Volkswagen ID. Era 9X is an MG underneath

Volkswagen has revealed its first-ever extended-range electric vehicle (EREV), the ID. Era 9X, with Chinese regulatory filings exposing a huge SAIC-developed SUV that shows how closely VW’s China strategy now aligns with brands such as MG.

Meet the Volkswagen MG SUV – or the ID. Era 9X, to use its official name.

The extra-large SUV measures 5.2 metres long, making it considerably larger than a Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series, and marks an important milestone for Volkswagen globally, becoming the brand’s first extended-range electric vehicle.

Although it wears a Volkswagen badge, the ID. Era 9X is deeply tied to SAIC – the Chinese automotive giant that owns MG and LDV.

Developed specifically for China by SAIC Volkswagen, the 9X reflects the same market-first philosophy seen in many MG products, prioritising size, technology and range over traditional European VW norms.

First unveiled at the Shanghai motor show in 2025 as the ID. Era concept , production vehicle has been revealed ahead of its official launch by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).

At 5207mm long, 1997mm wide and 1810mm tall, with a 3070mm wheelbase, the ID. Era 9X is slightly longer than a BMW X7, making it the largest SUV Volkswagen has ever produced – longer even than the North American Atlas (5158mm).

All variants use a SAIC Volkswagen-built 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 105kW.

In EREV form, this engine never drives the wheels directly, instead charging the battery and supplying electricity to the motors.

Entry-level versions of the big VW family bus feature a single electric motor on the rear axle producing 220kW and draw current from a 51.1kWh lithium iron phosphate battery for up to 267 kilometres of electric-only driving.

Fuel consumption with a depleted battery is rated at around 6.0L/100km.

A second rear-drive variant upgrades to a 65.2kWh ternary NMC battery, extending electric range to a claimed 340 kilometres.

The flagship model adds a second motor for all-wheel drive, lifting the total output to 380kW. Electric range dips slightly to 321 kilometres, while fuel use increases to around 6.3L/100km.

All versions are capable of 200km/h, with kerb weights ranging from 2600kg to 2700kg.

The Volkswagen ID. Era 9X is expected to launch in China later this year, with a possible appearance at the 2026 Beijing motor show in late April. An Australian launch is unlikely given the new vehicle is part of the brands “In China, for China” strategy.

More likely is that Volkswagen’s next-gen all-electric Touareg, coming in 2029, will be sold in global markets.

But as is increasingly the case (evidenced via brands such as Kia, Hyundai and Tesla), Chinese-built products are finding their way into the Australian new car market.

Watch this space.

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