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
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

Used Volkswagen Corrado (1989-1995) buyer’s guide: an overlooked gem
Used Volkswagen Corrado - front static

Used Volkswagen Corrado (1989-1995) buyer’s guide: an overlooked gem

A full used buyer's guide on the Volkswagen Corrado that was on sale between 1989 and 1995
Used car tests
15 Feb 2026
What cars qualify for the electric car grant? Full list with our best (and worst) picks
Electric car charging mega test - Renault 5 front angled

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

More than 40 electric cars are now eligible for a Government-funded discount. Which should you go for from the ever-growing list?
News
16 Jan 2026
Volkswagen is the UK’s highest-selling car brand… again
Volkswagen Golf - main image

Volkswagen is the UK’s highest-selling car brand… again

VW may top the charts but the Chinese are catching up with nearly 10 per cent of all new-car sales coming from their new-age brands
News
6 Jan 2026
New Volkswagen ID. Polo: interior images and latest details on 2026 EV supermini
New Volkswagen ID. Polo - interior, front

New Volkswagen ID. Polo: interior images and latest details on 2026 EV supermini

The Renault 5 rival is due to be revealed in full this spring and will hit the streets before the end of the year
News
4 Jan 2026

Most Popular

New Land Rover Defender Sport: baby SUV will be boxy and electric
New baby Land Rover Defender render - watermarked

New Land Rover Defender Sport: baby SUV will be boxy and electric

The new Land Rover Defender Sport will sit below the existing Defender in both size and price, and our exclusive image previews how it could look
News
23 Feb 2026
Insurers still refuse to cover some Chinese cars despite booming sales
Skywell BE11 - front action

Insurers still refuse to cover some Chinese cars despite booming sales

Insurance companies seem to be struggling to keep pace with the wave of new cars coming from China, and buyers are literally paying the price
News
26 Feb 2026
Car Deal of the Day: Top-selling Ford Puma for a rock-bottom £166 a month
Ford Puma - front corner left turn

Car Deal of the Day: Top-selling Ford Puma for a rock-bottom £166 a month

It’s been a while since the petrol Puma has been cheaper than its electric sister. It’s our Deal of the Day for 24 February.
News
24 Feb 2026

Find a car with the experts