BEIJING MOTOR SHOW: Volkswagen ID. Code Concept signposts VW’s future EVs

The curtains have been pulled back on the all-new Volkswagen ID. Code Concept at the 2024 Beijing motor show today and the stunning battery-electric show car is said to preview both an incoming SUV and the design direction of the German brand’s future EVs.

Created as part of a collaboration between Volkswagen’s Chinese and European design studios, the new VW ID. Code concept was styled with Chinese consumers in mind as part of the German car-maker’s new “in China for China” strategy.

Likely previewing a future ID-branded EV line-up in China, the new concept has full Level 4 autonomous driving in mind, which is why the steering wheel can retract into the dash when in full driverless mode.

The same dash is also said to provide a home for LUPO – VW's new robotic vacuum cleaner than crawls out and starts cleaning the vehicle when in Hygiene mode, and even uses UV light to disinfect the surfaces.

Boasting clean panel surfacing and rakish front and rear designs, the ID. Code is thought to imagine a more streamlined all-electric replacement for the upcoming ID.5 mid-size electric SUV or even the combustion-powered Tiguan.

It’s said to be conjure up the “elegant and powerful dynamism of a Gran Turismo”, but it's not been confirmed if the latest expression of VW’s future EV design will be for China only, or whether it will inspire replacements for the long-awaited (in Australia) ID.3, ID.4/ID.5 and ID.7.

New innovations in exterior design include a front bumper incorporating a concealed screen that can display welcome messages, warnings and even weather forecasts to other road users.

Inside, there’s a lounge-like cabin that features a full-width display mounted on the base of the windscreen. A second free-standing tablet-style infotainment screen also sprouts from the floating centre console.

Like its rivals, VW has also introduced an AI-powered virtual assistant represented by an avatar. The same assistant can also appear on the exterior.

There’s no word what the ID. Code is based on, nor how much power or range the all-electric powertrain offers, but the design revealed in Beijing today is tipped to quickly evolve into a real SUV for the Chinese market.

Commenting on the new concept, VW CEO Thomas Schäfer said: “The ID. Code provides a glimpse into VW’s future in China, featuring a new design, cutting-edge technology and a comprehensive brand experience tailored to the needs and desires of our Chinese customers.

“We’re ushering in a new era of mobility in China, hand in hand with our Chinese partners.”

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