Volkswagen has taken the wraps off three futuristic concept cars — the ID. AURA, ID. ERA, and ID. EVO — at Auto Shanghai 2025, marking the next major milestone in its ‘In China, for China’ strategy. Designed exclusively for the Chinese market in collaboration with its joint venture partners FAW-Volkswagen, SAIC Volkswagen, and Volkswagen Anhui, these next-gen EVs preview the brand’s expansive product strategy for the world’s largest EV market.

The trio of concepts showcases Volkswagen’s vision for intelligent mobility, integrating artificial intelligence, smart zonal electronics, and highly automated driving systems. These models build on the design DNA introduced in the ID. CODE concept shown in Beijing 2024 are tailored specifically for Chinese consumers.

The ID. ERA is a full-size SUV from SAIC VOLKSWAGEN with three-row seating and an innovative range extender technology that delivers over 1,000 kilometres of total range, combining battery-powered and fuel-generated propulsion.

From Volkswagen Anhui comes the ID. EVO, an all-electric SUV built on an 800-volt architecture and engineered for digitally native, style-conscious customers. It debuts a zonal electronic system that enables seamless over-the-air updates and immersive digital experiences.

The ID. AURA, a sleek electric notchback from FAW-Volkswagen, is the first vehicle on the Compact Main Platform (CMP) created for China. It features an AI-powered humanoid assistant and intuitive smartphone-like user interface for cost-conscious buyers in the A-segment.

Each of these concepts is Level 2++ capable, enabling advanced autonomous features such as self-merging, overtaking, and turning under driver supervision. Production versions of these models will hit the Chinese market by 2027, as part of Volkswagen’s plan to launch over 30 new vehicles, including 20 new energy vehicles (NEVs).

With an advanced development centre in Hefei and a streamlined product cycle of just 34 months, Volkswagen is betting big on China’s “new energy” future — and racing ahead with a localised, tech-forward portfolio.