Volkswagen is not shy about its ambitions to become the world’s leading electric car maker. The German automaker has already launched the ID.3 hatchback and the ID.4 crossover, two affordable and practical EVs that have been well-received by customers and critics alike. But VW is not stopping there. It has also unveiled the ID.7, a sleek and sophisticated electric sedan that will compete with the likes of the Tesla Model 3, the Mercedes-Benz EQE, and the BMW i4.
The ID.7 is the first electric model from Volkswagen for the upper mid-sized class. The Volkswagen sedan is an efficiency champion with a range of up to 435 miles (WLTP). In addition to a spacious and comfortable cabin, the ID.7 boasts advanced technology, such as a large 15-inch infotainment touchscreen, a head-up display with augmented reality, and a digital key allowing users to unlock and start the car with their smartphone.
Pricing and Availability
The Volkswagen ID.7 is on sale in Europe with a starting price of 56,995 euros (about $66,800). That’s considerably more expensive than the ID.3 and the ID.4, which start at 35,000 euros ($41,000) and 40,000 euros ($47,000), respectively. However, the Volkswagen ID.7 is also more luxurious and powerful than its siblings, and it will be eligible for government incentives in some markets.
Volkswagen has not confirmed when the ID.7 will arrive in the US, but it is expected to do so sometime in 2024 as a 2025 model. The US pricing is also unknown, but it could be lower than the European one, as VW has been aggressive in undercutting Tesla on this side of the pond. For instance, the Volkswagen ID.4 starts at $39,995 in the US before any federal or state tax credits.
Performance and Battery
The Volkswagen ID.7 will initially be offered with a single electric motor driving the rear wheels, producing 282 horsepower. A dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant with more power will join the lineup later on. VW claims that the rear-wheel-drive model can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds.
The VW ID.7 will come with a 77-kWh battery pack as standard, which should provide about 300 miles of driving per charge. A larger 86-kWh battery will be available as an option, but it may be exclusive to the all-wheel-drive model. The ID.7 will support fast charging up to 125 kW, which means it can replenish up to 80 percent of its battery in about 30 minutes.
Design and Features
The Volkswagen ID.7 is based on the ID.Aero concept that VW showed in 2019. The production version retains the sleek and aerodynamic shape of the concept but with some changes to make it more practical and roadworthy. The ID.7 has a coupe-like silhouette, with a sloping roofline and a short rear decklid. The front end features slim LED headlights and a light bar that connects them across the grille-less fascia. The rear end has a full-width LED taillight and a subtle spoiler.
The interior of the Volkswagen ID.7 is minimalist and futuristic, with few physical buttons and knobs. The dashboard is dominated by a large 15-inch touchscreen that controls most of the car’s functions, such as navigation, climate, entertainment, and settings. The driver also gets a head-up display that projects key information and navigation instructions onto the windshield. The steering wheel has touch-sensitive controls and a small digital display that shows basic driving data.
The ID.7 offers plenty of space for passengers and cargo, thanks to its long wheelbase and flat floor. The trunk has a capacity of 17 cubic feet, which can be expanded by folding down the rear seats. The cabin also has several storage compartments and USB ports for convenience.
The ID.7 comes with a host of standard and optional features that enhance its comfort, safety, and convenience. Some of these include:
- Wireless smartphone charging
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Ambient lighting
- Heated and ventilated seats
- Panoramic sunroof
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane-keeping assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Parking sensors
- Surround-view camera
- Automatic emergency braking
- Traffic sign recognition
Conclusion
The VW ID.7 is an impressive electric sedan that combines style, performance, efficiency, and technology in one package. It is a worthy contender in the growing segment of premium EVs and could pose a serious challenge to Tesla and other rivals. The ID.7 is expected to be a hit in Europe, where VW has a loyal customer base and a strong EV infrastructure. The US market may be harder to crack, but VW has shown that it can offer competitive pricing and quality products. The Volkswagen ID.7 is definitely a car to watch out for in the near future. @via VW.
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