Volkswagen rethinks EVs in China with bold ID Code concept

Other distinguishing elements include prominent front wheel arches and rear haunches above large wheelhouses all round. An extended wheelbase also helps to shorten the overhangs, while wide tracks provide a muscular stance and should boost stability on the move.

As part of Volkswagen's efforts to match its Chinese rivals on digital functionality, an avatar appears on the driver's side window when you approach with the key, providing information on the traffic and weather conditions, as part of what Volkswagen calls its Smart Window Concept.

The ID Code has a heavily angled back window and horizontal brake lights that mirror the headlights, all hosted in a shooting brake-style tailgate and decorated with an illuminated logo.

There is heavy tapering to the corners, backing up Mindt's claims that the new concept has been developed as much for style as outright space.

Along with its progressive exterior styling, the 4800mm-long concept also previews a new driver-centric interior design, based around AI-supported infotainment functions and advanced level-four autonomous driving capability - the latter function signalled by lidar units that light up the exterior of the car when it’s driving itself.

Created to support a diverse range of electric lifestyle-oriented models, the ID UX electric car sub-brand is intended to appeal to a younger audience than Volkswagen's existing range of ID models.

"The ID Code gives the first glimpse of the future of Volkswagen in China," said Schäfer. "It is part of a sharpened brand experience aimed at tapping into new customer groups in China."

The ideas, technology and processes behind the new concept have been developed to bring future Volkswagen models into closer competition with those from both established Chinese car makers and newer electric car start-ups such as Nio, Xpeng, Aito and Li Auto.

Although the new design language has been conceived for models to be sold in China, insiders at Volkswagen's design headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany, say discussions are already under way as to how it may influence future models planned for sale in Europe.

"We've shown how we will progress the look of electric models for Europe with the ID 2 and ID 2 GTI. They're more traditional in terms of styling," said Mindt. "However, we are not ruling out a car like the ID Code being introduced to other markets in the future. For now, though, it is only planned for China."

The first model in the ID UX line-up is the ID Unyx - a rebadged version of the Cupra Tavascan produced at a joint-venture factory operated in partnership with JAC in the Chinese city of Hefei.

An extension of the existing ID line-up conceived exclusively for the Chinese market, it forms an integral part of Volkswagen's 'In China, for China' strategy.