Volkswagen has given a first glimpse at its plans for cars of the future, unveiling a host of innovations at CES 2017, in Las Vegas.
The firm aims to use technology to personalise the driving experience, anticipating a future of shared, connected vehicles.
Currently, Volkswagen cars feature MirrorLink, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, which allow drivers to access apps and services from their phone using vehicles’ in-built system.
New feature User-ID will allow owners to import their own settings for dashboard displays and ambient inside lighting.
After entering any Volkswagen, the vehicle will prepare the driver’s favourite music, configure the display screen and make seat adjustments. Preferences could even extend to limiting the car’s speed when young adults may be using the vehicle.
It works alongside an updated version of the Digital Key, which was unveiled at CES 2015.
This allows owners to lock and unlock doors via smartphone app, and now imports the User-ID preferences.
Drivers can also open up access to a car to family or friends for any designated period of time.
Full integration with Amazon’s Alexa means drivers will be able to control devices in your home during your commute to and from work – such as turning on the heating, or shutting down the alarm.
The Digital Cockpit – an updated version of the Virtual Cockpit – will also replace analogue gauges with a reconfigurable 3D-feel digital display, which uses eye-tracking to tilt towards where the driver is looking.
An elaborate heads-up display can also show sat-nav directions as if they had been projected onto the road several feet in front of the car.
Frank Welsch, head of development, said: “Even in the digital age, the Volkswagen objective remains the same: user operation must be easy, and the ergonomics perfect.
“It is with this goal in mind that we are continually developing the communication pathways between human and car.”
VW also chose CES to give a closer look at its ID concept for a fully-electric car, which it expects to be fully autonomous by 2025.
Its designers claim the ID will manage around 370 miles on a single charge, and features a steering wheel that disappears into the dashboard when driverless mode is engaged.
Production is expected to begin in 2019, with the vehicle going on sale in 2020.