Volkswagen has unveiled its next electric sedan, the ID 7, which the German carmaker expects to compete in the executive EV market with the Tesla Model 3, Hyundai Ioniq 6, and Polestar 2. The ID 7, with its luxurious appeal and long-range capabilities, will be available in Europe and China in late 2023, with North America following in 2024.
VW ID 7: Battery & Powertrain
The Volkswagen ID 7 will be offered solely in a single-motor rear-wheel-drive guise at launch, with a newly built motor and single-speed gearbox to improve efficiency and power delivery over VW’s existing EVs. The engine produces 286hp and 545Nm, resulting in a 0-100kph time of roughly 6.0 seconds in the fastest form, making it quicker than any other RWD Volkswagen EV on the market.
The ID 7 is available in two models: Pro and Pro S, with the latter having a claimed WLTP range of up to 700km, outperforming its Californian competitor, Tesla. It also has a novel 82kWh battery pack which is a first for a Volkswagen EV. The Pro model features a smaller 77kWh battery, as seen in other VW electric vehicles, with a stated range of 615km. Both models are capable of fast charging, with the Pro S charging at rates of up to 200kW and the Pro charging at speeds of up to 170kW.
Volkswagen intends to release a quicker twin-motor GTX version of the ID 7 later, mirroring the powertrain lineup of its competitors, Polestar 2, Tesla Model 3, and Hyundai Ioniq 6.
VW ID 7: Exterior Looks
The ID 7 is bigger than the Volkswagen Passat and smaller than the Volkswagen Aerton premium saloon, which was discontinued in 2016. The exterior boasts a typical three-box form with clean lines and elegant wraparound headlights connected by an LED light bar with the VW badge in the center.
The top character line runs from the front fenders all the way down to the taillights at the back. Above the window line, there’s a significant chrome trim, and the rear has a full-width LED light bar, fastback-like roofline, and crisp dual-tone rear bumper.
VW ID 7: Interior & Features
The ID 7’s cabin prioritizes functionality and luxury, with a panoramic roof that switches from opaque to transparent at the touch of a button, optional massage seats, an augmented reality heads-up display, and a 15.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system powered by a heavily revamped version of Volkswagen’s MIB software platform. The infotainment platform is simple to use, with a new direct-access bar at the top of the touchscreen for rapid access to key features, and the home screen can be customized to display icons for the driver’s most frequently used applications.
The major temperature controls are always at the bottom of the screen to avoid scrolling while on the go. The design is straightforward and minimalistic, with a variety of materials and textures employed, and it is cleanly executed.
In summary, the Volkswagen ID 7 is a long-range, premium electric car that seeks to compete in the executive EV market with the Tesla Model 3, Hyundai Ioniq 6, and Polestar 2. The ID 7 may offer VW a boost in its share of the electric vehicle market when it goes on sale in late 2023, with a range of up to 700km, fast-charging capabilities, and a focus on practicality and elegance.