A few days ago, I test drove the ID.UNYX, the first model from Volkswagen Anhui. The design struck me as youthful and sporty. What else stands out when you sit in and drive this gold-badged Volkswagen? Let’s discuss the driving experience.
The new car is Volkswagen’s first intelligent electric coupe SUV. It features a dynamic design that sets it apart from other models. I would call it “Volkswagen’s coolest electric vehicle.” The front design exudes aggression with sharp headlights and prominent lines on the hood. It comes in five colors: Dawn Gray, Morning White, Sunrise Gold, Shadow Black, and Moon Silver.
This car stands out from other models. It features a gold emblem. The logos on the front and back light up. The design includes gold elements. These details highlight the brand’s colors.
The dimensions are 4663mm long, 1860mm wide, and 1610mm high, with a wheelbase of 2766mm. It positions itself as a compact SUV. The side profile exudes a sporty vibe. The A-pillar has a steep angle. The rear features a pronounced coupe shape. The 21-inch wheels enhance its sporty appeal. The rear design reflects the typical coupe SUV style and looks great. The taillights adopt a continuous design, resembling those of the Volkswagen family.
The interior design looks similar to other products. However, the details show the car’s refinement. For example, the gold lines on the center console are very dynamic. My favorite feature is the ambient light near the windshield. It responds with dynamic lighting during gear shifts, which is interesting. The integrated seats come standard with 12-way electric adjustment and a massage function. However, they lack ventilation, which is a drawback.
The 15-inch central control screen features the ID.S 5.0 vehicle system. It offers smooth operation and excellent functionality among joint venture cars. The voice interaction stands out. It includes an AI smart partner. Users can customize its appearance. You can even upload your photo to create a unique avatar.
The intelligent large language model enhances its cross-domain knowledge and natural language understanding. It supports wireless connections like CarPlay, CarLife, and wired HiCar. This design caters to the habits of Chinese market users. In smart driving assistance, it includes the Travel Assist 3.0 system and Emergency Assist 3.0 system as standard. It offers nine comprehensive driving assistance features: three lateral active safety, five forward active safety, and one rear active safety.
It features an 82.4kWh battery pack. The rear-wheel drive version achieves a CLTC range of 621 km. Its energy consumption is 14.1 kWh per 100 km. The dual-motor all-wheel drive system delivers a total power of 340 Ps and a torque of 472 N·m. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds. During my test drive, I felt the power burst concentrated in the early and mid-range. The overall acceleration is not overly dramatic. Passengers do not feel abrupt changes.
The vehicle offers five driving modes: Sport, Economy, Comfort, Personalized, and Dynamic Traction. This is a hallmark of Volkswagen. In the Personalized mode, drivers can adjust various settings like steering weight, exhaust sound, and chassis style. Regarding suspension quality, Volkswagen maintains its high standard. The vehicle provides a firm and cohesive feel on bumpy roads. Additionally, the chassis system uses sensors to receive real-time road condition data. It dynamically adjusts the shock absorber damping, ensuring it meets different driving needs from comfort to sport.
The vehicle has a 50:50 weight distribution. This gives it excellent handling. I experienced this on the small track during the test drive. The electric motor delivers power instantly. I navigated the small track with ease. I even thought it was a pure electric GTI.
It features front 235mm and rear 255mm mixed tires. This setup boosts rear wheel grip. The front uses an 18-inch disc brake, dual-piston calipers, and a 358mm brake disc. It achieves a stopping distance of just 36.5 meters at 100 km/h. During my experience, I noticed some initial play in the brake pedal. This made it hard to feel the expected feedback. After some adjustment, this issue disappeared. The braking force remains responsive during operation.
Summary: The ID.UNYX is Volkswagen Anhui’s first product. It comes with several labels: electric, coupe SUV, smart, and sporty. After test driving, I find these labels accurate. The car’s design exudes strong sportiness. In terms of intelligence, it caters well to Chinese consumers. It offers personalized virtual avatars, making the in-car experience more engaging. With the support of a large language model, it excels in cross-domain knowledge and natural language understanding, meeting Chinese users’ needs effectively. On the performance front, the driving experience matches its stunning appearance. During my first drive on a small track, I felt at ease, easily navigating through curves. Do you like this “new” Volkswagen?