Like many other Western brands, Volkswagen sales are collapsing in China, the automaker’s single largest and previously most profitable market.
As Chinese consumers are increasingly favoring domestic brands over imports, Volkswagen is relying more on its Chinese partners to roll out new models specifically tailored to buyers in the world’s largest car market.
This year alone we’ve seen a slew of new models carrying the VW badge and developed with joint venture partners SAIC, FAW, and JAC Group, as well as technology partner XPeng.
A Stylish Yet Practical Electric Fastback Sedan
FAW-Volkswagen
The latest China-focused Volkswagen model comes from the FAW-Volkswagen joint venture and it’s called the ID. Aura L5. It’s an all-electric midsize sedan that will join the ID. Aura T6 SUV as the second model in the ID. Aura family of EVs.
FAW-Volkswagen released the first official images of the ID. Aura L5 on October 16, coinciding with the regulatory filing images dropped by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, according to Gasgoo.
Designed by a Sino-German team, the ID. Aura L5 adopts the “flowing sculpture” design language inspired by the ID. Aura concept car unveiled at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show.
Billed as a “smart fastback” and “super family sedan,” the ID. Aura L5 is technically a liftback, which will no doubt be a plus for practicality. The power liftgate is said to open beyond 70 degrees with an aperture wider than 39.4 inches (1,000 mm), making it easier to load bulky items.
The ID. Aura L5 retains the concept’s short overhangs and a long wheelbase for a coupe-like stance, while also borrowing elements like the slim headlights united by an LED bar, frameless doors, semi-hidden door handles, and a rear ducktail.
Up to 416 Horsepower Yet Limited to 109 MPH
FAW-Volkswagen
As far as the dimensions go, the ID. Aura L5 has a similar footprint to the Volkswagen ID. Era 5S plug-in hybrid sedan and Europe’s ID.7 sedan, yet slightly bigger than America’s VW Jetta. It’s 192.2 inches (4,883 mm) long, 74 in (1,881 mm) wide and 59.3 in (1,506 mm) high, with a wheelbase of 111 in (2,820 mm).
Despite the ID. Aura L5’s low-slung, dynamic profile, FAW-Volkswagen says cabin space accounts for 84.4% of the vehicle’s footprint, which is a good space-utilization rate.
The new model will be available in six exterior colors (white, gray, silver, purple, gold, and blue), which indicates that FAW-Volkswagen is targeting younger buyers and their taste for personalization.
MIIT
According to the regulatory filing, the ID. Aura L5 is based on the locally developed Compact Main Platform (CMP), which is also used by the VW ID. Era 5X SUV.
Power comes from an LFP battery pack that drives either a 208-horsepower (155-kW) rear electric motor in the RWD model or a 416-hp (310-kW) dual-motor powertrain in the AWD version. The top speed will be limited to 109 miles per hour (175 km/h).
We also know that select ID. Aura L5 trims will get lidar sensors for enhanced smart driving capabilities enabling easier and more convenient daily commuting. That’s all the information available thus far, but FAW-Volkswagen is expected to reveal more about the ID. Aura L5, including the driving range, in the weeks leading up to the official market launch in early 2027.
MIIT
