VW ID Code: New design language for Chinese customers

Auto China 2024 VW ID Code: This is how Volkswagen wants to convince the Chinese

2024-04-24 From Claus-Peter Köth | Translated by AI 3 min Reading Time

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At Auto China, the VW show car ID Code made its world premiere today. It is specifically tailored to the wishes of Chinese customers and gives a preview of the brand's new design language.

With the world premiere of the ID Code, VW gave a first glimpse into the brand's future in China.

(Image: Volkswagen AG)

Today (24.4.) at Auto China 2024 in Beijing, Volkswagen gave a first glimpse into the future of VW in China with the world premiere of the ID Code, according to brand chief Thomas Schäfer: with new design, new technology standard and a comprehensive brand experience - specifically tailored to the needs and desires of Chinese customers.

With its powerfully clear and fluid surfaces, the ID Code is more reminiscent of a Gran Turismo than a five-meter class SUV, according to the press release. Chief designer Andreas Mindt intended it that way. The exterior is also a projection surface for AI-supported light and display systems of the next generation. The electrically driven concept car can be used both conventionally and autonomously to Level 4.

New 3-pillar design strategy

According to the announcement, the strategy defined by Mindt is based on three pillars: Stability, Sympathy, and the Secret Sauce. The latter represents features and shapes that surprise and generate enthusiasm. These three pillars are designed to determine Volkswagen's global design from now on. They are designed in such a way that the internationally positioned Volkswagen design team can target the specific wishes and laws of individual large markets such as China.

Gallery

The design strategy defined by Andreas Mindt is based on three pillars: stability, sympathy, and the so-called Secret Sauce.(Image: Volkswagen AG)

The interior of the ID Code is a variable and online connected lounge.(Image: Volkswagen AG)

The show car is more reminiscent of a Gran Turismo than a five-meter class SUV.(Image: Volkswagen AG)

The exterior is also a projection surface for AI-supported light and display systems.(Image: Volkswagen AG)

The ID Code has been consistently designed for fully automated driving at Level 4. When the driver activates this autonomous mode, they become a passenger, able to read, converse, go online. To realize this autopilot feature, Volkswagen has integrated modern sensor, light, camera and screen systems. They allow for comprehensive communication with the environment. The systems and the drive are powered not only by a lithium-ion battery but also by a photovoltaic system integrated into the transparent "Energy Roof".

Interaction with driver and environment

The concept car is the first Volkswagen to fully communicate and interact with its environment through its exterior. To this end, the ID Code is equipped with an intelligent lighting system at the front: the "Light Cloud" with interactive "3D-Eyes" (light cross bar beneath the front hood) and an LED screen in the partially transparent front section. As the driver or an authorized user approaches, the systems become active.

The vehicle then starts an optical and acoustic welcome scenario and provides the driver and the guests directly with the weather forecast for the next two hours. In autonomous driving mode at Level 4, the lighting systems of the front section and the rear light crossbar, also equipped with "3D-Eyes", interact with other road users and thus ensure greater safety.

AI-supported avatar - inside and outside

Completely newly developed "Smart Windows" with partially transparent displays are integrated into the side windows. As soon as the driver approaches, an AI-supported avatar appears on the displays of the respective front side window. It directly provides the driver with important hints and, for example, reminds them to take an umbrella if rain is predicted. The same avatar is also used in the interior and provides all passengers with information.

Oliver Blume, CEO Volkswagen Group. (Image:Bild:)

The interior of the showcar is a variable and online networked lounge. High-quality, eco-friendly and animal-free materials, as well as high-end sound, ambient lighting and climate control systems, are intended to provide more travel comfort. The infotainment landscape and operation have also been completely redesigned. The avatar known from the exterior accompanies the driver and passengers in the interior as mentioned. The window surfaces thus become the digital stage for the avatar and additional displays.

In addition, the comfortable seating arrangement can be adapted to the respective driving mode. When driving autonomously at level 4, for example, the steering wheel retracts into the cockpit. This creates additional space to rotate the front seats 180 degrees. Likewise, it is possible to move the seats into a sleeping position for longer journeys.

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