- The ID.Era 8X pairs a 1.5-liter turbo with two battery choices.
- Its largest 65.2-kWh pack delivers up to 214 miles of EV range.
- Visually, the 8X is nearly indistinguishable from the larger 9X.
VW keeps doing in China what it can’t seem to manage anywhere else, rolling out EVs and range-extenders that actually look worth a second glance. The ID.Era 8X is the newest of them, and it shows up with a clean modern shape and a tech package that holds up.
These photos from China’s MIIT show the 8X looks almost identical to the slightly larger 9X, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but does mean it could easily be confused with that flagship model out on the road. Stretching across the fascia are an LED light bar and the daytime running lights, while the main headlight clusters sit vertically below them.
Other key elements include a gloss black grille with active elements, black fenders, and black wing mirrors. The rear is also mostly the same as the 9X, with a similar LED light bar and an illuminated VW emblem.
Read: VW Built A Bigger ID SUV Than The X7 And You Can’t Have It
In terms of size, the 8X is 197.6 inches (5,020 mm) long, 78.6 inches (1,997 mm) wide, and stands 68.9 inches (1,750 mm) tall with a 116.9-inch (2,970 mm) wheelbase. By comparison, the 9X is longer at 205 inches (5,207 mm), shares the same width, and sits slightly higher at 71.2 inches (1,810 mm). It also stretches further between the axles, with a 120.8-inch (3,070 mm) wheelbase.
A Big Range-Extender
Four distinct versions of the ID.Era 8X will be sold. All use a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder serving as a range-extender. The base version will couple this engine with a 51.1 kWh battery pack and an electric motor for a combined 295 hp (220 kW) and an EV-only driving range of 162 miles (260 km).
A slightly lighter version using the same powertrain and battery will also be offered, raising the electric range to 171 miles (275 km). VW will sell two further variants with a larger 65.2 kWh battery, pushing the electric range to 205 miles (330 km) and 214 miles (345 km), respectively. The SUV’s weight will vary between 5,478 lbs (2,485 kg) and 5,709 lbs (2,590 kg), depending on the specification.
Pricing has yet to be announced, with full details and availability expected later in the year.
