FAW-Volkswagen has announced that its ID. AURA T6, a mid-size electric SUV developed specifically for the Chinese market, received 33,022 locked orders in its first month of sales, a record pace for the Volkswagen brand in China. The company revealed that over 90% of orders were for the lidar-equipped version, and nearly 80% of buyers were first-time Volkswagen owners, according to the Chinese outlet 第一电动 (D1EV).
The ID. AURA T6 launched on September 20 with four trim levels priced between 129,900 yuan and 166,900 yuan (about $18,300 to $23,500, Chinese guide prices before taxes and incentives). The model is built on a new CEA electronic architecture, marking a departure from previous ID. series models by replacing rear drum brakes with disc brakes across all variants, paired with Bosch IPB 2.0 braking system, addressing a long-standing criticism.
Localized tech and design
Inside, the cabin features a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 15.6-inch floating central touchscreen, and a 25.8-inch AR head-up display, powered by a 4nm cockpit chip with roughly 20 TOPS of computing power. The vehicle supports wireless CarPlay, HiCar, and Carlink smartphone connectivity, and Volkswagen claims it has the smoothest infotainment system the brand has ever offered.
The ID. AURA T6 adopts a fully domestic autonomous driving solution, developed with Horizon Robotics through their joint venture. It offers an optional 192-line roof-mounted lidar and uses the Horizon Journey 6H chip with 420 TOPS of computing power, enabling highway NOA (navigate on autopilot) and full-scenario urban navigation assistance, with algorithms optimized for China's complex road conditions.
Externally, the SUV features a new design language with a full-width light bar and illuminated logo, plus a 90-liter front trunk. Dimensions are 4,811 mm long, 1,879 mm wide, and 1,648 mm tall, with a 2,836 mm wheelbase, and it rides on 19- or 20-inch wheels.
Performance and safety
The vehicle is powered by a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 170 kW (228 hp), paired with a lithium iron phosphate battery. CLTC range is rated at 550 km or 620 km (approximately 460-520 km WLTP, est.), and the 800V architecture allows a 10-minute fast charge to add 300 km of range.
Safety is a highlight, with a steel-aluminum hybrid cage body using over 80% ultra-high-strength steel and 2,000 MPa hot-formed steel in key areas, achieving five-star C-NCAP and top C-IASI ratings. The ID. AURA T6 also includes a front stabilizer bar and wide 255/265 mm tires for improved stability.
The strong initial demand signals that Volkswagen's China-focused electric strategy, which emphasizes local partnerships and tailored features, is resonating with buyers, even as competition intensifies in the country's crowded EV market.
