VOLKSWAGEN ID.CODE CONCEPT PREVIEWS A HANDSOME AUTONOMOUS SUV
- Volkswagen revealed the ID.Code concept today at the Beijing auto show.
- The ID.Code is electric and equipped for Level 4 autonomous driving.
- It also features dynamic lighting elements that communicate with other drivers and displays integrated into the side windows.
Volkswagen's current electric SUV, the ID.4, takes a competent but sensible approach, with reasonable pricing and a spacious interior but an anonymous design and no flashy tech gimmicks. But Volkswagen is previewing a different electric future, taking the covers off of the ID.Code concept at the Beijing auto show today. The sleek SUV is packed chock full of technology and previews a new design language that will proliferate throughout the brand's Chinese-market lineup.
The ID.Code has a sleek profile with a swept-back roofline, with the design apparently catered specifically towards Volkswagen's Chinese customers. The front wheel arches are particularly chiseled, flowing into the shoulder line that meets up with a simple rectangular rear light bar. The lighting on the front end has a similar look, with two parallelograms that swoop inwards to meet a Volkswagen badge, with what VW describes as a "human, interactive twinkling eye feature" on the outer portions of the lights that are supposed to add a friendly character to the front end.
The crossover concept is, of course, powered by electric motors, drawing its juice from both a lithium-ion battery and solar panels integrated into the glass roof. Volkswagen also touts Level 4 autonomous driving, saying that it has fitted the ID.Code with "the most advanced sensor, light, camera and screen systems of our time." This system allows the driver to fully relinquish control to the vehicle so they can sit back and relax by reading a book, watching a movie, or, more likely, mindlessly scrolling through Tik Tok. When the car takes over, the steering wheel retracts and the front seats can rotate 180 degrees. The seats can also enter a reclined position for sleeping on the move.
The lighting system—which VW calls the "Light Cloud with interactive 3D eyes"—turns the concept into a "digital avatar" that provides information to the driver and other road users. The bodywork below the light bar is partially transparent, and when the owner walks towards the car a visual and audio welcome sequence plays while also displaying the the weather forecast for the new two hours. When in autonomous driving mode, the lighting systems supposedly "interact with other road users," although no other details were provided.
Like most new EV concepts, Volkswagen describes the cabin as a lounge-like "mobile living space" that is filled with eco-friendly and animal-free materials. VW also says the sound system, ambient lighting, and climate control system are meant to provide "private jet" levels of comfort. Passengers will find semi-transparent displays integrated into the side windows, which show relevant information such as a reminder to bring an umbrella is there is rain expected.
Volkswagen also says the ID.Code is "a first glimpse of a completely new SUV generation," suggesting a vehicle similar to this concept may soon reach production. However, with the expressed focus on the Chinese market, it's unclear how much of the ID.Code will translate into future U.S.-bound EVs.
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