Cracking with the CODE: VW's new EV for the Chinese market

► New ID. CODE EV
► Primed for Chinese market
► Debut set for Auto China 2024

Volkswagen has reinforced its ambition to enlarge its share of the Chinese car market by unveiling a new concept SUV model called the ID. CODE, set for a world premier at the Auto China 2024 motoring show in Beijing later this month.

The smooth lines and futuristic aesthetic of the all-electric ID. CODE represent a new direction in VW design language specifically for Chinese customers, according to the manufacturer, but the new model has also been primed with cutting-edge tech.

The exterior serves as a projection surface for AI-assisted light and display systems while the car itself is capable of level-four autonomous driving.

Oh, and the cabin? A living space where the real and virtual worlds meet, apparently. From what we can see in the rendered images, it looks like there’s plenty of space, chairs that swivel for a more sociable environment and even room for your potted plants at the back. Very Kubrickian.

According to VW, the ID. CODE forms part of its ‘in China, for China’ business strategy: a plan to tap further into the world’s largest auto market by designing and building cars bespoke to the country’s demands.

‘The Volkswagen brand can already look back on 40 years of success in China, and we are continuing this success story into the new mobility era, thus confirming the trust of our Chinese customers,’ Thomas Schäfer said, CEO of Volkswagen.

‘The ID. CODE gives a first preview of the future of VW in China: with a new design, a new technology standard and a holistic brand experience – specifically oriented to the needs and wishes of our Chinese customers.’ 

Yes. VW has revealed over 30 new models with various powertrains are due for Chinese customers by 2030, 16 of which will be part of the ID. family.

Of those 16, five EVs will form part of a new sub-brand named ID.UX set to target younger Chinese customers with a driver-focused cabin and a new display concept. The first ID.UX model will be known as the ID.UNYX, and it’s set to make a market debut later this year.

To shorten the length of development cycles, VW is also intensifying its relationships with Chinese partners by