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The Jetta M6 is the first FAW-VW joint venture EV. The first of many, perhaps.
Volkswagen are being pummeled in China by NEV brands and are now responding with affordable EVs of their own with their traditional partners as well as new collaborations. One of the latest launched in China is the Jetta M6, an affordable electric sedan that aims to undercut rivals while still delivering on performance and specs.
For context, Jetta is a joint-venture run by FAW-Volkswagen formed back in 2019. This new M6 model is the first electric vehicle from the brand, with previous models being petrol-powered. The Jetta M6’s primary rival is the Xpeng Mona, which is interesting because Volkswagen also have collaborations going with Xpeng on other ID models like the recently launched ID. Aura T6. It’s also worth noting the positions all of these companies are currently in. Xpeng’s a startup that’s now in its late ‘make-it-or-break-it’ phase. Volkswagen has lost its market share in China and are struggling globally to keep the lights on. FAW too is in a bit of a pickle with an aging model line-up and has recently gone into talks to merge with GAC. All that in mind, let’s just look at this Jetta M6 and see what it offers.
The Jetta M6 comes in three variants with pricing starting roughly around RM49,000 after conversion (80,800 yuan) and going up to about RM60,000 (99,800 yuan) for the full spec model with another variant sitting in between. The base model comes with a modestly sized 42.9 kWh battery which delivers around 465km of range on the CLTC protocol. Upgrading to the full spec model, you’ll get a 51.9kWh battery with a claimed 555km of range. The maximum power output is 194hp on the top spec model. Colour options at launch include blue, purple, silver, white, black and gold.
Its dimensions are 4806mm from bumper to bumper and 1868mm in width with a 2,820mm wheelbase – about where you’d expect a typical C-segment sedan to sit. Equipment is good as one would expect, you get Intelligent Cruise Control, Automatic Parking Assist, a 360-degree camera with transparent chassis mode, and higher tier variants add a panoramic sunroof, heated/ventilated/power adjustable front seats, and a wireless qi charging pad.
While it’s hardly the most exciting thing on the market, the design is modern and they’ve ticked all the boxes. More importantly, the price is very attractive. Barring any massive discounts from rivals, FAW and VW just may claw back some market share with this new budget EV sedan.
