Embrace the Future: Volkswagen ID. Era 9X - A New Era of Electric SUVs with Unmatched Range and Style
Introducing the Volkswagen ID. Era 9X: A Pioneering Range-Extended Electric SUV for the Chinese Market
Volkswagen has unveiled a groundbreaking addition to its electric vehicle lineup, the ID. Era 9X. This six-seater SUV is the brand's first EV to integrate a range-extending gasoline engine, addressing a key challenge in electric mobility: range anxiety. Developed through a joint venture with SAIC in China, the ID. Era 9X is a production version of the ID. Era concept showcased last year.
The ID. Era 9X: A New Design Direction and Imposing Dimensions
The ID. Era 9X boasts a distinctive design language tailored for the Chinese market, reminiscent of Range Rover's sophisticated aesthetic. This full-size SUV is among the largest vehicles ever produced by Volkswagen, measuring an impressive 205 inches (5,207 mm) in length. Its substantial dimensions, including a width of 78.6 inches (1,997 mm), a height of 71.2 inches (1,810 mm), and a generous 120.8-inch (3,070-mm) wheelbase, position it as a formidable presence on the road. Weighing up to 5,952 pounds (2,700 kilograms) in its heaviest configuration, the ID. Era 9X is designed for both spaciousness and power.
Innovative Powertrain: The Heart of the ID. Era 9X's Extended Range
The true innovation of the ID. Era 9X lies in its advanced powertrain. It features a turbocharged 1.5-liter gasoline engine from the EA211 family, which operates exclusively as a generator to recharge the vehicle's battery. This four-cylinder engine, utilizing the Miller cycle and Porsche-derived variable-geometry turbocharger technology, produces 141 horsepower. The SUV is available with either a single rear-mounted electric motor, delivering 295 hp, or a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup that boosts total output to 510 hp. Battery options include a 51.1-kWh pack for the single-motor variant and a larger 65.2-kWh battery, standard with the dual-motor configuration. This larger battery provides an electric-only range of over 249 miles (400 kilometers) on the CLTC cycle, with the total driving range expected to exceed 600 miles (965 kilometers).
Potential Global Expansion of Range-Extended EVs and VW's Strategic Vision
While the ID. Era 9X is initially exclusive to China, Volkswagen is reportedly exploring the possibility of introducing range-extending electric vehicles to Europe and the United States. This strategic move is further supported by the upcoming Scout sub-brand, which will launch the Terra pickup and Traveler SUV. These models will also feature a naturally aspirated gasoline engine acting as a generator, aiming for a total range of 500 miles (805 kilometers), including 150 miles (241 kilometers) of electric-only driving. The adoption of range-extended technology is gaining traction, with other manufacturers like BMW also considering its reintroduction, particularly for larger SUVs, to enhance range and address consumer concerns without significantly increasing battery size and weight.