Volkswagen unveils ID. Code 01 SUV with new “Chinese DNA” and L4 autonomous driving

Volkswagen unveiled ID. Code 01 electric SUV ahead of its public debut at the Beijing Auto Show on April 25. It is designed for L4 autonomous driving, has a built-in robotic vacuum cleaner, and aims at young buyers. Volkswagen says the car has the new Chinese DNA as it follows the “in China for China strategy.”

ID. Code 01 is a design show car that Volkswagen will use as a concept for its future ID. lineup in China. According to Volkswagen, the steering wheel can retract into the dashboard when autonomous driving mode is activated, as the L4 is the second highest AD level which doesn’t need driver intervention.

The dashboard is also home to LUPO – a robotic vacuum cleaner, something like Mi Robot from Xiaomi but smaller and not intended for households. Once the car is put into Hygiene mode, the LUPO will crawl out and start cleaning up the vehicle. It also disinfects the surfaces with UV light.

“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 our Chinese customers’ needs and wishes. We are ushering in a new era of mobility in China with our Chinese partners.” Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand, said.

According to VW, the ID. Code design was developed specifically for customers in China and is a reminiscence of Gran Turismo.

The ID. family will grow to a total of 16 models by 2023. VW currently builds its ID. EVs on the MEB platform; however, this will change soon. Volkswagen is developing two new mid-class cars based on the electric platform it licensed from Chinese EV startup Xpeng. The first Xpeng-co-engineered vehicles will be launched in 2026, and the platform is supposed to be based on Edward architecture, which was underpinning the 2022 Xpeng G9.

Furthermore, Volkswagen China Technology Company (VCTC) is developing another electric platform specifically for China: CMP (China Main Plattform). At least four additional models for the electric entry-level segment will be built on the CMP from 2026.

Volkswagen China will also launch the ID.UX subbrand next year, aimed at young customers. The first EV will be called ID.UNYX and