Volkswagen is diving headfirst into the extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) segment with its upcoming ID. Era crossover, and we just got our best look yet. In a classic “CEO sneak peek,” Volkswagen Group China’s chief, Ralf Brandstaetter, shared a photo of the camouflaged, mass-produced model, confirming it’s sticking close to the aggressive design of the concept car.
Developed specifically for the Chinese market, this model is a significant step for Volkswagen. It is the brand’s first EREV, a type of vehicle that uses a small gasoline engine to generate electricity for the battery, not to drive the wheels directly. This setup eliminates range anxiety while still offering a primarily electric driving experience. The ID. Era is the result of a joint venture between VW and Chinese auto giant SAIC, a partnership aimed at tailoring products directly for local tastes and regulations.
From Concept to Camo
The ID. Era first turned heads as a concept at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, pitched as a full-size SUV for large families. The camouflaged version Brandstaetter revealed shows that the production model will keep its bold presence. The two-tier headlight design, featuring slim running lights above the main LED lamps, gives it a sharp, modern face. You can also spot a high, confident bonnet line and a flat roof, which should translate to plenty of interior headroom.
One interesting detail is the LiDAR sensor mounted on the roof, hinting at an advanced L2 driver assistance system. The SUV also features retractable door handles, a sleek touch that VW is keeping despite some evolving safety regulations in China. A charging port is visible on the right rear fender, while conventional side mirrors remain, likely for regulatory or cost reasons. There’s not much to see of the interior, but glimpses through the window reveal what looks like a massive central screen and, oddly enough, soft pillows on the driver’s headrest, a nod to the premium comfort Chinese buyers expect.
Powertrain and Performance
Volkswagen hasn’t released official specs, but it’s a safe bet the ID. Era will borrow from its partner’s playbook. The powertrain will likely be similar to the one in SAIC’s IM LS6, an EREV crossover that uses a high-performance 800V platform. In the LS6, a 66 kWh battery delivers a 450 km all-electric range (CLTC), with dual motors producing a combined 500 kW (that’s a punchy 670 horsepower). If the ID. Era gets anything close to that, it’ll be a seriously quick family hauler. The concept promised a total mixed range of over 1,000 km, which is exactly what you’d want for long road trips.
Market Challenges and Outlook
The ID. Era is scheduled to hit volume production in April 2026, pointing to a likely debut at the Beijing Auto Show that year. It’s set to go up against other big, luxurious range-extenders like the Li L9 and the Aito M9, both of which are strong players in China’s premium family-car segment.
However, Volkswagen might be entering the EREV game a little late. Recent data from China shows that EREV sales have been declining for five straight months, with buyers increasingly favoring pure battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). It seems Volkswagen is betting that there’s still a solid market for buyers who want the electric experience without the charging hassles, but it’s a gamble. The ID. Era will need to deliver on its promises of style, space, and tech to convince Chinese families that it has a winning formula, even if it’s arriving after the initial boom.
