Auto China 2024: VW unveils ID. Code concept - which can vacuum itself!

The VW ID. Code gives a glimpse into the future of VW, as the brand aims to "focus even more" on the specific needs of customers in the world's largest automotive market and "offer them a compelling proposition in all relevant segments." This implies that currently, it might not be quite as convincing yet.

Hence, a subtle “restart”: The design show car ID. CODE, which could also work in Europe, demonstrates how the consistent alignment with Chinese customer needs might look. The concept vehicle provides a preview of a large electric SUV designed for fully automated Level 4 driving.

China Craves New Brands: So VW is bringing the Subbrand VW UX

The new sub-brand ID.UX is set to play a key role in Volkswagen's profiling in the Chinese market. VW says it aims "especially at younger customers" with their fully electric, lifestyle-oriented models.

According to Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand, the refined strategy in China will be based on three pillars: Clearly, an extensive product portfolio with accelerated electrification of models. Additionally, a brand and design language specifically developed for the Chinese market and local technical development with strong partners like Xpeng to speed up innovation. Thomas Schäfer explains:

With new design, new technology standards, and a holistic brand experience Auto China 2024, Volkswagen will provide a first glimpse of the new design language of future models and embark on a new era of technology.

The "powerfully distinct and fluid surfaces," which VW also envisions for a Gran Turismo, would also be well received in Europe. The exterior simultaneously serves as a projection surface for next-generation AI-assisted light and display systems. This fits well with the newly designed living space onboard the ID. CODE, where the real and virtual worlds merge into a new mobility experience. The electrically powered concept car can be driven both conventionally and autonomously at Level 4.

By 2030, the ID Family Will Be Significantly Expanded for China

According to VW, the ID. family will grow to a total of 16 models by 2030. Among them are five electric cars of the new sub-brand ID.UX, set to debut by 2027. Volkswagen is also gradually electrifying its combustion models and expanding its China portfolio with new, highly efficient plug-in hybrids with over 100 kilometers of electric range.

By 2030, twelve new combustion and six hybrid models will launch. Additionally, Volkswagen is supplementing the proven MQB and MEB vehicle architectures with local platforms in China, also through partnerships such as with XPeng. Moreover, the Volkswagen China Technology Company (VCTC) based in Hefei is developing the first China-specific electric platform for the group. On the China Main Platform (CMP), at least four additional models for the electric entry segment will be produced from 2026 onwards.

The many platforms will enable Volkswagen to offer its customers "the right product in all relevant segments and for every need."

And for which niche is the ID.UX planned? It aims at new customer groups in China and combines "proven VW virtues with lifestyle-oriented design DNA." Brand-specific features are to include a progressive exterior design and a driver-centric interior with a completely new display and operating concept (HMI) for young customers. The first ID.UX model will be the ID.UNYX, slated to launch in 2024.

Bad News for the German Location: Strengthened Local Development for Greater Innovation

Volkswagen also intends to further strengthen its ecosystem of production, development, procurement, and battery production in China. At the R&D site in Anhui alone, the number of employees will grow to 3,000 experts by the end of the year. To significantly shorten development cycles, the brand is also focusing on more localization. Chinese partners such as XPeng, Horizon Robotics, and Thundersoft are being integrated early into the development process. Two new mid-range vehicles are currently being developed with XPeng, planned for 2026. Employees at the joint ventures CARIZON with Horizon Robotics and CARThunder with Thundersoft are developing innovative systems for autonomous driving, infotainment, and connectivity.

Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand: "The ID. CODE offers a first glimpse into VW's future in China: with a new design language, new technology standards, and a holistic brand experience – specifically adapted to the needs and desires of our Chinese customers. This is how we usher in a new era of mobility in China, together with our Chinese partners." Volkswagen Chief Designer Andreas Mindt adds: "With the ID. CODE, we are reinterpreting the SUV body completely. The design showcases the elegant and powerful dynamism of a Gran Turismo and is simultaneously pleasantly sympathetic. Additionally, the interactive light and display systems through which this Volkswagen interacts with people are likely to excite."

Visually, the new ID.CODE impresses – Andreas Mindt’s new design strategy is based on three pillars: stability, sympathy, and the secret sauce; the last stands for features and shapes that surprise and delight. This enables the Volkswagen design team to address the specific wishes and conditions of major individual markets like China.

The ID. CODE Can Wink at You

Once again, they are relying on the combination of a sleek body with the largest possible wheels. Stability. The wheel arches, which visually enlarge the wheels, frame the cleanly designed door surfaces and become a dominant design theme. According to VW, the wide C-pillars of the first Golf have also been reinterpreted. Pleasant is the friendly-looking front design - the study almost seems to smile, which is enhanced by interactive light systems designed to give the "Horizon Blue" painted ID. CODE a human touch, especially since the ID. CODE can also "wink" with its LED eyes. The interactive blinking of the new light systems is the "secret sauce" that gives the concept car virtual life. Additionally, the AI-assisted interaction is supposed to enable a new level of communication between humans and machines. Your VW as "best buddy"...

The ID. CODE is designed for fully automated Level 4 driving: When the driver activates this autonomous mode, they become a passenger, able to read, talk, go online, watch movies – whatever they want. To realize this autopilot function, Volkswagen has integrated the most modern sensor, light, camera, and screen systems of our time. They are also meant to enable comprehensive communication with the environment. Power for this comes from the solar roof.

The ID. CODE acts like a digital avatar that responds to other road users and provides its owners with numerous pieces of information and feedback. The "Light Cloud" with interactive "3D-Eyes" (the light bar below the front hood) and an LED screen in the semi-transparent front "talk" to approaching individuals: When the driver or an authorized user approaches, the systems become active. The ID. CODE launches an optical and acoustic welcome scenario, providing the driver and guests with the current weather forecast for the next two hours. In autonomous driving mode at Level 4, the front and rear light systems, which also feature "3D-Eyes," interact with other road users, enhancing safety.

An Avatar Welcomes and Reminds You – Hopefully Only Optional

Volkswagen has integrated newly developed "Smart Windows" with a semi-transparent display into the window areas. In one of these "Smart Windows," a human-like AI avatar appears as soon as an authorized user approaches the car. This concept was previously thought of with the "Sedric" but now goes even further: Based on preset preferences and the current scenario, the avatar proactively starts a conversation to offer its services. For example, if sunny weather is forecast, it reminds you to bring sunscreen. Additionally, widgets are displayed on the rear door window screen, synchronized with the interior HMI systems. Authorized users can adjust the settings directly to their needs using a mobile app, to display battery status, range, or weather conditions. An alert function can also be set to remind you not to forget important things at home or in the office or to remember an upcoming maintenance appointment.

The interior is also inspired by the Sedric: as a highly flexible and online-connected lounge. High-quality, environmentally friendly, and animal-free materials, as well as high-end sound, ambient lighting, and climate systems, aim to provide travel comfort akin to a private jet, without the noise. The infotainment landscape and controls have been completely redesigned: The avatar, familiar from the exterior, accompanies the driver and passengers inside as well; the window areas become a digital stage for the avatar and other displays.

The comfortable seating arrangement can be adjusted to the driving mode: During autonomous Level 4 drives, for instance, the steering wheel retracts into the cockpit. This creates additional space to rotate the front seats 180 degrees for a more communicative facing position. It's also possible to recline the seats into a sleeping position during longer journeys. Thus, the interior of the ID. CODE becomes a mobile living space, which is valued much higher in Asia than in Europe, where one might prefer peace and quiet – without an avatar.

The Headlamp Units as Multi-Adjustable "Eyes": "Light Cloud" and "3D-Eye”

This concept was thought of with the Sedric as well: Left and right of the illuminated VW logo runs the narrow 3D light bar – the "Light Cloud." It integrates each light cluster consisting of 967 LEDs, as well as the U-shaped "3D-Eyes." The five-layered three-dimensional structure of these "eyes" adds new visual depth and allows for an interactive form of communication with the surroundings. For example, in autonomous Level 4 mode, the "eyes" simulate movement – pedestrians intuitively recognize this movement as a signal. The "3D-Eyes" and the "Light Cloud" interact together: The upper light bar not only glows white as usual but also changes through different color gradients depending on the situation and driving mode. It synchronizes with the "Light Screen" integrated into the bumper. Thus, the ID. CODE can visually express gratitude to other road users with a heart on the "Light Screen." According to the press release, the interplay of "Light Cloud," "3D-Eye," and "Light Screen" defines a "new, unmistakable Volkswagen light signature that stands for stability, strength, and sympathy."

In the central area of the bumper is the interactive "Light Screen." It visually displays information like the weather forecast when the driver approaches the Volkswagen. If the “Light Screen” is not active, the bumper appears completely closed: The paint in the area of the "Light Screen" is built to be transparent, allowing information to shine through the bumper. The "Light Screen" synchronizes its HMI (Human Machine Interface) displays with the light visuality of the "Light Cloud" and the "3D-Eyes."

The VW recognizes the seasons and also communicates them

The interactive light system consisting of "Light Cloud," "3D-Eyes," and "Light Screen" is active by default in the "Four Seasons" mode. The light signature automatically changes every three months in sync with the seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. In the "Four Seasons Welcome Mode," the "3D-Eyes" are first activated by the light emanating from the logo. The "eyes" of the ID. CODE then always look towards the approaching person. Once recognized, a welcome scenario begins, with the light panels opening outwards from the central VW logo. The light strips vary within the same color tone; the "3D-Eyes" gradually switch to the "Twinkle" mode (blinking) in the same color tone. Finally, the overall lighting turns white—the "3D-Eyes" now smile; "Welcome" is displayed on the "Light Screen" at the same time. In the spring, for example, cherry blossoms are visualized, and a fitting spring melody is played through the sound system.

Many selectable Welcome modes—including weather forecast

As an alternative to the "Four Seasons" mode, the "Weather" mode can be activated as a welcome scenario. Here, the current online weather forecast is incorporated. For instance, if the driver leaves the house on an initially overcast day but the sun is expected to break through in the next two hours, the ID. CODE will display a "Sunny Welcome." Conversely, "Thunderstorm" may be displayed if the weather is expected to deteriorate. The forecast is always given for the next two hours, making it very current.

The lighting concept itself is multi-faceted in terms of functionality: the actual headlight functions such as low and high beams are handled by vertically arranged HD matrix elements on the left and right sides of the bumper. Additionally, a radar sensor is located centrally in the front spoiler, whose frame lights up in active Level-4 mode to signal that the ID. CODE is driving autonomously.

24-inch wheels as ultra-lightweight design—with illuminated hubcaps

The newly developed 24-inch alloy wheels are designed as ultra-light aluminum structures: the five spokes are double-walled to achieve maximum stability with minimal material use. The very light rims are further optimized in the outer areas with dark blue aerodynamic surfaces featuring vertical struts—these surfaces reduce the air resistance of the rims and also dissipate heat generated during braking. New are the first-ever illuminated VW logos in the wheel centers.

The roof edge spoiler is open in the area of the roof connection. As a result, the spoiler is aerodynamically optimized, with air flowing both over and under it. The airflow also blows rainwater off the windshield, thus improving rear visibility. Centered under the roof edge spoiler are the rear cameras. In active Level-4 mode, they are surrounded by a light signature. The same applies to the "Flying Rail"—the ultra-flat and visually floating roof rail. In autonomous mode, its end sections above the tailgate are illuminated.

The taillights can "thank" other traffic participants

Just like in the front section, "3D-Eyes" are integrated into the outer area of the rear, interacting with the environment. In this case, the centrally placed VW logo in the divided crossbar is illuminated in red. Similar to the front lighting system, the ID. CODE or the driver can also visually thank other road users via the rear crossbar and the "3D-Eyes." The tailgate extends down to the low loading edge. Two additional radar sensors are located in the lower area of the bumper on the left and right, whose frames are illuminated when active in Level 4 mode. The aerodynamics of the ID. CODE are further enhanced in the lower rear area by a three-dimensional diffuser.

Displays are not only used in the classic positions in the cockpit (augmented reality head-up display) and in the center console but also as "Smart Windows" all around, including the side windows and the passenger side of the windshield. Depending on the mode and display, the AI-supported avatar can also be shown here to use its services. Realistic 3D scenarios are displayed on a newly developed Wide-R-Screen that extends across the entire interior width of the ID. CODE into the doors. Widgets in the side windows can also display information such as weather forecasts, battery status, navigation maps, navigation instructions, or the media library. The functions are controlled via touch fields, voice, and gesture control.

The displays: VE-controlled in the windshield

When the ID. CODE is actively driven, the driver's seat is adjusted precisely for that purpose. The multifunction steering wheel fits ergonomically perfectly in hand. The driver is supported by the AI-assisted avatar. The classic infotainment cockpit no longer exists in the ID. CODE. Visual information is displayed to the driver via augmented reality head-up display. As these virtual information displays are projected onto the scene in front of the windshield, thanks to augmented reality, the driver can focus entirely on the act of driving.

The passengers can individually adjust their seat, climate, sound, infotainment, and light settings. VW envisions it like this: "While the passenger might have their seat in a sleeping position and the light dimmed, someone in the back seat might be reading a book or listening to the latest online news in perfect light and upright seating position."