Volkswagen is expanding several features within its IQ.DRIVE advanced driver assistance system for the 2027 model year, with updates coming to the Atlas family, Golf family, ID. Buzz, and Tiguan.

The automaker's current IQ.DRIVE package includes Travel Assist, Front Assist, Active Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Assist, and Emergency Assist across its U.S. lineup.

For 2027, Volkswagen is adding driver-initiated lane changes to Travel Assist on more models, expanding Emergency Assist with the new Emergency Assist Plus feature, and updating Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control. Certain Atlas, ID. Buzz, and Tiguan models will also receive a rearview camera system capable of detecting pedestrians.

“The protection and peace of mind of our customers is fundamental to all of us at Volkswagen,” said Thomas Zorn, vice president of vehicle safety for Volkswagen of America. “We already offer one of the most comprehensive packages of ADAS features on the mass market. These improvements to the existing features reflect our ongoing commitment to helping drivers navigate the road with greater confidence through continuous innovation.”

Travel Assist Adds Driver-Initiated Lane Changes

When Travel Assist is engaged and the vehicle is traveling above 45 mph, drivers can initiate an assisted lane change using the turn signal. Pressing the signal partially upward or downward causes the left or right signal to blink three times in the Digital Cockpit.

The system uses rear radar sensors to determine whether adjacent traffic is present and can initiate a lane change to the left or right when conditions allow.

A wait-to-clear function can pause the lane change for up to 12 seconds while traffic clears. The Digital Cockpit indicates when the desired lane is blocked and displays an animation once the lane change begins.

Emergency Assist Plus Can Move a Vehicle Off the Road

Emergency Assist Plus builds on Volkswagen's existing Emergency Assist system by allowing the vehicle to move toward the side of the road if the system detects that the driver is unresponsive. Lane Assist or Travel Assist must be active for the feature to operate.

When Lane Assist is active, the system can be triggered after multiple lane-departure events occur without driver intervention. With Travel Assist, activation can occur when the vehicle does not detect steering wheel input for 25 seconds.

When triggered through Lane Assist, the system first provides visual and audible warnings. When activated through Travel Assist, the horn sounds, the brakes are applied three times in an attempt to alert the driver, and the seatbelt pretensions.

The vehicle can then move toward the shoulder if the front-facing camera determines there is enough space. If adequate room is not detected, the vehicle moves into the farthest right lane.

During the maneuver, the system uses the brake lights, turn signal, and hazard lights to warn surrounding traffic. Once stopped on the shoulder or in the right lane, the vehicle shifts into Park, keeps the hazard lights activated, sounds the horn, unlocks the doors, turns on the lights, and activates the emergency call function.

Rear Camera Adds Pedestrian Detection

Certain trims of the 2027 Atlas, ID. Buzz, and Tiguan will receive an enhanced rearview camera system capable of detecting pedestrians behind the vehicle.

When the vehicle is reversing between 1 and 6 mph and the camera detects a pedestrian, the system can automatically apply the brakes to help mitigate a potential collision.

Predictive Cruise Control Gets New Functions

Volkswagen is also updating Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control for 2027. The system can allow earlier adoption of higher speed limits when the driver provides accelerator input after receiving a system notification, reducing delays associated with traffic-sign recognition.

The feature also extends adaptive cruise control operation to ramps, allowing the vehicle to decelerate for an exit and provide guidance based on navigation or turn-signal input.

Before an automatic speed adjustment occurs, a notification appears in the Digital Cockpit allowing the driver to accept or reject the change. Drivers can tap the accelerator to accept a higher speed or press the Res button on the steering wheel to reject the change.

ID. Buzz Adds Road Experience Management Data

For the 2027 ID. Buzz, Volkswagen is adding Road Experience Management data through its In-Vehicle Premium subscription service.

The cloud-based system gathers camera data from real-world road users on elements including lane markings, signage, and street lighting. That information is used to improve map quality and support the vehicle's driver assistance systems.

For example, when lane markings are difficult to see, map data can help the vehicle remain centered without relying entirely on its onboard cameras. The vehicle can also use data from surrounding traffic to help determine vehicle speed, up to the posted speed limit.

A one-year trial of In-Vehicle Premium is included with the 2027 ID. Buzz. The service also includes Premium Navigation and Speech, AirConsole in-vehicle gaming, What3Words navigation functionality, and a Wi-Fi hotspot with access to the Volkswagen App Store.