One year ago, Volkswagen announced a major refresh of its model range in China as part of an effort to regain stronger positions in the world’s largest car market.
A key part of that strategy is developing new vehicles in close cooperation with local manufacturers.
SAIC Volkswagen recently introduced the large Volkswagen ID. ERA 9X crossover, and now it is being joined by the ID. ERA 5S sedan.
Unlike many global Volkswagen models, this car is clearly shaped around Chinese market expectations, from its styling to its advanced driver assistance focus.
A Clean Sedan With Modern Volkswagen Styling
As with the flagship SUV, the sedan’s body follows Volkswagen’s modern design language, with simple surfaces and a controlled number of sharp edges.
A daytime running light strip stretches across the full width of the front end, while the main headlights are positioned lower in the bumper. The ID. ERA 5S already uses flush door handles, while the ID. The ERA 9X crossover still has pop-out handles.
At the rear, there is a connected light bar with turquoise lighting elements. These are used to signal autonomous driving mode. Advanced highway and city driving assistance systems have also been announced, although no visible lidar unit can be seen.
Midsize Dimensions And A Modern Cabin
In size, the Volkswagen ID. ERA 5S is a typical midsize sedan. It measures 190.4 inches long, 74.0 inches wide, and 59.3 inches tall.
The wheelbase is 108.9 inches, while wheel options will range from 17 to 19 inches. Official interior photos have not yet been released.
However, exterior images reveal separate displays for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system, as well as an angular steering wheel. The new sedan will likely receive a modern cabin tailored closely to Chinese buyer preferences.
Plug-in Hybrid Power With Long Range
The Volkswagen ID. ERA 5S uses a plug-in hybrid powertrain based on a naturally aspirated 92 cubic inch VWH gasoline engine producing 109 hp and an electric motor rated at 177 hp.
The lithium iron phosphate battery has not yet had its capacity revealed, but it allows up to 99 miles of electric-only driving.
Total range could reach as much as 1,243 miles. The hybrid sedan weighs 3,649 pounds and can reach a top speed of 103 mph.
SAIC Volkswagen Will Build The New Sedan
Production of the ID. ERA 5S will be handled by the SAIC Volkswagen joint venture.
The sedan is expected to be significantly cheaper than the related ID.4 X crossover, which costs between about $47,700 and $55,000 in China.
For Volkswagen, the ID. ERA 5S is another sign of how seriously the company is adapting its Chinese lineup. Instead of relying only on global models, VW is now building more locally focused cars designed around Chinese technology, design, and pricing expectations.
This article originally appeared on Autorepublika.com and has been republished with permission by Guessing Headlights. AI-assisted translation was used, followed by human editing and review.