SAIC Volkswagen opened bookings for the ID. ERA 8X on September 28, with final prices due on October 12. The 8X is the third model in the ID. ERA family and the brand's first large five-seat EREV (range-extender electric vehicle) SUV, slotting into the roughly 250,000-yuan (about $35,200) segment alongside the larger 9X.
The entry-level Pro trim comes comprehensively equipped, according to Chinese outlet Dian Dong Bang. Standard items include a lidar sensor, Momenta's R7 world model for assisted driving, an 800V high-voltage architecture, the EA211 range extender, a front double-wishbone and rear five-link suspension, a 15.6-inch dual display, a 12-liter smart cooler/warmer box and Nappa leather seats certified to OEKO-TEX baby-grade standards.
The 8X measures 5,020 mm in length with a 2,970 mm wheelbase. SAIC Volkswagen positions it for smaller families, contrasting with the 9X which targets households of five or six. The brand says the two models cover different needs rather than competing on features. The lineup now spans the 5S, 8X and 9X, with the 5S aimed at a more accessible price point.
Powertrain and range
The EA211 range extender, now in its third generation with more than 25 million units produced globally, delivers a maximum thermal efficiency of 43% and runs on 92-octane petrol. The 8X posts a claimed 5.85 litres per 100 km fuel consumption in depleted-battery conditions and a 0-100 km/h time of 4.6 seconds in the fastest configuration. The 800V platform supports charging from 10% to 80% in 16 minutes, and a 3.5 kW vehicle-to-load function powers camping gear.
The Max long-range trim uses a 65.2 kWh CATL battery with a CLTC electric-only range of 451 km and a combined range of 1,602 km. As a guide, the CLTC figure is roughly 15-20% more optimistic than the WLTP cycle, so a WLTP estimate would be around 360-385 km (est.).
Higher trims add intelligent all-wheel drive, dual-chamber air suspension with 150 mm of travel, continuously variable damping, electric doors and a magic-carpet preview system that reads the road 15 metres ahead. The top Ultra long-range version includes front zero-gravity seats, a rear electric leg rest, a 23-speaker 7.1.4 surround-sound system and adaptive matrix headlights.
Assisted driving and cabin
The 8X ships with 26 perception sensors, including a 192-line lidar and 11 cameras, and runs Momenta's R7 world model from launch rather than via a later over-the-air update. The system supports door-to-door navigation-assisted driving, including gate passage, narrow-road yielding, three-point turns, valet parking and a roaming cruise mode that keeps the assisted-driving state active even if the route changes mid-drive.
Existing 9X owners will receive the R7 world model through an OTA update from September 28, according to the report. The cabin uses a 270-degree wraparound design with Nappa leather throughout, heated, ventilated and massaging seats front and rear, a rear right-side electric leg rest with a backrest that reclines to 43 degrees, and a rear-door SmartSurface display that lets passengers adjust seats, temperature and the cooler box while also warning of approaching traffic when opening the door.
Safety equipment includes nine airbags as standard, a battery pack that withstands 2,000 J of impact from below and seven layers of thermal runaway protection. The 8X also offers a wading mode that raises the suspension and switches to pure-electric drive, supporting water crossings up to 635 mm deep.
Bookings open with an 888-yuan deposit credited as 5,888 yuan toward the final price, plus a limited run of 10,000 premium delivery packages and priority build slots. Showroom and test-drive cars began arriving at dealerships during the National Day holiday. The 8X is available in four trims - Pro, Max, Max long-range and Ultra long-range - with the final price-to-equipment ratio to be revealed on October 12.
