Volkswagen ID.Code EV concept revealed with China-specific design language

The Volkswagen ID.Code concept has debuted at the 2024 Beijing Motor Show, previewing a new look for the brand's EVs in China.

Breaking away from the rounded and cab-forward designs of Volkswagen’s ID-branded electric cars so far, the ID.Code concept sports fluid, rounded lines with sharp wheel arches and shoulder definition.

While the exterior looks almost showroom-ready, the interior of the ID.Code features ridiculously slim seats, an aircraft yoke style steering wheel, and provision for Level 4 autonomous driving.

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The development has been overseen by design director Andreas Mindt, who became Volkswagen’s styling chief at the beginning of 2023, moving on from his previous role in Bentley’s design department.

Mindt commented that the current ID line-up was developed with early adopters in mind, but future EVs would be designed to look like regular cars, with a more mainstream appearance.

Volkswagen says that the ID.Code is a preview of the upcoming design language that will be used across a range of EVs and the design of the ID.Code is “developed specifically for customers in China”.

The EVs will be marketed under Volkswagen’s ID.UX sub-brand, with the first model – the Cupra Tavascan-based ID.Unyx – set to debut later this year.

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Volkswagen plans to launch five EVs under the ID. UX branding by 2027, as part of an overall plan to have 16 ID all-electric vehicle models on sale in China by 2030.

The company also plans to develop “step by step” electric versions of their existing petrol vehicles, and a launch of PHEVs with an electric driving range of over 100km.

Volkswagen China Technology Company is developing a China Main Platform (CMP), which four entry-level models from 2026 will be based upon.