As VW Stuggles In Europe, It Just Landed A Knockout Blow In China

The Volkswagen Group is in a world of pain at the moment. Not only is it planning to cut 100,000 jobs through a dramatic revamp, but it will also slash roughly 50% of its current lineup and could be forced to close four of its German factories over the next eight years. From the outside, it seems the brand cannot do anything right in Europe right now. In China, however, it has just launched a model that its global lineup could greatly benefit from.

This is the VW ID Era 8X, and it's a big, luxurious SUV built in partnership with the brand's Chinese partner, SAIC. Compared to the SUVs that VW sells in the West, including the Tiguan and Touareg, the ID Era 8X looks like it stepped out of the future into the present, and it shows the automaker hasn't completely lost its mojo.

Previewed earlier this year, but only officially launched, the ID Era 8X is exclusively available as an extended-range EV. It's built on an 800-volt electrical architecture and comes with either a 51.1-kWh lithium-ion battery or a 65.2-kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery. The first delivers an all-electric driving range of 232 miles (373 km), while the NMC battery has an EV range of 280 miles (451 km). Regardless of which battery is chosen, the ID Era 8X comes standard with a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four producing 141 horsepower (105 kW), acting solely as a generator.

Sitting at the base of the range is the Pro model, priced from just 226,800 yuan or $33,900. It comes with the 51.1-kWh battery and a rear-mounted motor with 295 hp. The combined driving range sits at an impressive 974 miles (1,567 km). VW is also offering a dual-motor Max version with 496 horsepower (370 kW) and the 51.1-kWh battery, starting at 249,800 yuan ($37,300).

Power specs for the two 65.2-kWh versions aren't confirmed, but the Max Long Range starts at 269,800 yuan ($40,300), while the Ultra Long Range starts at 289,900 yuan ($43,300). They both offer a combined driving range of up to 995 miles (1,602 km). For a limited time, VW has cut prices of all models by 20,000 yuan or roughly $3,000, meaning current prices vary between just $30,900 and $40,300.

It's not just the powertrain and prices that make the ID Era 8X appear much more compelling than the brand's Western models. All models come standard with an advanced driver-assistance system from Momenta, featuring a 192-channel LiDAR and 26 sensors that enable highway and urban navigation on autopilot.

The SUV's cabin also differs greatly from any non-Chinese VW. A pair of 15.6-inch 2.5k displays dominate the dashboard, flanking a digital gauge cluster. There's a relatively simple two-spoke, leather-trimmed steering wheel, a floating center console, wireless phone chargers, and a head-up display.

VW has not said if it has any plans to sell the ID Era 8X in Europe or in other markets. However, it was recently revealed that VW has been conducting a feasibility study to see if it can sell its Chinese models in Europe, with a particular focus on the flagship ID. Era 9X. The main issue VW needs to overcome is that these vehicles would be subject to tariffs, which would force it to bump up prices significantly.

If VW does decide to proceed with exporting vehicles from China to Europe, it'll be controversial, but it might just be what the company needs to better compete with new rivals. Without vehicles like the ID Era 8X, the tough times may continue.