Volkswagen has been on a roll lately with its ID. series of electric vehicles, offering a range of models that cater to different segments and markets. But the German automaker is not resting on its achievements, as it has just unveiled its most ambitious and luxurious EV yet: the Volkswagen ID.7.
The ID.7 is a large sedan that aims to compete with the likes of the Tesla Model S, the Lucid Air, and the Mercedes EQS in the premium electric segment. It is based on Volkswagen's modular electric drive matrix (MEB) platform, which also underpins the ID.3 hatchback, the ID.4 and ID.5 crossovers, and the upcoming ID.Buzz electric van.
The Volkswagen ID.7 is not just a bigger version of the Volkswagen ID.4, though. It has a sleek and elegant design that combines a low roofline, a long wheelbase, and a spacious cabin. The front end features a slim LED light strip that connects the headlights and the illuminated VW logo, while the rear end has a full-width LED taillight that creates a distinctive signature at night.
The interior of the ID.7 is equally impressive, with a minimalist and futuristic dashboard that features a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, and a head-up display with augmented reality. The cabin also boasts high-quality materials, ambient lighting, and plenty of storage space.
The Volkswagen ID.7 offers seating for five passengers, with generous legroom and headroom in both rows. The trunk has a capacity of 550 liters (19.4 cubic feet), which can be expanded to 1,450 liters (51.2 cubic feet) by folding down the rear seats.
But the ID.7 is not just about style and comfort; it also delivers on performance and efficiency. The sedan comes with two battery options: a 77 kWh pack that provides up to 700 km (435 miles) of range and a 111 kWh pack that boosts the range to 900 km (559 miles). Both batteries can be charged at up to 200 kW using DC fast chargers, which means that adding 100 km (62 miles) of range takes only about five minutes.
The Volkswagen ID.7 also offers two powertrain options: a rear-wheel drive version that has a single electric motor producing 204 hp (150 kW) and 310 Nm (229 lb-ft) of torque and an all-wheel drive version that has two electric motors producing 306 hp (225 kW) and 460 Nm (339 lb-ft) of torque.
The rear-wheel drive version can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.9 seconds, while the all-wheel drive version can do it in 6.2 seconds. The top speed for both versions is electronically limited to 180 km/h (112 mph).
The ID.7 also has many advanced technologies that enhance safety, convenience, and connectivity. Some of these features include adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, over-the-air updates, and remote access via a smartphone app.
The Volkswagen ID.7 is expected to go on sale in Europe and China in 2023, with prices starting from around €60,000 ($71,000). It will also be launched in North America in 2024, where it will be built at Volkswagen's Chattanooga plant in Tennessee.
The ID.7 is a bold statement from Volkswagen that shows its commitment to electrification and innovation. It is a sedan that combines luxury, performance, efficiency, and technology in a way that could challenge Tesla and other rivals in the premium electric segment.
The Volkswagen ID.7 is not just another EV but an electric sedan that could redefine the segment. @via VW.
