The Volkswagen ID. Code concept is a swoopy SUV with headlights that can blink

Volkswagen has a new “in China, for China” strategy to improve its fortunes in the world’s largest new car market, and the ID. Code concept is our first look at one of the China-specific cars it'll build as a result.

The swoopy SUV was jointly designed by VW teams in China and Europe, with the end result showcasing a new Volkswagen design language that should be applied across the ID. range.

“We have adapted the three pillars of our design strategy and customised them individually for China in order to realise the automotive ideals of our customers between Beijing and Hong Kong,” says VW’s chief designer Andreas Mindt. And if you’re wondering, those three pillars (which will influence all of VW’s design globally and not just in China) are ‘stability’, ‘likeability’ and the ‘secret sauce’. Gross.

Anyway, Mindt adds: “This has resulted in an interpretation of tomorrow’s SUV that looks both fast and futuristic, and which sets completely new accents with its fluid surfaces, dominant wheel housings and technology-oriented look.”

Ah yes, we should talk tech, because VW says the ID. Code has a friendly face and AI-assisted lighting that allows the headlights to blink like a human. Creepy. “The human, interactive twinkling eye feature of the new lighting systems is the secret sauce that breathes virtual life into the concept car,” says VW’s press release.

VW also describes the ID. Code as “not only a car but also a digital avatar” and we’re told the side windows feature a special semi-transparent display that allows an AI-assisted avatar to pop up when the driver approaches their car. Said avatar will then apparently provide the driver with important information “and reminds them to take an umbrella if rain is forecast, for example”. Ah yes, extremely important.

The same avatar then appears again in the interior (anyone else sick of them already?) and is apparently the perfect co-driver. Although you won’t actually have to be the ‘driver’ yourself half of the time because the ID. Code is equipped with all the necessary tech for Level 4 autonomous driving and the front seats can swivel to create a proper living room on wheels. 

When the car is in its autonomous mode, the ‘intelligent’ front and rear lights can then apparently interact with other road users and pedestrians. Oh, and all of the fancy electronic systems are powered by a solar roof as well as the standard lithium-ion battery. No word on how big that battery is though or what would power the ID. Code if it were to make production in this form.

One thing that definitely will make production though is something called the ID.UNYX. This will be the first of five new EVs from a China-specific ID.UX sub-brand. It’ll be here at some point in 2024 and will apparently feature “progressive exterior design” and “a driver-centric interior featuring an entirely new display and operating concept for young customers”. The black’n’gold teaser image below is all we’ve got to go on so far...