FAW-Volkswagen has launched its new ID. AURA T6 electric SUV in Guangzhou, with prices starting at 129,900 yuan (about $18,300) and topping out at 166,900 yuan (about $23,500). The company says pre-orders have surpassed 30,000 units, according to Chinese outlet 电动邦 (Dian Dong Bang).
The T6 is the first model in FAW-Volkswagen's new ID.AURA electric vehicle series, positioned as a 'family-oriented, smart and stable pure electric SUV.' It enters a crowded segment priced between 120,000 and 170,000 yuan, where domestic brands and new EV makers have been strong, while joint-venture brands have been slower to embrace electrification.
Pricing and features
The T6 lineup includes four trims: the base 540 Pro at 129,900 yuan, the long-range 660 Pro at 139,900 yuan, and two lidar-equipped versions, the 660 Max at 149,900 yuan and the 660 Ultra at 166,900 yuan. All prices are Chinese guide prices before taxes and incentives. The lidar-equipped versions bring advanced driver assistance to under 150,000 yuan, a first for a joint-venture brand in this segment.
FAW-Volkswagen is also offering a comprehensive ownership package, including lifetime warranties for the vehicle and its high-voltage battery and electric motor, free roadside assistance, and coverage for battery fires, excessive battery degradation, and parking-assist accidents. Limited-time offers include a 10,000-yuan (about $1,400) comfort seat package and a premium audio system for the 660 Max, and front seat heating and ventilation for other trims.
Space and technology
The T6 measures 4,811 mm long, 1,879 mm wide, and 1,648 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,836 mm. It offers a claimed cabin space efficiency of 85.3% and a drag coefficient of 0.245. The trunk capacity is 576 liters, expanding to 1,796 liters with the rear seats folded. It also features a 90-liter front trunk, a first for Volkswagen, with waterproofing and drainage design.
Inside, the T6 offers a 15.6-inch 2.5K central touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 25.8-inch AR head-up display. The cockpit uses a 4nm automotive-grade chip and supports voice control with four-zone recognition and nine dialects. The rear seats feature a fold-down table with a load capacity of about 50 kg, and the vehicle provides 220V external power for outdoor use.
The T6's driver assistance system, called Xingyun Zhixing, is powered by a Horizon Journey 6H chip with 420 TOPS of computing power, a 192-line lidar, and 25 sensors for 720-degree perception. It supports city and highway navigation assistance, as well as automated parking, remote parking, and valet parking with up to 200 meters of reverse tracking.
Powertrain and safety
The long-range version is equipped with a 77.5 kWh CATL lithium iron phosphate battery, offering a CLTC-rated range of 660 km (about 410 miles). The base version has a 59.9 kWh battery with a CLTC range of 540 km (about 336 miles). Note that CLTC figures are typically 15-20% more optimistic than WLTP, so the WLTP estimates would be around 560 km (348 miles) and 460 km (286 miles) respectively. The electric motor produces 170 kW (228 hp) and 345 Nm of torque, with a claimed energy consumption of 12.5 kWh per 100 km. DC fast charging from 30% to 80% takes 22 to 24 minutes.
The T6 features a nine-in-one electric drive system and a heat pump as standard. The suspension uses MacPherson struts up front and a five-link independent rear, with adaptive damping and a turning radius of 4.75 meters. The body uses a high-strength steel cage with over 80% high-strength steel and 29% hot-formed steel, achieving a torsional rigidity of 38,100 Nm/degree. The battery pack has passed over 400 tests, about eight times the national standard, and provides at least 120 minutes of escape time after a thermal runaway event.
FAW-Volkswagen says the T6 underwent rigorous testing, including 1,600 minutes of rain testing, 100,000 km of durability testing, and 1 million km of full-condition endurance validation. The company's approach of combining competitive pricing, family-oriented features, and advanced technology appears to be resonating with buyers, as evidenced by the strong pre-order numbers.
