Volkswagen has officially announced the pricing and availability of its new flagship electric sedan, the ID.7. The electric car, which is based on the same MEB platform as the ID.3 hatchback and the ID.4 crossover, promises to offer a spacious and comfortable interior, a long-range, and a host of advanced features. But how does it compare to its main rival, the Tesla Model 3? And is it worth the wait?
What is the Volkswagen ID.7?
The Volkswagen ID.7 is the latest addition to the ID family of electric vehicles, which aims to make zero-emission mobility accessible and affordable for everyone. The ID.7 is a large sedan that measures 195.3 inches in length, 74.8 inches in width, and 60.6 inches in height, with a wheelbase of 116.8 inches. It has a sleek and aerodynamic design, with a drag coefficient of just 0.23, which helps to improve its efficiency and range.
The ID.7 is powered by a single electric motor that produces 282 horsepower and 402 pound-feet of torque, driving the rear wheels. It has a single-speed transmission and a rear-wheel steering system, enhancing its agility and stability. The battery pack is located under the floor, lowering the center of gravity and improving the weight distribution.
The ID.7 will be available with two battery options: a 77 kWh pack that provides an estimated range of 382 miles on the WLTP cycle and an 86 kWh pack that boosts the range to 435 miles. Both batteries support fast charging up to 170 kW for the 77 kWh pack and 200 kW for the 86 kWh pack, allowing them to replenish from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes.
The ID.7 also features a new infotainment system that consists of a 15-inch touchscreen that dominates the dashboard, a head-up display with augmented reality, and a digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel. The system uses natural language processing and gesture control to allow the driver to interact with the car using voice commands or hand movements.
The car also comes with a range of safety and driver assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, and emergency braking. Additionally, the ID.7 will be capable of over-the-air updates that will keep it up to date with the latest software and features.
How much does the Volkswagen ID.7 cost?
The Volkswagen ID.7 will go on sale in Europe from around €49,900 (about $58,000) for the base Pro model with the 77 kWh battery and from €59,900 (about $69,500) for the Pro S model with the 86 kWh battery.
The Volkswagen flagship EV ID.7 will also be available in three trim levels: Pure, Style, and Max. The Pure trim will offer standard features such as LED headlights and taillights, keyless entry and start, wireless charging, ambient lighting, and a sound system with six speakers. The Style trim will add features such as matrix LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, leather seats, a heated steering wheel, and a sound system with ten speakers. The Max trim will include features such as adaptive suspension, four-zone climate control, massaging seats, a head-up display with augmented reality, and a sound system with twelve speakers.
The Volkswagen ID.7 will also be eligible for various incentives and subsidies in different markets, depending on the local regulations and policies regarding electric vehicles.