You know how the UK’s established media act surprised that Volkswagen is even considering a £25,000 EV with limited range and underwhelming charging tech? And how they frame it as if Volkswagen is generously “giving back” to ordinary buyers? In China, the reality is far more blunt: automakers don’t get praised for minimal offerings — they have to deliver real value to survive.
Chinese Volkswagen customers are treated significantly better than European ones, who are being steered toward small, cramped EVs with just enough range to handle a short 15 minute city commute. While EU consumers are encouraged to see the upcoming ID Polo EV as “groundbreaking,” Chinese buyers can already access vehicles like the ID Unyx 07 from around $16,200.
That converts to roughly £12,000 for a mid-sized sedan — a price point that would be genuinely disruptive in Europe. In China, however, it is not remarkable at all. It is simply entry-level EV competition.
The ID Unyx 07 uses a single motor producing 170 kW (228 hp), a 60 kWh LFP battery, and delivers a CLTC-rated range of 558 km, with a top speed of 160 km/h. Volkswagen has confirmed that a larger battery version will follow later this year.
The ID Unyx 07 is produced by Xpeng and rebadged as a Volkswagen, a clear sign of how dependent VW has become on local partners to stay relevant in China. There is some upside for VW: the brand still benefits from recognition and legacy trust, which has helped stabilise sales. But that advantage is eroding, and the question is how long it will last.
European manufacturers are steadily losing ground in China. Younger buyers are not anchored to legacy European brands, and over time Volkswagen risks being reduced to a marginal player as domestic EV makers pull further ahead in technology and cost efficiency. While Volkswagen was mired in the Dieselgate era, China was aggressively scaling EV development and infrastructure.
The ID Unyx 07 uses a single motor producing 170 kW (228 hp), a 60 kWh LFP battery, and delivers a CLTC-rated range of 558 km, with a top speed of 160 km/h. According to Autohome, Volkswagen Anhui has confirmed that a larger battery version will follow later this year.
