VW China Execs Conduct Hefei Test Drive, Suspected XPeng-Co-Developed ID EVO Surfaces

The ID. EVO is slated for official launch in 2026, with production based in Anhui.

Volkswagen China’s senior leadership conducted a large-scale test drive in Hefei on Nov. 7, led by Volkswagen Group China CEO Ralf Brandstätter. The fleet included new models scheduled to be launched next year by both SAIC Volkswagen, FAW-Volkswagen, and Volkswagen Anhui.

VW Group China CEO Ralf Brandstätter led the full board in Hefei test drives

Spy shots from the scene show that one of the test vehicles closely resembles the ID. EVO concept unveiled at this year’s Shanghai Auto Show.

The model, a large pure-electric SUV jointly developed by Volkswagen and XPeng, retains much of the concept’s front-end design in its production form, including split headlights, slim LED daytime running lights and a trapezoidal lower intake.

Interestingly, Brandstätter reposted images of the camouflaged SUV on Weibo later in the afternoon, writing: “Amazing! As always — safe, reliable, high quality. Stay tuned.”

Ralf Brandstätter, CEO of Volkswagen Group China, shares an update on social media about the ID. EVO SUV, emphasizing its safety, reliability, and quality. — Brandstätter reposted images of the camouflaged SUV on *Weibo*

Volkswagen previously said it would jointly develop two China-focused EV models with XPeng, with ID. EVO being one of their first collaborative outcomes.

The model is built on the CMP platform and CEA architecture, making it the first prototype under Volkswagen China’s localized vehicle-development system.

On May 23, Brandstätter had announced on Weibo that the pre-series ID. EVO had rolled off the line ahead of schedule. The model is slated for official launch in 2026, with production based in Anhui.

A covered vehicle with a large red bow marks the First Vehicle Offline Ceremony at MM01, featuring colorful decorations in the background. — Brandstätter announced on *Weibo* that the pre-series ID. EVO had rolled off the line ahead of schedule

Powertrain and smart features are among the main selling points. According to disclosed information, the ID. EVO will support an 800-V fast-charging architecture and deliver up to 700 km CLTC range.

On the software side, the model will adopt the new UNYX infotainment system and Volkswagen’s next-generation Gen X steering wheel, featuring centralized physical controls. It will also support smart connectivity, OTA remote updates, and L2++ advanced driver assistance.

A visitor examines the Volkswagen ID. EVO electric SUV at an exhibition, showcasing its sleek design and features. — VW ID. EVO

The scale of the test drive has drawn unusual interest—not only because of the product itself, but because it gathered nearly the entire Volkswagen Group board.

Brandstätter told internal teams the goal was to determine whether the product meets expectations and to identify areas for improvement. He emphasized that a hands-on drive by board members is essential to assess maturity and readiness for market launch.

Over the past two years, Volkswagen has accelerated its push into China’s NEV market. In addition to its technology partnership with XPeng, Volkswagen’s CARIAD recently formed a joint venture with Horizon Robotics to develop intelligent-driving SoCs.