Volkswagen Resets Its Sedan Design With Bold New EV

The ID. UNYX 09 is a new VW model engineered with Xpeng.

2026 Volkswagen ID. UNYX 09

Photo by: Volkswagen

Adrian Padeanu

By: Adrian Padeanu

Apr 21, at 10:30am ET

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THE BREAKDOWN

The ID. Unyx 09 took only two years to develop.
It's the second EV engineered by VW with Xpeng.
The electric sedan is one of 20+ vehicles the VW Group is launching this year in China.

The 2026 Beijing Auto Show hasn’t even started yet, but the Volkswagen Group is already jumping the gun by unveiling some of its newest models. We’ve seen the Jetta reinvented as a boxy electric SUV, and now it’s time to check out what may be the most interesting sedan since the Arteon.

The ID. Unyx 09 might not have the catchiest name, but it’s an intriguing addition to VW’s Chinese lineup. This electric sedan was engineered with Xpeng, which also assisted in developing the ID. Unyx 08 electric SUV revealed late last year. Both models are products of the Volkswagen Anhui joint venture, established in 2017 by VW and JAC Motors, with VW currently holding a 75-percent controlling stake.

Much like the SUV, which bears little resemblance to a global VW model, the sedan is a departure from familiar offerings such as the U.S.-market Jetta or the many sedans sold in China. Echoing the ID. Unyx 08, it features split headlights with wide upper LED daytime running lights flanking an illuminated VW logo.

Photo by: Volkswagen

The front bumper’s unusual black strip extends into the fenders and even the doors, while the A-pillars, roof, and door mirrors are also finished in black. VW is staying tight-lipped about specifications, but we can spot 21-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero tires and paired with Brembo brakes. The gently sloping roofline hints at an Arteon-style tailgate, although the ID. Unyx 09 appears to retain a conventional trunk.

Overall, the styling is noticeably less bulbous than the ID.7 sold in Europe and other markets. With Xpeng’s assistance, VW needed only two years to develop the ID. Unyx 09, but it's a car we’re unlikely to see outside China. Measuring around 197 inches (five meters) in length, it’s slightly larger than the ID.7. Those generous proportions suggest it could become VW’s flagship sedan in China, where the brand already offers a wide range of models, including the Lavida Pro, Sagitar, Lamando L, Magotan, and Passat Pro.

The VW Group has big plans to revive its struggling Chinese operations, preparing what it calls its “largest-ever product offensive” in the region. More than 20 electrified models are set to launch this year alone, with another 30 new vehicles scheduled by the end of the decade. None will wear the Skoda badge, as the brand is set to be phased out in China later this year. The Jetta sub-brand is expected to fill that gap within the hierarchy, alongside another China-only marque: AUDI.

2026 Volkswagen ID. UNYX 09

Source: Volkswagen

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Motor1's Take: We wish VW would take more design risks outside China. A broader sedan lineup would be a welcome change in today’s SUV-dominated market, especially after the Passat and Arteon were discontinued. Still, a large electric sedan like this would overlap with the ID.7, giving VW little incentive to sell it globally.

It remains to be seen whether the partnership with Xpeng will pay off in a market where VW has been losing ground for years. The design is certainly interesting, but that alone may not be enough for the ID. Unyx 08 to establish a strong foothold amid fierce local competition.

Keep Up With VW:

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