VW ID. Unyx 09: Interior features a clear division of roles
Volkswagen is gradually revealing more details in China about its new electric sedan, the ID. Unyx 09, now including a fresh look at the interior. The operating concept is particularly striking: VW combines a small number of deliberately placed physical controls on the steering wheel with a heavily screen-focused control system in the center console. It feels like a pragmatic middle ground between the recent European shift back toward more buttons and the focus on large touch surfaces common in China.
The steering wheel reportedly features several buttons for core functions as well as two scroll wheels. In the center of the vehicle, however, the central screen clearly remains the control hub for many settings. In some respects, the concept is reminiscent of the approach Tesla has consistently pursued for years, albeit with a little more physical hardware on the steering wheel for operation without looking.
Conventional center console, more practicality than show
The interior uses a conventional center console rather than a completely open pass-through area. One practical feature is said to be enough space for two smartphones, including charging options. In everyday use, details like this can quickly determine whether an interior feels “tidy” or simply “sparse.”
VW has also adopted a design feature frequently seen in China: a two-tone, split steering-wheel design. Those who prefer something more understated will be hoping for an all-dark version, but the basic layout is already familiar from VW steering wheels also seen in Europe.
800 volts in the VW world: Potential for fast charging
From a technical perspective, the Unyx 09 is particularly interesting because of its announced 800-volt architecture. Within the European VW Group, 800-volt technology has so far been established mainly in the Porsche Taycan and Audi e-tron GT. If VW genuinely follows through with this technology in a VW-badged sedan, it could deliver real benefits in charging times and efficiency under high loads.
An important caveat: 800 volts is not automatically a guarantee of strong performance. Ultimately, battery chemistry, thermal management, the charging curve and, of course, the infrastructure are what matter. When everything works together, however, 800 volts typically means less heat at high charging rates and potentially more consistent fast-charging performance. For a more detailed look: 800V vs. 400V: Which EV architecture will you need in 2026?
92-kWh battery, likely “good” range but no record breaker
A 92-kWh battery is reportedly planned for the ID. Unyx 09. That should make a respectable range realistic, although a “new benchmark” is not expected. This fits the broader trend: many manufacturers are moving away from chasing range records alone and placing greater emphasis on charging speed, energy consumption and long-distance comfort.
Key specifications known so far
| Feature | Current information |
|---|---|
| Vehicle type | Sporty electric sedan (China-market model) |
| Interior controls | A small number of buttons and scroll wheels on the steering wheel, with central control via the display |
| Architecture | 800 volts announced |
| Battery | 92 kWh (integrated) |
| Market launch | China, late third quarter (planned) |
| Europe | No decision yet |
Will the ID. Unyx 09 come to Europe, and what would it compete with?
For some time, VW has suggested that selected China-market models could, in principle, also be considered for Europe. However, there is no confirmation yet for the ID. Unyx 09. If it does arrive, it could plausibly be positioned as a modern successor to the CC and Arteon—a dynamic sedan with more of a lifestyle focus.
However, the 800-volt technology could also be an indication of its price positioning. If VW really combines premium charging hardware with a large battery here, it is unlikely to be a “bargain VW.” For comparison, and to see how far efficiency and range have already progressed in the executive segment, it is also worth looking at the Audi A6 Sportback e-tron with up to 777 km of WLTP range.
Inside, the ID. Unyx 09 appears to be a deliberately balanced concept: less touch-control frustration on the steering wheel, while retaining a central screen as the command center.
Assessment for the DACH region: Intriguing, but primarily a China story for now
For Germany, Austria and Switzerland—the DACH region—the ID. Unyx 09 is, for now, primarily a preview of how VW interprets controls and interior design philosophy in China. The truly substantive figures for range, energy consumption and charging performance are not expected until the model launches in China. If VW later confirms a European version, this particular combination of 800 volts, a large battery and a “hybrid” control concept will be especially interesting.
