The Volkswagen ID. code The concept presented at the 2024 Beijing Motor Show points the way to the brand’s new design philosophy, at least in China.
With flowing lines and rounded surfaces, accompanied by clearly defined shoulders and wheel arches, the ID. The code is a clear break from the chunky shapes and forward-facing cab design that characterize the ID. were from Volkswagen. Electric cars so far.
While the exterior appears almost production-ready, the interior offers a lot more show car fantasy with its incredibly thin seats, airplane-style steering wheel, and rumored support for Level 4 autonomous driving.
The ID. Code concept follows in the footsteps of ID. The 2all concept introduced last year points the way to an upcoming Polo-sized electric vehicle (EV).
Both cars were developed under the leadership of design director Andreas Mindt, who became the brand’s head of styling in early 2023. Previously, he headed the design department of the Volkswagen Group Bentley.
In an interview last year, Mr. Mindt said the current ID. The range was designed with early adopters in mind, but future electric vehicles from Volkswagen would look like regular cars.
Volkswagen says the ID. Code previews the design language used in a range of electric vehicles “developed specifically for customers in China”. These electric vehicles are marketed under the ID. UX sub-brand, with the first model due to launch later this year carrying the ID name. UNYX.
Five electric vehicles under the ID. The UX umbrella will be rolled out by 2027 as part of the brand’s efforts to have 16 IDs. All-electric models will come onto the market in China by 2030.
The company also says it will develop electric versions of its petrol-powered cars “step by step” and launch a range of plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) with an electric range of over 100 km.
It is unclear whether the EV versions of gasoline-powered cars will only be available in China or whether they will be available in other parts of the world.
To accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and “offer the right products in all relevant segments and meet all requirements,” Volkswagen’s electric vehicle range will use a platform developed by rival XPeng.
In addition, the Volkswagen China Technology Company is developing a China Main Platform (CMP), which will serve as the basis for four entry-level models from 2026.
Volkswagen hasn’t said whether the ID. Code and the following ID. UX cars will run on the existing MEB architecture or the platform borrowed from Xpeng.