Volkswagen’s first custom EV rolls out after taking top spot in China

Volkswagen sold over 100,000 vehicles in China last month, overtaking BYD and Toyota as the top-selling car brand. To stay ahead, Volkswagen plans to launch a new EV every two weeks on average, or “China Speed.”

Volkswagen’s first custom-tailored EV rolls out in China

After BYD ended Volkswagen’s 15-year run as China’s top-selling car brand in 2023, Volkswagen is looking to make a comeback. Volkswagen was once again the best-selling auto brand in China in February 2026, ahead of its biggest EV offensive yet.

As part of its “In China, for China” strategy, the European automaker is going on the offensive, with plans to launch a new EV every two weeks on average this year, starting with the ID.UNYX 08.

The ID.UNYX 08 is Volkswagen’s first fully connected, purely electric full-size SUV developed through its partnership with XPeng.

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With German engineering infused with advanced local technology, the electric SUV is Volkswagen’s most advanced EV for the Chinese market and a cornerstone of its ambitions to reclaim market share in the region.

After announcing the first series models rolled off the production line at Volkswagen Anhui in Hefei, Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume said, “Three years ago, we launched our strong China strategy – It is now unleashing its full power. The ID.UNYX 08 is the next impressive proof of this.”

Based on an 800V electric architecture co-developed with XPeng, the ID.UNYX 08 features ultra-fast charging, allowing it to recharge from 10% to 80% in about 20 minutes.

The electric SUV is also equipped with XPeng’s L2 advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) and a smart cockpit.

Inside, the ID.UNYX 08 is unlike any Volkswagen vehicle we’ve seen with dual 14.96″ navigation and infotainment screens, plus a 10.25″ driver display that stretches nearly across the dash. It even has a built-in refrigerator.

The electric SUV will be available in single and dual-motor all-wheel-drive configurations. The single-motor model has a rear-mounted electric motor with 230 kW (308 hp), while the AWD version packs a combined 370 kW (496 hp).

Two LFP battery pack options, 82.4 kWh and 95 kWh, will offer CLTC ranges between 630 km (391 miles) and 730 km (453 miles).

Volkswagen plans to launch the ID.UNYX 08 in the first half of 2026 as the first of 20 new, custom-tailored EVs in China this year. The second model developed in collaboration with XPeng will debut and hit the market by the end of the year. By 2030, Volkswagen plans to introduce 50 new NEV models in China as it aims to “maintain its position as the top international car manufacturer.”

According to Volkswagen, the first series ID.UNYX 08 rolled off the production line just 24 months after securing its partnership with XPeng. Now, that’s “China Speed,” as Volkswagen calls it.

While Volkswagen outsold BYD, Toyota, and Tesla last month in China as the top-selling brand, it has a long road ahead, with a wave of domestic rivals hitting the market.

BYD also unveiled its new Blade Battery 2.0 and Flash Charging system last week, which unlocks over 1,000 km (620 miles) of CLTC driving range and 5-minute fast charging.

Can Volkswagen stay on top? Like most other global OEMs, Volkswagen will rely on local tech and software to gain an advantage.