FAW-Volkswagen has opened pre-sales of the new Volkswagen ID. Aura T6 in China, introducing a mid-size electric SUV designed to compete more directly with the country’s increasingly sophisticated smart EVs.
The five-seat crossover combines Volkswagen’s latest design language with a new electronic architecture co-developed with Xpeng and advanced LiDAR-based driver assistance.
With prices starting at 135,900 yuan (about €17,400), the ID. Aura T6 is positioned as a relatively affordable entry into Volkswagen’s new China-focused electric vehicle family.
Volkswagen ID. Aura T6: Price and Trims
The ID. Aura T6 is offered in four versions, with two battery options and a choice of standard or LiDAR-equipped technology packages.
| Version | Battery | CLTC Range | Pre-Sale Price |
| ID. Aura T6 540 Pro | 59.9 kWh | 540 km | 135,900 yuan |
| ID. Aura T6 660 Pro | 77.5 kWh | 660 km | 149,900 yuan |
| ID. Aura T6 660 Max LiDAR | 77.5 kWh | 660 km | 159,900 yuan |
| ID. Aura T6 660 Ultra LiDAR | 77.5 kWh | 660 km | 169,900 yuan |
The equivalent European prices are approximately €17,400 to €21,800, although the Chinese pre-sale pricing should not be taken as an indication of what the vehicle might cost if Volkswagen eventually offers it outside China.
New CEA Architecture Developed With Xpeng
The Volkswagen ID. Aura T6 is based on the CEA (China Electronic Architecture), a new electronic and electrical architecture jointly developed by Volkswagen and Chinese EV manufacturer Xpeng.
The platform and electronics are an important part of Volkswagen’s strategy to accelerate development for the Chinese market, where local EV manufacturers have rapidly advanced in areas such as software, connectivity and driver assistance.
The ID. Aura T6 measures 4,811 mm long, 1,879 mm wide and 1,648 mm tall, with a 2,836 mm wheelbase. It is available with 19- or 20-inch wheels and has a relatively aerodynamic 0.245 Cd drag coefficient.
170 kW Rear-Wheel-Drive Powertrain
All four ID. Aura T6 versions use a single electric motor mounted on the rear axle. The motor produces up to 170 kW (228 hp).
The entry-level model uses a 59.9-kWh LFP battery supplied by Gotion High-Tech, while the larger 77.5-kWh battery in the other versions uses LFP cells supplied by CATL.
Volkswagen quotes 540 km or 660 km of CLTC range, depending on the battery configuration. The entry-level version can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds.
Chinese type-approval information lists curb weights of approximately 2.03 and 2.13 metric tons, depending on the battery. Top speed is rated at up to 180 km/h for the smaller-battery version and 186 km/h for models with the larger battery.
A More Tech-Focused Volkswagen Interior
Inside, the ID. Aura T6 adopts a minimalist dashboard dominated by a 15.6-inch central touchscreen. A 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster sits in front of the driver, while a large 25.8-inch augmented-reality head-up display provides additional information.
The infotainment system uses a 4nm processor with up to 20 TOPS of computing power. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Huawei HiCar and Carlink connectivity are also supported.
Volkswagen is also emphasizing passenger comfort. The five-seat SUV offers heated, ventilated and massaging front seats, along with an 18-speaker Aura Sound audio system.
Practicality is another strength. The trunk provides 576 liters of cargo capacity, increasing to 1,796 liters with the rear seats folded. A 90-liter storage compartment beneath the hood adds additional space.
LiDAR and 420 TOPS of Driver Assistance
The most technology-focused ID. Aura T6 versions add a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor and an advanced driver-assistance system developed by Carizon, a joint venture involving Volkswagen and Chinese autonomous-driving technology specialist Horizon Robotics.
The system uses Horizon Robotics’ Journey 6H processor, delivering up to 420 TOPS of computing performance.
With the LiDAR hardware and associated software, the ID. Aura T6 supports Highway Navigate on Autopilot (NOA) and Urban Pilot functions. The vehicle can also perform memory-assisted parking across multiple floors.
These features highlight one of the main reasons Volkswagen is developing models specifically for China: local EV buyers increasingly expect sophisticated driver assistance, large displays and software-rich cabins even in relatively affordable vehicles.
Volkswagen’s New China-Focused EV Strategy
The ID. Aura T6 is the first model in Volkswagen’s new ID. AURA family of electrified vehicles for China. Its exterior was first shown at the Beijing Motor Show earlier this year, with the production vehicle adopting Volkswagen’s latest styling direction.
The design includes a closed front fascia, slim daytime running lights, headlights positioned lower in the bumper, an active air intake and semi-hidden door handles. A continuous rear light unit and roof-mounted LiDAR give the SUV a more technology-oriented appearance.
More importantly, the T6 demonstrates how Volkswagen is adapting its electric vehicle strategy to the Chinese market rather than simply exporting existing global ID models.
With a starting price of 135,900 yuan, up to 660 km of CLTC range, rear-wheel drive, a spacious five-seat interior and available LiDAR-assisted driving, the Volkswagen ID. Aura T6 is a significant new entry in China’s crowded electric SUV market.
[source: CarNewsChina]
