Volkswagen pulled the covers off the ID. Code, a concept car that sports a new design language and marks a new technological era for the brand. The design of the concept car has been crafted specifically with China in mind and is said to be reminiscent of a Gran Turismo.
Despite being an SUV, the ID. Code's exterior is described as being sporty and sleek. The concept comes with wheel housings that give it an impressively stable stance on the road and are a dominant design theme in themselves. The concept vehicle also reinterpretes the iconic C-pillars of the Golf which have now been redesigned as the concept's D-pillars, giving the concept a visual impression of stability, solidity and sportiness.
With the ID. Code, Volkswagen is displaying a completely new aesthetic design for SUVs. The ID. Code has also been crafted to display likeability and charisma through its cleanly-cut shapes and golden ratio of body and graphic elements. The theme of friendliness is enhanced thanks to the interactive lighting system, which is said to lend it a human-like appearance.
The concept displays a sleek body with flowing shapes which is highlighted by a lighting system which gives off a human 'twinkling eye' look and is said to breathe virtual life into the concept car. Topping all of this off will be an AI-powered interactivity, which gives the driver a new level of human-machine communication. The concept and drive gets its energy from not only a lithium-ion battery, but also a photovoltaic system integrated into the transparent 'energy roof'.
The ID. Code has also been designed for Level 4 automated driving. Implementing this function required Volkswagen to integrate the most advanced sensors, light, camera, and screen systems of our time to enable comprehensive communication between the car and its surroundings.
To pull this off, the ID. Code is fitted with an intelligent lighting system. Located at the front of the vehicle, this LightCloud technology comes with interactive 3D Eyes and an LED screen in its partially transparent front which becomes activated when the driver or an authorised user approaches it. In this Level 4 autonomous driving mode, the lighting systems at the front and the horizontal tail light bar interact with other road users, further adding to the car's offered safety.
The car also sports another innovation: A newly developed Smart Window. These are integrated into the window surfaces at the side of the ID. Code. When the driver approaches the vehicle, an AI-assisted avatar appears on the displays of the respective side front window, providing the driver with important information, and can perform other quirks such as reminding the driver to bring an umbrella if it is raining. The same avatar also appears on the interior and not only supports the driver, but can also provide the passenger with various information.
The interior of the ID. Code is said to be a highly variable lounge fitted with online connectivity. This interior makes use high-quality, environmentally friendly materials, and is additionally said to utilise high-end sounds, air-conditioning and background lighting, to emulate the sensation of sitting in a private jet. The car's seats are also able to adapt to the respective driving mode and the steering wheel retracts into the cockpit during Level 4 autonomous driving. This creates additional space, allowing the driver to sit opposite the passenger. The seats can also be moved into a sleeping position.
