Volkswagen's ID. Era 9X is a bold statement of the company's commitment to the Chinese market. This SUV is a rolling screen fest, with a dual 15.6-inch screen and a 21.4-inch rear display that folds down from the ceiling. The interior is a fusion of German aesthetics and Eastern charm, with acres of ambient lighting and a completely flat floor. But here's where it gets controversial: while Volkswagen is pledging to bring back buttons with the upcoming ID.2 Polo, physical controls won't return everywhere. Ralf Brandstätter, the firm's boss in China, said last year that Chinese buyers prefer AI-first, connected vehicles with seamless voice control and smart cockpits. So, the ID. Era 9X is a product of this preference, with very few old-school controls and a dashboard dominated by screens. The SUV is a beast, measuring 205 inches long, 78.6 inches wide, and 71.2 inches tall, and comes in rear- and all-wheel-drive flavors. The bigger battery is good for 249 miles of electric range, but the question remains: will Volkswagen's product offensive in China pay off in the face of fierce competition? The early signs are not promising for Audi's new AUDI brand, which is already struggling less than a year after launching. So, what do you think? What would you like to see on Motor1.com? Take our 3-minute survey and let us know!
