A CODE worth cracking!

An all-new Volkswagen design language has been revealed – and the CODE has it! This next-gen SUV – the ID.CODE – has marked its world premiere in Bejing, and the news is nothing short of exciting! Made for China and optionally autonomous, the new ID.CODE is the future come to life! From interactive lighting systems to AI-assisted avatar communication, technology is not only at the forefront, but celebrated! See what this all-new model – that has its EYES on you – has in store!

Here’s more…

A new generation!

The world premiere of the ID.CODE at Auto China 2024 in Bejing not only makes clear a brand-new design language but represents a new generation of concept cars. Specifically designed for VW customers in China, the ID.CODE represents an all-new interpretation of SUV design, featuring superior dynamics in an age of electric mobility.

With powerful and clear fluid surfaces, the ID.CODE boasts a projection surface for the next generation of AI-assisted lighting and display system and features intuitively usable interfaces for intelligent communication between man and machine.

There is even a newly designed living space on board, which is a perfect combination of real and virtual worlds, with the end result being an all-new and exciting mobility experience.

What else we know!

With the ability to be driven conventionally and also used autonomously at Level 4, this vehicle offers an experience like never before! By interacting with the driver, passengers and surroundings, getting behind the wheel of a Volkswagen becomes a true – and new – automotive adventure.

“With the ID.CODE, we are completely reinterpreting the SUV body,” Andreas Mindt, VW’s chief designer, said. “The design demonstrates the elegant and powerful dynamism of a Gran Turismo and is at the same time extremely likable. The interactive lighting and display systems that this Volkswagen uses to interact with people will also generate excitement.”

Design savvy!

The ID.CODE’s design speaks to an athletic look and feel, embodying an all-new strategy for the automaker. This strategy is rooted in three principles or pillars: stability, likeability and the “secret sauce,” which stands for features and shapes that both surprise and create excitement (inspire!) These are pillars that will determine VW’s global design moving forward!

“We have adapted the three pillars of our design strategy and customized them individually for China in order to realize the automotive ideals of our customers between Bejing and Hong Kong,” Mr. Mindt continued. “This has resulted in an interpretation of tomorrow’s SUV that looks both fast and futuristic, and which sets completely new accents with its fluid surfaces, dominant wheel housings and technology-oriented look.”

Three pillars up close!

Stability – full of energy: An unusually sleek and sporty cabin in this SUV as well as the powerful wheel housings, which frame the door surfaces with their extremely clean design, translate into an impressively stable stance on the road. The concept vehicle also is presented with a new interpretation of the iconic C-pillars of the first Golf, designed as D-pillars in the ID.CODE, thus creating a visual impression of added stability, solidity and sportiness.

Likeability – distinguished: With high-tech features throughout, designers of the CODE have created a smile of sorts through the likable charisma made clear in the cleanly-cut shapes and body and graphic elements at front. Thanks to interactive lighting systems, and the Horizon blue paint, the ID.CODE is almost human-like in its appearance.

Secret sauce – inspiring: A sleek body released for the first time with flowing shapes, inspiration is found. That, coupled with the human, interactive twinkling eye feature of the new lighting systems, is truly the secret sauce that breathes life into this concept. Add to that AI-powered interaction, and the human-machine connection and communication is realized.

Reaching the highest level!

The number 4 is pertinent to this concept, as that is the level at which the ID.CODE becomes fully automated and where the driver now becomes the passenger. They can read, chat, go online, watch movies – whatever their heart desires. To implement this function, VW has integrated advanced sensor, light, camera and screen systems, which, among their vast benefits, allow comprehensive communication with their surroundings. The systems and drive get their energy from both a lithium-ion battery, as well as through a photovoltaic system integrated into the transparent “energy roof.”

Technology through the roof!

This world premiere represents the first ever VW to fully communicate and interact with its surroundings through its exterior. The ID.CODE is both a car and a digital avatar that reacts to other road users and provides owners with a vast array of information and feedback including the weather of the day, for example. The concept is equipped with an intelligent lighting system at front, which is the Light Cloud with 3D eyes, and an LED screen in the partially transparent front. The lighting system becomes like a visual “welcome,” and then in Level 4, prompts the autonomous driving mode.

Smart windows with semi-transparent displays are integrated in the window surfaces at the sides, and as soon as the driver approaches, an AI-assisted avatar appears on the displays of the respective side window. How amazing is this? The same avatar is used inside, serving as the best co-driver, supporting the driver and providing passengers with info of all types.

The concept can even display a heart as a token of gratitude when such gestures on the road occur as if another car stops to allow you to make a turn!

Powered by electric motors, this crossover concept draws its juice from both a lithium-battery and solar panels integrated into the glass roof.

A peek inside!

As if this concept could not get better – a complete variable lounge with online connectivity is found within! With equipment that makes traveling especially entertaining, and more comfortable than ever before, the concept is also equipped with environmentally friendly and animal-free materials as well as high-end sound, background lighting and air conditioning systems. A completely designed infotainment landscape is also found here, with the avatar also found within.

There are also comfy seats, which can be adapted to the respective driving mode, and a steering wheel which retracts into the cockpit during Level 4 autonomous driving. Seats can also be positioned to sleep, making any and all long trips a breeze!

This sleek concept is an example of a different electric future, while chock full of technology and boasting a design language that speaks volumes!

While it is uncertain whether this concept will reach beyond the China market, or will reach production, what is certain is that this is undoubtedly a CODE that is worth cracking!