ID Volkswagen. The code concept previews the brand's new defense against Chinese electric vehicles

The ID Volkswagen. Code concept unveiled at the 2024 Beijing Auto Show points to the brand's new design philosophy, at least in China.

With flowing lines and rounded surfaces accompanied by sharply defined shoulders and wheel arches, the ID. The Code is a clear break from the rounded shapes and front cabin design that characterized Volkswagen's ID. electric vehicles to date.

While the exterior is almost production-ready, the interior offers more of a car fantasy with incredibly thin seats, an airplane-style steering wheel, and supposedly Level 1 autonomous driving assistance. 4.

ID. The code concept follows in the footsteps of IDENTIFICATION. concept 2all announced last year, this points the way for an upcoming product Polo-large electric vehicle (EV).

Both cars were developed under the supervision of design director Andreas Mindtwho became the brand's styling director in early 2023. Previously, he headed the design department at Volkswagen-owned Bentley.

In an interview last year, Mr. Mindt said the current ID. was developed with early adopters in mind, but future Volkswagen electric vehicles will look like regular cars.

Volkswagen said ID. The code previews the design language that will be used in a variety of electric vehicles “developed specifically for customers in China.” These electric vehicles will be marketed under the name ID. The UX sub-brand, with the first model launching later this year is called the ID. UNYX.

Five EVs under ID. The UX tile will be launched in 2027 as part of the brand's push to have 16 IDs. Fully electric car models will be sold in China by 2030

The company also said it will gradually develop electric versions of its gasoline-powered cars, as well as launch a series of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) with an electric driving range of more than 100 km.

It's unclear whether EV versions of gasoline-powered cars will be available only in China or if they will be available elsewhere in the world.

To help speed up the deployment of electric vehicles and deliver “the right products in all the right segments and to meet all needs”, Volkswagen's electric vehicle range will uses a platform developed by rival XPeng.

Chinese Technology Company Volkswagen is also developing the China Main Platform (CMP), which will underpin four entry-level models from 2026.

Volkswagen has not said whether the ID. Next code and ID. Vehicle UX will run on the existing MEB architecture or a platform borrowed from Xpeng.