Volkswagen ID. UNIX: any resemblance to the CUPRA Tavascan is NOT a coincidence

The first model of the new sub-brand that Volkswagen has created to win over younger Chinese drivers is already a reality. It is called ID. UNYX, and you will surely have spotted the similarities. Indeed, the ID. UNYX is, basically, a CUPRA Tavascan. It is no coincidence that CUPRA’s new electric SUV is the first model from the Spanish brand to be manufactured in China.

And the ID. UNYX is only the first of an ambitious launch plan by Volkswagen in the Chinese market: in addition to the UNYX, the new sub-brand plans to expand its range with four more models over the next three years. And by 2030, Volkswagen, together with its joint ventures SAIC-VW and FAW-VW, will launch no fewer than 16 new electric models from the ID. family and six new plug-in hybrid models, along with twelve new models with combustion engines.

Aesthetically, the ID. UNYX is almost a clone of the Tavascan, although at Volkswagen’s innovation and development centre in Hefei, responsible for this new range of electric models for the local market, some minor changes have been made. Basically, there are differences in the design of the headlights and bumpers, and the dashboard has also been modified, lacking the distinctive central console that CUPRA calls the “backbone”. Volkswagen boasts that the UNYX is the first model from the brand to use an artificial intelligence-based personal assistant with a 3D avatar, whose appearance can be customised via an app to synchronise with the vehicle’s interface, with the possibility of even configuring the human voice.

Up to 340 CV and more than 560 km of range

Technically there are no differences from the CUPRA Tavascan. It is the same car, built on the same MEB platform from Volkswagen exclusive to electric cars, which other coupé-style SUVs in the group also use, such as the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron, the Skoda Enyaq or the Volkswagen ID. 5, to name just a few.

This means the UNYX will be offered in versions with a rear motor of 210 kW (286 CV), or with two motors, all-wheel drive and a power output of 250 kW (340 CV). The 77 kWh battery allows a claimed range of up to 621 km under the Chinese CLTC standard, which should equate to roughly 560 km at best under the WLTP standard, judging by the figures homologated for the Tavascan.

The price of the ID. UNYX converted? In euros, from less than 28,000 euros, which represents a difference of more than 20,000 euros compared with the Tavascan on the Spanish market. Is the ID. UNYX cheap in China, or is the CUPRA Tavascan expensive in Europe? I would say the latter…

Volkswagen ID. UNYX – Photo Gallery