Electrically opening doors. The side view of the ID. CODE is characterised by the dominant wheel arches, the clean and drawn-in door surfaces in-between, the long and narrow window graphic, and the coupé-like rear end with the reinterpreted rear roof pillar. Level 4 sensors have been fully integrated into the design. For stylistic and aerodynamic reasons, small touch panels are used in the window frame (B-pillar) instead of conventional door handles – the doors thus open and close electrically. The standard exterior mirrors are replaced by exterior cameras, which are located in extremely thin and aerodynamically optimised wing housings; in purely graphic terms, they form an extension of the large bonnet right into the silhouette. When Level 4 is active, the housings are illuminated on the outside. The same applies to the surrounds of the radar sensors integrated in the side members of the rear doors.
Sporty, flat side contour. The design criterion of stability is especially shown by the pronounced wheel arches, which serve as orientation for the entire body architecture of the ID. CODE. The surfaces above the wheels – the bonnet and the window graphic – were designed to be very flat. As a result, the concept car has an exceptionally stable appearance and sits well on the road.
- Smart Windows. Volkswagen has integrated the newly developed Smart Windows with a semi-transparent display into the vehicle side. In one of these Smart Windows, an AI-assisted human avatar appears as soon as an authorised user approaches the Volkswagen. Based on the preset preferences and the current scenario, the avatar actively starts a conversation to offer its services. For example, if sunny weather is predicted, it reminds you to use sunscreen. In addition, widgets are displayed on the rear door window screen that are synchronised with the interior HMI systems. Authorised users can adjust the settings directly to their needs in a mobile app, for example, to display battery status, range or weather conditions. A reminder function can also be set in order to not forget important things at home or in the office, or to remember an upcoming inspection, for example.
Wheel rims as perfection in detail. At Volkswagen, the special features are also reflected in the design details. The newly developed 24-inch alloy wheels are a prime example of this. Here, the wheel designers have combined the principle of visual simplicity with a technical masterpiece of lightweight construction. The design of the wheel rims is extremely clear and therefore iconic. A dominant feature here is a 3D-milled aluminium structure with five large outer spokes. They are made of light-coloured aluminium and transition into five dark-blue twin spokes towards the inside. The ultra-light aluminium structure of the five spokes is double-walled to achieve maximum stability with minimal use of materials. The extremely lightweight wheel rims are optimised in the outer areas by dark-blue aerodynamic surfaces with vertical struts – these surfaces reduce the air resistance of the wheel rims and also dissipate the heat generated during braking. As a particular innovative highlight, the wheel rims feature illuminated Volkswagen logos in the wheel centre for the first time.