levels of opacity adjustment, and a 20-speaker sound system.
Volkswagen China
There’s a 14-way power-adjustable front passenger seat—with a built-in electrical footrest that extends forward for a recliner-like position—while the driver’s seat is 10-way adjustable; the rear seats can also recline 10 degrees.
Seeing as the ID.Unyx 08 measures almost 197 inches in length and has an ample wheelbase of over 119 inches, passenger room appears to be generous; despite that, the vehicle is a strict five-seater as VW does not offer a third-row option.
One of 20 New NEVs VW China Will Launch in 2026
Volkwagen China
Built by the Volkswagen Anhui joint venture between VW Group (75%) and China’s JAC (25%), the ID.Unyx 08 offers both single-motor RWD and dual-motor AWD configurations, with a maximum power of 308 hp in the former and 496 hp in the latter.
Power comes from CATL-supplied lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries with capacities of 82 kWh and 95 kWh, respectively. The longest-range version is rated at 454 miles in China’s CLTC test cycle.
The VW ID.Unyx 08 will launch in the first half of this year as one of 20 new, locally developed New Energy Vehicle (NEV) models (that is all-electric and plug-in hybrid) debuting in China in 2026 alone. “On average, the Volkswagen Group is launching one new electric car every two weeks this year. That’s ´China Speed,´” said Ralf Brandstätter, CEO of Volkswagen Group China.
A second model born from the cooperation between Volkswagen and Xpeng, an electric sedan, will also launch later this year.
Volkswagen
