Volkswagen unveils ID. ERA 5X: first EV on CMP platform with XPeng tech and LiDAR

Volkswagen has revealed its first production electric vehicle on the new compact CMP platform — the ID. ERA 5X crossover. The debut came as a surprise: the model wasn't part of any official announcements, but late last week its images and specs surfaced in a filing from China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), after which the company released its own photos and confirmed the details.

The new model is the result of co-development with Chinese firm XPeng and uses the CEA (China Electronic Architecture) framework. The powertrain includes an electric motor rated at 155 kW (about 205 hp) from United Automotive Electronic Systems and a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery from CATL. The battery capacity and driving range have not been disclosed yet.

The ID. ERA 5X measures 4,560 mm in length, 1,896 mm in width, and 1,630 mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,815 mm. In size, the vehicle is comparable to the Jeep Compass or Mazda CX-5. Buyers will have a choice of 17-, 18-, or 19-inch wheels, along with options such as various lighting elements, bumper and side window trims, contrasting or black roofs with a panoramic sunroof, roof racks, and roof rails.

Inside, according to CarNewsChina, the car will feature a LiDAR system and the new "Xingyun" intelligent driving assistant, enabling end-to-end L2++ Urban NOA (Navigate on Autopilot) capabilities. The cabin will include the "Yunqi" smart cockpit, first seen on ID. ERA concepts, designed for more convenient and efficient human-machine interaction.

Pricing for the ID. ERA 5X and battery details are expected later. The model is likely to be the first in a new lineup of Volkswagen EVs for the Chinese market built on the CMP base.