Volkswagen has recently announced the arrival of its newest flagship electric sedan, the ID.7, in Europe and China this fall, with a North American release scheduled for 2024. The ID.7 comes in two trims: Pro and Pro S, both of which are equipped with an electric motor that can produce up to 282 horsepower (210 kilowatts).
The Pro trim features an 82-kilowatt-hour gross rating battery (77-kWh net), with a WLTP-cycle range of approximately 382 miles (615 kilometers), and supports 170-kW DC charging. Meanwhile, the Pro S comes with a 91-kWh gross capacity battery (86-kWh net), providing an estimated driving range of 435 miles (700 km), with a DC charging capacity of 200 kW.
The Volkswagen ID.7 measures 195.3 inches (4,961 millimeters) in length, with a wheelbase of 116.8 inches (2,966 mm), making it comparable to the Mercedes-Benz EQE electric sedan that is 196.9 inches long with a 122.8-inch wheelbase. The VW is 73.31 inches (1,862 mm) wide, not including the exterior mirrors, and boasts a low drag coefficient of 0.23, depending on the chosen equipment.
The interior of the ID.7 features an augmented reality head-up display that simplifies the instrument cluster, showing only necessary information such as vehicle speed and various warnings. The augmented reality system adjusts the distance of information from the driver, making it appear as if the speedometer is closer while turn arrows are farther away. The display includes information on road lane markings, distance, and speed limits, and the driver can adjust it using the controls on the steering wheel.
A 15-inch infotainment system is located in the center of the dashboard, with illuminated touch sliders for adjusting the cabin temperature and audio volume. The Travel Assist system includes adaptive cruise control and assisted lane changing, automatically detecting speed limits and adjusting the vehicle’s velocity.
VW has emphasized the ID.7’s advanced air conditioning system, which includes motors to move the vents vertically and horizontally, ensuring optimal air distribution throughout the cabin. The system also responds to voice commands, enabling the driver to request a warm gust of air at their fingers or activate the steering wheel heater by saying “Hello IDA, my hands are cold.”
Buyers can select high-tech seats, with up to 14-way power adjustment, a Climatronic function that uses temperature and moisture sensors to heat or cool the seats automatically, and a massaging system with ten air cushions. An optional panoramic sunroof features a smart glass panel that can switch between opaque or transparent with a button or voice command.
VW plans to manufacture the ID.7 for the European and North American markets at its Emden plant in Germany, with production commencing in the second half of the year. While no pricing details are currently available for any region, the ID.7’s impressive features and capabilities are sure to make it a sought-after vehicle in the electric car market.