Volkswagen ID. Unyx 09 2026: specs, power and China launch timing

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Volkswagen is preparing a large electric fastback for China, the ID. Unyx 09. The model has surfaced in the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) catalogue, with a commercial launch expected in the second half of 2026. For Volkswagen, this is not just another EV — it’s an attempt to move into a pricier, more emotional segment where power, design and technology matter most.

In size, the ID. Unyx 09 comes close to executive-class territory: it measures 5,081 mm long, 1,980 mm wide, and either 1,509 mm or 1,526 mm tall depending on trim, with a 3,030 mm wheelbase. That footprint leaves plenty of room for both the cabin and the battery, while the fastback body is meant to set the car apart from the electric SUVs already flooding the Chinese market.

Buyers will get a choice of two powertrains. The base version gets a single rear permanent-magnet synchronous motor producing 230 kW, or 308 hp. The top variant is all-wheel drive: a front motor rated at 140 kW joins the rear unit, for a combined output of 370 kW — 496 hp. Top speed on the dual-motor version is capped at 200 km/h. The battery will use lithium iron phosphate chemistry.

Cells are supplied by CATL, with pack assembly handled by Volkswagen Anhui Components. For owners, LFP chemistry is appealing for its durability and longevity, though exact battery capacity and range haven’t been disclosed yet. Kerb weight is substantial: 2,207 kg for the single-motor version and 2,307 kg for the all-wheel-drive one, which is why strong brakes here are a necessity rather than a luxury.

Equipment includes 21-inch sport wheels and Brembo brake calipers. The exterior looks more aggressive thanks to a wide body, expressive front lighting and pronounced rear arches. Volkswagen clearly wants the ID. Unyx 09 to be seen not as a quiet electric sedan for corporate fleets, but as a genuine technological GT.

Lighting gets special attention. The model will feature matrix projection headlights with digital light processing and interactive LED elements with laser engraving. The system can project guidance markers and light “carpets” onto the road, helping the driver judge the car’s dimensions at night or in poor weather.

The ID. Unyx 09 continues the development of Volkswagen Anhui’s Chinese lineup, following the ID. Unyx 07 and ID. Unyx 08, built on the back of the partnership with Xpeng. For the brand, this marks an important shift: instead of playing it safe with mass-market crossovers, Volkswagen is pushing a flagship electric fastback with serious power and a local battery supply chain.

The big question now is pricing and range. If Volkswagen can keep the ID. Unyx 09 within reasonable bounds, it will have a real shot at competing with Chinese EVs on more than just the badge.

Volkswagen previously said it will drop diesel in Europe, replacing the 2.0 TDI with a hybrid.