Volkswagen ID.7 GTX: The Ultimate Electric SUV for Long-Distance Cruising

If you're looking for an electric SUV that can handle any terrain, deliver superb performance, and offer plenty of space and comfort, you might want to check out the 2023 Volkswagen ID.7 GTX. This is the latest addition to the ID family of electric vehicles from Volkswagen, and it promises to be a game-changer in the segment.

The ID.7 GTX is based on the ID.6, which is already available in China and will soon arrive in the U.S. market. However, the ID.7 GTX adds some distinctive features that make it stand out from its sibling. Here are some of the reasons why you should consider this electric SUV for your next vehicle purchase.

Four-Wheel Drive with Dual Motors

One of the main attractions of the 2023 Volkswagen ID.7 GTX is its four-wheel drive system, which is powered by two electric motors—one on each axle. This gives the SUV a total output of 335 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque, making it the most powerful ID model to date.

The dual motors also allow the ID.7 GTX to switch between different driving modes, depending on the road conditions and driver preferences. For example, you can choose Eco mode for maximum efficiency, Sport mode for enhanced dynamics, or Off-road mode for tackling rough terrain.

The four-wheel drive system also improves the handling and stability of the ID.7 GTX, especially on slippery or uneven surfaces. The SUV can distribute the torque between the front and rear wheels as needed, ensuring optimal traction and control at all times.

Long-Distance Range and Fast Charging

Another impressive feature of the ID.7 GTX is its long-distance range and fast charging capability. According to Volkswagen, the electric SUV comes with a 77-kWh battery pack that can provide up to 280 miles of driving on a single charge.

That's enough to cover most daily commutes and weekend trips without worrying about running out of juice. And if you do need to recharge, you can do so quickly and conveniently at any of the public charging stations that are compatible with the ID.7 GTX.

The electric SUV can support up to 125 kW of charging power, which means it can replenish 80 percent of its battery in just 38 minutes. That's faster than most electric vehicles on the market today, and it gives you more flexibility and freedom to plan your journeys.

Spacious and Comfortable Interior

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.7 GTX is a powerful and efficient electric SUV and a spacious and comfortable one. The SUV can accommodate up to seven passengers in its three-row cabin, which offers ample headroom and legroom for everyone.

The interior design is minimalist and modern, with a digital cockpit that features a 12-inch touchscreen display and a head-up display with augmented reality. The ID.7 GTX also has a panoramic sunroof that lets in natural light and creates a sense of openness.

The SUV also offers plenty of cargo space for your luggage and gear. You can fold down the second and third rows of seats to create up to 83 cubic feet of storage space, which is more than enough for most needs.

Advanced Safety and Technology Features

The ID.7 GTX is a fun and practical electric SUV and a safe and smart one. The SUV has many advanced safety and technology features that make driving easier and more enjoyable.

Some of these features include:

Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go function
Lane-keeping assist with the lane-centering function
Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
Front and rear parking sensors with rearview camera
Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
LED headlights with high-beam assist
Wireless smartphone charging and integration
Ambient lighting with customizable colors
Harman Kardon premium sound system

The ID.7 GTX also supports over-the-air updates, which means it can receive new software features and improvements without having to visit a dealership.

Pricing and Availability

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.7 GTX is expected to go on sale in Europe in early 2023, followed by other markets later in the year. The pricing has not been announced yet, but it is likely to be higher than the ID.6, which starts at around $47,000 (€42,000) in China.

However, considering all the benefits that the ID.7 GTX offers, it might be worth paying a premium for this electric SUV. The ID.7 GTX is not just a faster and sportier version of the ID.7 but also a more versatile and capable one that can suit different lifestyles and needs.

Comparison with Rivals

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.7 GTX will face some tough competition in the electric SUV market, especially from Tesla, which has a loyal fan base and a strong reputation for innovation and performance. The Tesla Model Y Performance is probably the closest rival to the ID.7 GTX in terms of size, power, and range.

The Tesla Model Y Performance has a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system that produces 456 horsepower and 497 pound-feet of torque, giving it a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph. It also has a 75-kWh battery pack that can deliver up to 303 miles of range on the EPA cycle and can charge at up to 250 kW on Tesla's Supercharger network.

The Tesla Model Y Performance starts at $60,990 (€51,000) in the U.S., likely higher than the ID.7 GTX's price tag. However, it also comes with some advantages over the Volkswagen model, such as a more futuristic design, a larger 15-inch touchscreen display, a more spacious cargo area (up to 68 cubic feet), and access to Tesla's advanced Autopilot and Full Self-Driving features.

Another potential rival to the ID.7 GTX is the Hyundai Ioniq 6, which is expected to debut later this year as a sedan version of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 crossover. The Ioniq 6 will share the same E-GMP platform and battery technology as the Ioniq 5, which means it will offer fast charging at up to 350 kW and a range of up to 300 miles on the WLTP cycle.

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 will also have a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system that will produce around 300 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque, giving it a 0-60 mph time of around 5 seconds and a top speed of around 130 mph. It will also have a sleek and futuristic design inspired by the Hyundai Prophecy concept car, with a low-slung profile, pixelated LED lights, and a spacious and minimalist interior.

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is expected to start at around $45,000 (€38,000) in the U.S., making it cheaper than the ID.7 GTX and the Model Y Performance. However, it will also have some drawbacks compared to the Volkswagen model, such as a smaller battery pack (58 kWh or 72 kWh), a lower top speed, and less cargo space (around 50 cubic feet).

Conclusion

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.7 GTX is an exciting addition to the electric SUV market that will appeal to drivers who want a powerful, efficient, spacious, and comfortable vehicle that can handle any road condition. It will offer some unique features that will set it apart from its rivals, such as its four-wheel drive system with different driving modes, its long-distance range and fast charging capability, its spacious and comfortable interior with advanced technology features, and its subtle but sporty styling.

The ID.7 GTX will also be competitively priced compared to its rivals, especially considering its benefits over them. It will not be as fast or futuristic as the Tesla Model Y Performance, but it will be more versatile and capable. It will not be as cheap or sleek as the Hyundai Ioniq 6, but it will be more powerful and spacious.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.7 GTX will be revealed in full at the IAA Mobility event in Munich in September, where we will learn more about its specifications and pricing. Until then, we can only say that this electric SUV looks like a promising contender for anyone who wants an ultimate long-distance cruiser with superb engine power and four-wheel drive.