Skip advert
Advertisement

New Volkswagen ID. Code concept is an insight into the brand's EV future

Aimed at ‘younger customers’, the ID. Code launches a new design and technology era according to VW

Volkswagen has given us an insight into the future of its electric cars with the new ID. Code concept - revealed at the 2024 Beijing Motor Show. The ID. Code previews an all-electric large SUV from VW, but in production form it’ll be limited to the Chinese market. 

The production model of the VW ID. Code will sit as the flagship model of Volkswagen’s newly-announced ID.UX sub-brand in China with a focus on lifestyle-oriented models. ID.UX is pitched at a younger audience, according to Volkswagen. 

Volkswagen also says the ID. Code’s “aesthetics are completely new”; adding that with “powerful, clear and fluid surfaces the concept car is reminiscent of a Gran Turismo”. The ID. Code certainly features a sleeker profile than Volkswagen’s current crop of SUVs with a coupe-like swept-back roofline. There’s a full-width rear light bar broken up by an illuminated VW badge and to the front a set of large, thin headlights that flow into yet another light-up VW badge. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

Inside, there’s only seating for four - perhaps underlining the ID .Code’s more youthful approach in contrast to more capacious five-seater family SUVs. A yoke-style steering wheel features and the central touchscreen extends out from the centre console rather than sitting on the dash - which itself includes a wraparound display that stretches the full width of the cabin. The front passenger seat can also be turned 180 degrees to face the rear occupants.

The ID. Code is ready for level-four autonomous driving, says Volkswagen, which allows for zero human interaction - although the driver can still take control at any point. The exterior of the car will light up when it's in autonomous mode to warn other road users. 

Volkswagen hasn’t said what architecture the ID. Code will use, although a variety of battery sizes will be possible and it’ll come with a choice of single-motor rear-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrains. 

Would you like to see the production version of the VW ID. Code concept come to the UK? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Alastair Crooks, Staff writer Auto Express
Senior news reporter

A keen petrol-head, Alastair Crooks has a degree in journalism and worked as a car salesman for a variety of manufacturers before joining Auto Express in Spring 2019 as a Content Editor. Now, as our senior news reporter, his daily duties involve tracking down the latest news and writing reviews.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

VW to sell its high-tech Chinese models in Europe, maybe build them here too
Volkswagen ID.Era - front static

VW to sell its high-tech Chinese models in Europe, maybe build them here too

Chinese brands see Europe as a prime export market, but VW thinks its own Chinese operation can get in on the action too
News
24 Jul 2026
Which cars qualify for the electric car grant? Full ECG list with our best (and worst) picks
Electric car charging mega test - Renault 5 front angled

Which cars qualify for the electric car grant? Full ECG list with our best (and worst) picks

In excess of 60 electric cars are now eligible for a Government-funded discount. Which should you go for from the ever-growing list?
News
23 Jul 2026
New Volkswagen ID. Polo will start from under £24,000
Volkswagen ID Polo - front static

New Volkswagen ID. Polo will start from under £24,000

Volkswagen’s electric supermini is arriving with a 280-mile range, classy looks and a pinch of nostalgic charm
News
21 Jul 2026
New Volkswagen ID. Cross: 278-mile electric SUV is gunning for Renault 4
Phil McNamara with the Volkswagen ID. Cross

New Volkswagen ID. Cross: 278-mile electric SUV is gunning for Renault 4

The new all-electric Volkswagen ID. Cross is here to take on the small SUV elite, and it's set to cost from £28k
News
16 Jul 2026

Most Popular

Tesla Model 3 vs Mazda 6e: Japanese newcomer takes on EV royalty
Tesla Model 3 vs Mazda 6e - front tracking

Tesla Model 3 vs Mazda 6e: Japanese newcomer takes on EV royalty

Can Mazda’s link-up with Changan Automobile see the brand’s new 6e challenge Tesla’s popular Model 3 EV?
Car group tests
25 Jul 2026
New Haval H6 2026 review: impossible to ignore because it's so cheap
Haval H6 - front tracking

New Haval H6 2026 review: impossible to ignore because it's so cheap

The Haval H6 is a family SUV for hatchback money - but does it deserve success in the UK market?
Road tests
27 Jul 2026
I love electric cars, but I won’t buy one until they get cheaper
Opinion - EV charging

I love electric cars, but I won’t buy one until they get cheaper

Mike Rutherford is a big fan of electric cars, but still thinks they're just too expensive to buy, insure and run
Opinion
26 Jul 2026

Find a car with the experts