Volkswagen Anhui to herald golden era with debut of ID. EVO

Volkswagen Anhui, known for its golden logo branding, is showcasing its first fully connected, full-size all-electric SUV concept — the ID. EVO — at Auto Shanghai 2025, signaling a bold new chapter in the Sino-German joint venture's strategy.

Alongside this, it introduced the refreshed ID. UNYX model, now named the ID. UNYX 06, incorporating extensive upgrades in software and hardware.

The concept car and refreshed electric crossover are expected to boost the growth momentum of the company, the youngest of Volkswagen's three joint ventures in China.

This ID. EVO is nearly ready for production and, among other things, is equipped with leading-edge digital and driver-assist features, designed to meet the comprehensive needs of Chinese consumers. The SUV will enter mass production at Volkswagen Anhui in 2026.

Stefan Timmermann, CEO of Volkswagen (Anhui) Digital Sales and Services Company, said: "Riding the wave of AI innovation, ID. EVO is purpose-built for young urban customers who value individuality and lifestyle."

"With new design, new intelligence, and new standards, it represents the future evolution of our product lineup," he said.

The ID. EVO concept car is positioned as Volkswagen Anhui's answer to the rapidly transforming Chinese automotive market, where intelligent connectivity and electrification are now must-haves.

Designed around the idea of evolution (hence the EVO name), the vehicle showcases an immersive smart cabin experience and a safety-first advanced driver assistance system.

Visually, the ID. EVO makes an immediate impression with its bold, dynamic design language — short front overhang, long rear overhang, and a sleek, flowing silhouette.

Its futuristic lighting system features more than 400 controllable 3D triangular LED units capable of dynamic "fireworks" effects, while the Volkswagen logo is embedded playfully into the high-mounted brake light.

"The dynamic effect of the daytime running lights is simply breathtaking," Timmermann said, reflecting on his first encounter with the concept car.

Inside, the vehicle offers a "second living room" experience. A floating central console rises like a spacecraft control panel, while hidden air vents and flowing golden accent lines create a refined interior atmosphere.

"The ID. EVO's Queen's Seat, complete with professional massage functions and optional mini fridge, turns every family journey into a luxurious retreat," Timmermann noted.

Technologically, the ID. EVO is no less ambitious. It debuts Volkswagen's all-new UNYX human-machine interface, supported by a next-generation operating system.

The giant infotainment screen offers cinema-level visuals, and rear passengers can magnetically attach tablets for a customizable entertainment experience.

Meanwhile, an AI-powered 3D avatar personal assistant enhances immersive, natural interactions.

On the driver-assist front, the ID. EVO boasts an industry-leading, map-free Level 2++ visual-based system that offers seamless support across highways, urban roads and parking scenarios.

Thanks to powerful AI algorithms, the system promises enhanced safety and a smoother driving experience, even under complex city conditions.

Electrification standards are equally impressive. The ID. EVO achieves up to 700 kilometers of range under China Light Duty Vehicle Test Cycle conditions and is the first golden logo Volkswagen model to feature 800-volt ultrafast charging, supported by more than 20,000 fast chargers across 420 Chinese cities.

Alongside the ID. EVO reveal, Volkswagen Anhui also reintroduced its popular electric coupe SUV, formerly known as the ID. UNYX.

The 2025 model brings nearly 50 hardware and software upgrades aimed at boosting perceived value and smart functionality.

The ID. UNYX 06 features Volkswagen's latest ID.S 5.4 system, improving response speed and interactivity through four new and 31 optimized functions.

Enhanced AI assistant capabilities, vehicle-based gaming, and metaverse social features are part of the new entertainment suite, while physical upgrades include a new "Sunset Blue" exterior and customizable in-car fragrances.

To make the ID. UNYX 06 more accessible, Volkswagen Anhui has also introduced a new entry-level Pure model variant. Equipped with a 53.6 kilowatt-hours LFP battery pack, it provides customers a more affordable way to experience the brand's signature German driving experience.

Volkswagen Anhui is gearing up for its "A New Dawn" in 2025, building on its "New Born" in 2024.

The carmaker plans to rapidly expand its lineup. By 2026, three new models — including SUVs and sedans — will enter the market, all benefiting from the complete industrial ecosystem Volkswagen Group has established in Hefei, capital of East China's Anhui province.

Network expansion will also be critical. By the end of the first quarter, Volkswagen Anhui had established a retail network across 35 cities with 67 outlets. This includes four direct-sale ID. UNYX Experience Centers in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou in Guangdong province, and Chengdu in Sichuan province.

By year-end, the network will grow to 120 outlets across 70 cities, including deeper penetration into tier-three markets.

On network expansion strategies, Timmermann said: "We are being very cautious and granular in our planning. Expansion must balance regional policies, local market realities, and operational sustainability. It's not about blind speed — it's about smart, resilient growth."

Looking ahead, Volkswagen Anhui aims to pursue a philosophy of "steady yet swift" — moving decisively, yet with long-term strategic consistency, to shape a new narrative for smart, connected electric mobility in China.