Volkswagen is accelerating the development of automated driving systems and plans to launch cars with Level 3 (SAE Level 3) autopilot in the Chinese market in the second half of 2027. This will be the brand's first such solution: currently, no Volkswagen model sold in Europe or North America supports this level of automation.

The main difference between Level 3 and conventional assistants lies in the distribution of responsibility. Under certain conditions – for example, on approved road sections – the car independently controls movement, and the driver can temporarily stop monitoring the road. However, upon a corresponding system request, the driver is obliged to take control again.

The new technology will run on Volkswagen's proprietary China Electronic Architecture (CEA), developed specifically for the Chinese market. It will allow scaling automated driving functions to several new models, and in the future, using this platform in other emerging markets.

The first elements of the new strategy are already being implemented in China. The Volkswagen ID. Unyx 06 and ID. Unyx 07 crossovers are equipped with an L2+ system that supports highway navigation with automatic vehicle guidance and a parking memory function. By the end of the year, an L2++ version will debut, capable of operating not only on highways but also in urban conditions. It will appear on seven Volkswagen electric models for the Chinese market.