VW Design Boss: Future EVs Will Look More Normal And Have Nicer Interiors

by Chris Teague

July 20th, 2023 9:58 AM

vw design boss future evs will look more normal and have nicer interiors

Volkswagen’s head of design is on a mission to normalize EV styling. Speaking with MotorTrend, Andreas Mindt said the company’s current EV offerings are styled to appeal to early adopters, and he acknowledged that the automaker has work to do to regain confidence in its designs.

Faced with dwindling demand for its EVs, VW is set for a refresh and restyling of its future EVs. Its current design language is seen as outdated, as the market is well beyond early adopter status at this point, and Mindt is determined to shift to more normal-looking cars going forward.

The ID.2 All is an excellent example of VW’s need to shift. The very-much-Golf-looking EV looks like a normal hatchback and doesn’t scream, “I’M AN ELECTRIC CAR!” The design has been well received and could be a sign of good things to come if VW sticks to the plan. The car’s interior is also a shift from VW’s current cabin design, as it will feature higher-quality materials and less confounding tech.

Mindt’s view is refreshing in today’s electric vehicle market. Automakers like Hyundai and Kia have made impressive EVs, but their styling (while fantastic) tries very hard to be futuristic. Since we’re past the phase of needing to appeal to early adopters, widespread adoption will likely take a range of styling choices, just like we have in gas vehicles today.

[Image: VW]

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5 of 23 comments

Tankinbeans on Jul 20, 2023

I've found most VW/Audi models to be some of the most attractive cars on the road for a good while. I tend to gravitate to geometric shapes over organic styles, with the exception being the Mazdas I've had.

However, my only experience driving the cars was 10 year ago when my friend had a 2011 Jetta 2.5 SE. He frequently had to borrow my 98 Blazer when his new car went into the shop.

1 Reply
Sckid213 on Jul 20, 2023

I guess "styled to appeal to early adopters" is German for "plain and cheap-looking."

I see lots of ID.4 around here and I don't think they have spaceship / futuristic / "early adopter" styling. I'd say that something like the Ioniq 6 would fit that description. The ID.4 is just blah.

2 Reply
- Bd2 on Jul 20, 2023
  
  This.
  
  The ID lineup (save for the retro microbus) look pretty normal, just on the bland and forgettable side.
  There are a good # of "normal" looking BEVs on the market, most of them electric versions of ICE models such as the GV70/G80 and most of BMW's electrics (that's if, if one considers the current BMW styling to be normal).
  Otoh, the EQE and EQS are so bland as to be forgettable as well (EQ being the luxury equivalent of ID); having zero presence compared to the E and S Class.
  
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- Jkross22 on Jul 21, 2023
  
  Ha, I'm the opposite. VW has exterior design dialed in. It's conservative, handsome and simple in a way Audi and BMW used to be years ago. The best part of ID.4 is its exterior. The interior space utilization is a mess as much as its tech. How can an SUV have such a short "roof to seat pan" ratio? Apparently I have a long torso and have the same problem with the Jag F-Pace and A LOT of non-Euro sedans. The driver seat can't get low enough. Had the same problem when I had the new LS as a loaner for a day. BTW, that car is REALLY good, but my head damn near hits the headliner.
  
  1
Bike on Jul 23, 2023

Sounds like a legacy car maker trying to wishfully shut the barn door on a bolted horse.

1 Reply
EBFlex on Jul 23, 2023

Why not do it now? Why did every single one have to look stupid in the first place?

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