Volkswagen e-Golf Touch concept previews next-gen gesture control

Volkswagen has revealed a pre-production version of its next-generation infotainment system in the e-Golf Touch concept.

On show at the CES in Las Vegas, the concept features a high-resolution 9.2in display with a new modular interface displaying 10 tiles. The tiles can be arranged depending on driver preference, and open pages for functions such as Phone and Music. These infotainment settings can then be saved on the Cloud, meaning that drivers can access their own personalised system in any compatible Volkswagen they drive.

Also included is an updated version of Volkswagen’s voice control, which displays the words of spoken commands on the screen, and wireless charging, which is available in the front and back via charging points on the armrests.

Smartphone connectivity is handled by Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and devices can be remotely controlled through the infotainment system itself.

A handy new feature called Electronic Voice Amplification aims to help passengers in the rear hear any conversation in the front more clearly. Using the car’s hands-free microphones, it plays audio from the front through the rear speakers.

The Golf-e Touch concept also features gesture control technology, which was first demonstrated in the Volkswagen Golf R Touch a year earlier at CES. Volkswagen says this updated version will be available in higher specification production models later this year, allowing drivers to adjust things such as radio volume and climate control settings by moving their hands.