Auto China 2026: Volkswagen Group Unveils Record Product Offensive and Agentic AI Roadmap for China

Oliver Blume, CEO Volkswagen Group: “China is a key driver of our transformation and a vital force behind our global ambitions. The products and technologies we are unveiling at Auto China 2026 are a striking testament to the strength of our comprehensive localization strategy. This is a crucial milestone in our quest to regain the lead in China and on our journey to becoming the ‘Global Automotive Tech Driver’.”

Ralf Brandstätter, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG for China and Chairman and CEO of Volkswagen Group China: “Our ‘in China, for China’ strategy is now taking to the roads. In just 36 months, the Volkswagen Group has developed a completely new product portfolio for smart electric vehicles in China. This year alone, we will launch 20 new smart electric vehicles onto the market. With state-of-the-art electrical architectures, ADAS systems, an intelligent cockpit and AI features, we are fulfilling all the key demands of our Chinese customers. The numerous premieres from our brands at the Beijing Motor Show underscore the speed and rigor of our transformation.”

This year, the Group is launching its largest-ever electrification offensive in China, spanning battery electric, plug-in hybrid and extended-range vehicles. The Group will offer around 30 electrified models by 2027 and 50 by 2030, including approximately 30 all-electric vehicles. 

Strong local R&D capabilities deliver advanced ADAS functions

This product rollout is built on the Group's strong local R&D capabilities and partnerships, enabling complete in-house development in China. The Group's in-house intelligent driving powerhouse CARIZON has already reached a key milestone: delivering its first L2 Advanced ADAS solution on time for the Highway Pilot function with the Start of Production of the ID. UNYX 07 at the end of 2025. Building on this success, several vehicles launching in the second half of this year will be the first models equipped with its full L2 Advanced ADAS technology, achieving comprehensive functionalities including Navigation on Autopilot (NOA) in both urban and highway environments, plus automated parking. This demonstrates the Group's effective strategy to rapidly integrate locally developed, cutting-edge technologies into mass-produced vehicles.

These milestones set the stage for the four global premieres at Auto China 2026. Spanning multiple brands and segments, they demonstrate the Volkswagen Group's ability to leverage the Chinese innovation ecosystem and combine it with the Group's global strengths and safety standards.

Four world premieres highlight Volkswagen Group's push to electrification and intelligent technologies in China

The Volkswagen brand is going all-in with new products and new technology, accelerating one of the largest product offensives in its global history. Revealed at the Volkswagen Group Media Night, the ID. AURA T6 from FAW-Volkswagen, the inaugural model of its all-new ID. AURA series, making its entry into China's highly competitive fully electric mid-size SUV segment. As a cornerstone model for the brand, the ID. AURA T6 is built entirely on the locally developed China Electronic Architecture (CEA). This advanced technological foundation enables features such as advanced L2 assisted driving and continuous over-the-air (OTA) updates.

Also showcased at the event was the close-to-production ID. UNYX 09 from Volkswagen Anhui. This 5-meter all-electric sedan combines state-of-the-art intelligent technologies, including advanced L2 driving assistance, high-performance computing, and an intuitive AI assistant.

Furthermore, Volkswagen is expanding its presence in the rapidly growing entry-level NEV market in China. This expansion is based on the electrification of the JETTA sub-brand, which is intended to carry its leadership position in affordable internal combustion engine vehicles into the electric age. Making its world premiere at Group Night, the JETTA X concept car introduces JETTA’s new “Modern Robust” design language. The JETTA brand will bring four NEV models by 2028, with the first model hitting the market already this year. The electrified JETTA brand offers a smart, reliable choice for consumers across all generations, reflecting its new direction with refreshed design and an updated logo. 

Audi’s dual-brand, dual-partner, and dual-powertrain strategy is now fully taking shape, driving the largest-ever product initiative forward. Following the launch of the AUDI E5 Sportback, the electric AUDI E7X – the second production model and first SUV developed from the China-exclusive AUDI brand, is making its debut. Carrying expressive design language, the fully electric premium SUV combines the comforts of a spacious & intelligent cabin with Audi’s signature driving dynamics and the maximum traction of quattro all-wheel drive. Two powertrain variants with system outputs of 300 kW and 500 kW respectively ensure superior driving performance. With the E7X, the AUDI brand is entering the large SUV segment with a product that is uncompromising and emotional while providing remarkable everyday versatility. Based on the Advanced Digitized Platform, jointly developed with SAIC, the AUDI models are next-generation intelligent connected vehicles to complement the global Audi brand's portfolio in China. Meanwhile, Level 3 highly automated driving capabilities are planned to introduce on the AUDI E7X, marking the debut of this technology for Audi, worldwide and in China.

“Agentic AI for All”: Volkswagen Group Accelerates AI-Defined Mobility in China

At the Group Media Night, Volkswagen Group outlined its next major step toward the AI-defined vehicle era in China — unveiling its "Agentic AI for All" roadmap.

Oliver Blume: "After E-mobility for all and ADAS for all we are now introducing Agentic AI for all. Starting this year, our in-car AI Agent will begin coming to our locally developed cars. With this step the Volkswagen Group is the first global automakers to deploy agentic AI across an entire vehicle portfolio in China at scale."

To be introduced in the second half of this year, all vehicles built on the CEA will feature an onboard AI Agent that incorporates a locally trained large language model (LLM) as its natural language interface. Unlike a simple voice assistant that reacts to specific commands, an Agentic AI proactively understands user intent, executes complex, multi-system actions, and makes contextual decisions to achieve a goal through natural conversation. The system runs entirely onboard and ensures that personal information never leaves the vehicle – fully aligned with Volkswagen’s stringent data privacy and security standards.

Looking ahead, the next-generation CEA 2.0 architecture to be launched in 2027, will unify intelligent driving and cockpit experience onto a more powerful central computing platform. This upgraded foundation will enable efficient vehicle operation through a Multi-Agent AI system – comprising coordinated agents for driving, cockpit experience, and ecosystem services — marking Volkswagen Group's next major step in China toward the AI-defined vehicle era.

Note for Auto China 2026:

Starting on April 24, Volkswagen Group will present a diverse portfolio at Auto China 2026, spanning the Volkswagen brand, JETTA, Audi’s Four Rings and Four Letters brands, and Porsche. This comprehensive line-up marks the beginning of Volkswagen Group’s next phase of growth in China.

Brand locations and press conference times: