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Round up: VW previews ID. Cross; Xiaomi refreshes the SU7 & people moves
Car Design News looks at news that may have gone under the radar, including the latest updates from Xiaomi, Volkswagen, Changan and the latest people news
Xiaomi refreshes the SU7
The renewed SU7 include three new exterior colours, a new air intake grille design and a completely redesigned interior.
A new symmetrical layout has been implemented on the central console, with almost all of the frequent contact surfaces now wrapped in soft-touch finishes, while the steering wheel is finished in Nappa leather and accented with chrome trim.
Quilting has been applied to the door panels and seats, with metal nameplates and metal speaker grilles. Wraparound ambient lighting (at a total length of 3,636mm) stretches from the central console to the rear row, forming a complete band of light encircling the cockpit.
This redesign was initially enacted to address the concerns around driver assist technology and electronic door handles – which have been changed to a triple-redundant door unlocking system, including a separate backup power supply.
Full release here.
Volkswagen previews ID. Cross exterior for Europe
VW’s new compact electric SUV, the ID. Cross, debuts the brand’s new Pure Positive design language – embodying clean lines and balanced proportions. VW described the ID. Cross as possessing a “deliberately low-key yet confident look”.
The five-seater will be launched in the European market from Autumn 2026.
Full release here.
Changan UK launches Deepal S05
The Deepal S05, (another) electric compact SUV, has been launched in the UK.
Designed at Changan’s European Design Centre in Turin, Italy, the S05’s exterior is inspired by aircrafts with the side profile featuring a double waistline (mimicking the silhouette of an aircraft fuselage) and both the headlights and the front bumper designed to replicate varying elements of an aeroplane.
Inside, the cabin features a steering wheel modelled after aircraft controls and large augmented reality heads-up display. Throughout the cabin, soft-touch materials are used, with the seats coated in vegan leather. The front passenger co-pilot seat features a ‘zero gravity’ reclining function with an extendable leg rest – inspired by the neutral body posture astronauts adopt in space to reduce pressure on joints.
Full release here.
People news
Alcantara hires Chris Lefteri in the newly created role of design ambassador and advocate.
Francis Knepper joins Changan Automobile Design Centre Europe as design strategist
Julia Quentin joins Rivian as lead CMF designer
Bobby Ma joins NIO as vehicle design lead.
