The part-electric Volkswagen ID.Era 5S is already obtainable in China starting from a low 119,900 Yuan (U.S. $17,780). The full reveal remains scheduled for the next week, but the company decided to dispense with the mystery and reveal all details in advance, so just read on.
Customers are choosing from four available trim levels this time around, but are restricted to one powertrain. It combines a 1.5-liter petrol engine with 109 PS (108 hp / 80 kW) with a single e-motor capable of 177 PS (175 hp / 130 kW). A 19.1-kWh battery pack delivers up to 160 km (99 miles) of range per charge, CLTC-rated, but range shouldn’t ever be an issue with enough gas in the tank.
On the outside, the ID.Era 5S really looks like a typical Volkswagen for China. It has linking LED strips between its headlights and taillights, backlit VW logos at both ends, and a sleek, low-drag profile that comes across as clean and modern. The dimensions are 4,836 x 1,880 x 1,505 mm (190.4 x 74 x 59.3 inches) with 2,766 mm (108.9 inches) between the axles.
In its most basic trim, the saloon offers an 8.8-inch digital dash display, a 15.6-inch multimedia touchscreen, 17-inch wheels and front seats that unfold into improvised beds – check out the gallery above to get an idea. Paying extra gets you 18- or 19-inch wheels, a panoramic roof, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree cameras, and ventilated massage seats in the front row.
Max out the options, and your fully loaded Volkswagen ID.Era 5S still won’t break the bank at 149,900 Yuan ($22,227).