Image: VolkswagenThe premieres include the ID. UNYX 09 saloon (developed jointly with Xpeng in just 24 months), the mid-range SUV ID. AURA T6 from FAW-Volkswagen, the JETTA X showcar for the entry-level segment, and the exterior design of the E7X, the second production vehicle from the China-exclusive brand AUDI. Additionally, the company presented the already known Audi A6L e-tron, the China-specific long-wheelbase version of the electric A6.The vehicles and concept studies unveiled at the Group Media Night ahead of the motor show are part of what the German carmaker describes as its ‘largest-ever electrification offensive in China.’ More than 20 new electrified models are set to launch in the country this year alone, with the total expected to reach 50 models by 2030.A closer look at the premieres reveals a familiar pattern: the ID. UNYX 09 is still officially classified as a near-production study rather than the final series model—although any deviations in hardware and design are expected to be marginal. Much like the electric SUV ID. UNYX 08, which draws on technology from XPeng’s G9—including the company’s in-house Turing AI chips for advanced applications—the roughly five-metre-long saloon from Volkswagen Anhui also builds on its Chinese partner’s technology stack.According to Volkswagen, the model integrates ‘state-of-the-art intelligent technologies,’ ranging from advanced Level 2 driver assistance systems and high-performance computing to an intuitive AI assistant. Notably, the fact that the ID. UNYX 09 is a battery-electric vehicle is only referenced in passing, suggesting that software and digital capabilities take centre stage in the model’s positioning.Like the ID. UNYX 09, the ID. AURA T6 will also launch under the VW brand in the Chinese market—and here, too, the ‘ID.’ badge familiar from Europe indicates that it is a fully battery-electric Volkswagen. The ID. AURA T6 originates from the FAW-Volkswagen joint venture and is ‘making its entry into China’s highly competitive fully electric mid-size SUV segment.’Unlike the ID. UNYX 09, this vehicle does not use Xpeng technology but is based on the locally developed China Electronic Architecture (CEA). “With state-of-the-art electrical architectures, ADAS systems, an intelligent cockpit and AI features, we are fulfilling all the key demands of our Chinese customers,” Volkswagen states. Additionally, the T6 is just the first model in the new ID. AURA series, with more vehicles expected to follow. Image: Volkswagen Image: Volkswagen Image: Volkswagen Image: Volkswagen Image: Volkswagen Image: Volkswagen Image: Volkswagen Image: Volkswagen Image: Volkswagen Image: Volkswagen Image: Volkswagen Image: VolkswagenThe sub-brand AUDI, developed together with SAIC Motor, unveiled the AUDI E7X. The company already previewed the design of its second production model with an earlier concept study, leaving few surprises in the series version.“Carrying expressive design language, the fully electric premium SUV combines the comforts of a spacious & intelligent cabin with Audi’s signature driving dynamics and the maximum traction of quattro all-wheel drive,” Volkswagen explains. The E7X will be available in two powertrain variants, offering ‘superior driving performance’ with system outputs of 300 kW and 500 kW, respectively. As a large SUV, the E7X is also designed to excel in comfort and everyday practicality.The fourth novelty is also significant, as the Jetta sub-brand, previously focused on affordable internal combustion engine vehicles, is transitioning to electric mobility. With the electrification of Jetta, Volkswagen aims ‘to carry its leadership position in affordable internal combustion engine vehicles into the electric age.’Ahead of Auto China 2026, the brand presented the JETTA X concept vehicle, offering a first look at upcoming electric Jetta models and the new ‘Modern Robust’ design language. Electrification also ushers in a revised Jetta logo, signalling a broader repositioning of the marque.The company plans to launch its first all-electric Jetta later this year, followed by three additional electrified models—though not all of them will be fully electric—by 2028. The focus remains on affordability, with target pricing reportedly around €10,000. However, this positioning applies exclusively to the Chinese market, as the manufacturer does not plan to export these models to Europe.Furthermore, the Volkswagen Group provided an outlook on its next major step towards the era of AI-defined vehicles in China, presenting its roadmap ‘Agent-Based AI for All.’ All vehicles based on the CEA platform and launching in the second half of the year will be equipped with an onboard AI agent that uses a locally trained large language model (LLM) as a natural language interface.“Unlike a simple voice assistant that reacts to specific commands, an Agentic AI proactively understands user intent, executes complex, multi-system actions, and makes contextual decisions to achieve a goal through natural conversation,” Volkswagen explains.The AI agent will run as a closed system within the vehicle, with no personal data sent to the cloud. The CEA 2.0, announced for 2027, will also support the AI agent but will integrate intelligent driving and cockpit functions on a more powerful central computing platform.“This upgraded foundation will enable efficient vehicle operation through a Multi-Agent AI system – comprising coordinated agents for driving, cockpit experience, and ecosystem services — marking Volkswagen Group’s next major step in China toward the AI-defined vehicle era,” the Group states.‘After E-mobility for all and ADAS for all we are now introducing Agentic AI for all,’ said VW CEO Oliver Blume. “Starting this year, our in-car AI Agent will begin coming to our locally developed cars. With this step the Volkswagen Group is the first global automakers to deploy agentic AI across an entire vehicle portfolio in China at scale.”““Our ‘in China, for China’ strategy is now taking to the roads. In just 36 months, the Volkswagen Group has developed a completely new product portfolio for smart electric vehicles in China,” added Ralf Brandstätter, CEO of Volkswagen Group China. “This year alone, we will launch 20 new smart electric vehicles onto the market. With state-of-the-art electrical architectures, ADAS systems, an intelligent cockpit and AI features, we are fulfilling all the key demands of our Chinese customers. The numerous premieres from our brands at the Beijing Motor Show underscore the speed and rigor of our transformation.”volkswagen-group.com