The Volkswagen Group has begun a new phase of testing its autonomous research vehicle, Gen.Urban, in Wolfsburg. Following earlier trials, the Gen.Urban is now being tested in real urban traffic conditions. The goal of this project is to examine how passengers experience travel in a self-driving vehicle that does not have a traditional steering wheel or pedals and to identify requirements for future vehicle designs.
A team from Volkswagen Group Innovation—including designers, human factors specialists, software engineers, and materials experts—is collecting data on how users behave and interact with the Gen.Urban. These insights are expected to inform the development of future interior and user experience concepts across various brands within the group.
The research focuses on several key questions: how passengers use their time in an autonomous vehicle, which digital features support activities such as work or relaxation, and how interactions should be designed for different age groups. The comfort level of passengers is also being evaluated.
Passengers can set preferences such as cabin temperature and ambient lighting before starting their journey using an app or directly inside the vehicle. Upon entry, the Gen.Urban greets each passenger and automatically adjusts the seat position according to their settings. Artificial intelligence allows further customization of the digital interior display with information, light, and sound tailored to individual themes.
The Gen.Urban operates without a steering wheel or pedals. During tests, participants sit in what would traditionally be the driver’s seat while a trained safety driver monitors from the passenger seat. The safety driver can intervene at any time using a control panel equipped with a joystick.
Initial test drives involve Volkswagen Group employees over several weeks.
Dr. Nikolai Ardey, Head of Volkswagen Group Innovation, stated: "The technology for autonomous driving is making rapid progress. With our Gen.Urban research vehicle, we want to understand exactly how passengers experience autonomous driving. Because: The key to a positive customer experience is to build trust – through meaningful interaction, a relaxed atmosphere, and intelligent assistance systems that respond precisely to the needs of passengers. Ultimately, technology should fit people, not the other way around. We will benefit from these insights across the entire Group in the long term."
Testing takes place on a nearly ten-kilometer loop through Wolfsburg’s city area starting at the headquarters’ visitor parking lot and passing several notable locations including Sandkamp factory gate and Brandenburger Platz before returning via Heinrich-Nordhoff-Street. The route was selected for its variety of typical urban challenges such as intersections with traffic lights, roundabouts, construction zones, residential neighborhoods, industrial areas, and potential congestion.
Gen.Urban allows riders to personalize aspects like temperature and lighting as well as tailor digital displays using artificial intelligence prior to travel.