After unveiling the ID. Code concept at the 2024 Beijing Motor Show, Volkswagen continues to develop models exclusively for the Chinese market. The German brand has presented three new concepts at the 2025 Shanghai Motor Show that look like they could enter production tomorrow.
The ID. Aura, ID. Era, and ID. Evo concepts were developed as part of a joint venture with FAW, SAIC, and VW Anhui. The three vehicles—two SUVs and a sedan— preview a new generation of intelligent electric vehicles, designed specifically for the Chinese market. Here are all the details.
Advanced Driver Assists With Region-Specific Style
Photo by: Volkswagen
Volkswagen ID. Evo concept 2025
According to Volkswagen, all new production models derived from these three concepts will be equipped with AI-based systems for advanced automated driving.
By 2026, VW aims to reach Level 2+ operation: hands-free operation in some situations with the ability to overtake, turn, and enter traffic independently. But it’s not an eyes-off mode like Level 3. Drivers must remain watchful behind the wheel and be ready to take control.
In addition to the new tech, the three concepts have been specifically designed to embrace the tastes of Chinese customers. That means considerable attention to detail with regards to the quality of materials, ample headroom for rear passengers, and a long wheelbase. Lest we forget, Volkswagen produces a Tiguan L Pro specifically for the Chinese market.
Two SUVs And A Sedan
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Volkswagen ID. Era concept 2025
Starting in alphabetical order, the first on the list is called ID. Era, made by SAIC Volkswagen. It is a large three-row electric SUV supplemented with a combustion engine acting solely as a range extender for the battery. VW states the ID. Era has a combined range of 621 miles with the engine running. On just the battery, range is 186 miles.
Photo by: Volkswagen
Volkswagen ID. Evo concept 2025
Next is the ID. Evo, developed by Volkswagen Anhui. It’s also a larger SUV, though it’s aimed at younger buyers who are more style-conscious. It’s part of the ID. Unyx family, meaning it utilizes an 800-volt platform and includes a high-performance zonal electronic architecture. It’s capable of over-the-air updates and can use advanced digital systems.
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Volkswagen ID. Aura concept 2025
The last concept is the ID. Aura, a compact sedan from the engineers at FAW-Volkswagen. It’s the first model to use the new Compact Main Platform (CMP) with zonal electronic architecture. It was developed by combining a rounded design with smart features and a smartphone-inspired user interface for the infotainment system. It also features a humanoid AI assistant for natural control of on-board functions.
Designed And Developed In China
Volkswagen took the needs of Chinese customers into great consideration when designing and developing these models. According to Andreas Mindt, head of design for the company, the aforementioned ID. Code concept was the starting point for the concepts’ design language. From there, each vehicle evolved independently in the hands of designers at the three joint ventures. Development time was just 34 months, running at “Chinese speed,” according to Thomas Ulbrich, CEO of the Volkswagen China Technology Center.
Speaking at the Shanghai Motor Show, Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer declared that these concepts are “the visible result of the ‘In China, for China’ strategy,” underlining the importance of the Chinese market for the company’s future.
Ultimately, VW plans to launch over 30 new models by the end of 2027, including 20 classified as New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) that encompass fully electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and range-extended EVs.
Photo by: Volkswagen
Volkswagen ID. Era concept 2025
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