Volkswagen unveiled its largest and most ambitious SUV yet, the ID.Era 9X, at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show, signalling a renewed push into China’s competitive high-end market.

Developed in partnership with SAIC, the Shanghai-based parent company of MG, the ID.Era 9X is a full-size, three-row SUV stretching beyond five metres in length. While it has been designed primarily for Chinese buyers, the model also offers insight into technologies and design features that could influence future Volkswagen models globally.

Inside, the focus is firmly on digital integration and minimalist design. One of the most notable features is a series of hidden displays embedded within interior trim. The main driver display, for example, is seamlessly integrated into the dashboard’s wood finish and disappears when not in use. Similar concealed screens appear in the rear doors, allowing passengers to control seat adjustments, lighting and entertainment functions without disrupting the clean cabin aesthetic.

1

Under the skin, the ID.Era 9X adopts a range-extender hybrid system rather than a fully electric setup. It combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with one or two electric motors, depending on the configuration. Two battery sizes are offered, including a large 65.2kWh pack capable of delivering an electric driving range of up to 400km before the petrol engine is required.

When operating as a hybrid, total driving range is claimed to approach 1600km, highlighting the system’s long-distance capability. The SUV also features an 800-volt electrical architecture, enabling rapid charging from 10 to 80 per cent in around 17 minutes.

Performance is equally strong, with outputs of up to 380kW in all-wheel-drive form. However, the use of a range-extender system may present challenges in markets with stricter emissions standards, limiting its broader global rollout.

Although not confirmed for Australia or Europe, the ID.Era 9X provides a preview of Volkswagen’s future direction, particularly as the brand prepares to introduce a new flagship SUV later this decade on its next-generation SSP platform.