VW: Autonomous driving Level 3 in China from 2027

AI-assisted VW aims for Autonomous Driving in China from 2027

2026-07-22 From Thomas Günnel | Translated by AI 1 min Reading Time

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Volkswagen plans to offer autonomous cars in China starting in 2027. To achieve this, a dedicated AI platform is being developed.

Volkswagen plans to offer autonomous driving in China starting in 2027.(Source: Volkswagen) — Volkswagen plans to offer autonomous driving in China starting in 2027.
(Source: Volkswagen)

Volkswagen plans to offer cars in China with Level 3 autonomous driving starting in the second half of 2027. To achieve this, Carizon, the group's competence center for intelligent driving in China, is working closely with Horizon Robotics. Carizon gains access to Horizon Robotics' foundational AI models. The goal is to develop a proprietary AI platform that will serve as the basis for driving functions according to SAE Level 3 and, in the future, Level 4.

The technology platform consists of an AI base model, the "C7H" system-on-chip developed by Carizon, and the "GAIA World Model" data platform. According to Carizon, it is intended to further develop existing L2++ assistance systems and create the foundation for highly automated driving functions. The platform is designed for cars and robotaxis.

Volkswagen integrates the AI software into the locally developed "China Electronic Architecture." The company plans to use this E/E architecture in several vehicle platforms and roll it out across various model series. In addition to the Chinese market, Volkswagen cites selected countries in the Global South as potential deployment markets.

The VW ID Cross in production is heavily based on the concept. (Image: Volkswagen)

L2++ System Already in Production

At the end of 2025, Carizon delivered its first L2+ ADAS system. It enables "Navigate on Autopilot" (NOA) on highways and memory function parking for the ID Unyx 07 and the new version of the ID Unyx 06. In the third quarter of 2026, mass production began for an enhanced L2++ assistance system that extends NOA functions to urban traffic.

Later this year, the technology is expected to be available in seven new electric vehicle models from Volkswagen's Chinese joint ventures. Starting next year, it will also be included in vehicle models based on the China Electronic Architecture.

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