Volkswagen has officially initiated the production of its highly anticipated all-electric ID.7 sedan at its Emden plant in Germany. This significant milestone comes on the heels of a preliminary production run in June, with the first customer deliveries slated to commence this upcoming fall.
The Emden facility, which also manufactures the popular ID.4 model, has been the focal point of attention due to recent market fluctuations. Specifically, insufficient demand for the ID.4 prompted a series of adjustments at the plant. This included a temporary halt to late shifts, an extension of plant vacations, and a deferral of the planned launch of the third shift to the autumn season. The fortunes of both the ID.4 and the newly introduced ID.7 are intertwined, shaping the production outlook moving forward.
The Volkswagen ID.7, underpinned by the innovative MEB platform, boasts an initial 77-kilowatt-hour battery (with a usable capacity of approximately 81 kWh, akin to the ID.3 and ID.4 models). Impressively, the ID.7 Pro variant is projected to achieve a driving range of 382 miles (615 km) according to the rigorous European WLTP test cycle.
Anticipating the future, an entirely novel battery option will emergeâa capacious 86 kWh battery (with a usable capacity of 91 kWh in total). This enhanced configuration is expected to empower the ID.7 Pro S model to achieve an impressive WLTP range of 435 miles (700 km). Notably, the introduction date of this advanced battery option remains undisclosed. Furthermore, the larger battery can accommodate up to 200 kilowatts of DC charging, while its smaller counterpart supports charging up to 170 kW.
An intriguing facet of the ID.7’s powertrain is the utilization of the new APP550 electric motor. This groundbreaking motor boasts an astounding power output of up to 210 kW, signifying a remarkable leap from the previous 150 kW rear motor configuration (augmented by an additional 80 kW motor in all-wheel drive variants).
As of now, the Volkswagen ID.7 stands as a rear-wheel drive model; however, industry observers speculate the potential introduction of an all-wheel drive version named GTX, slated for the European market.
Looking ahead, the North American market is poised to welcome the Volkswagen ID.7 in 2024. Additionally, the model will grace Chinese roads through strategic collaborations with local joint venturesâFAW-Volkswagen and SAIC Volkswagenâwhere the vehicle will also undergo local production.
In a market characterized by dynamic shifts, Volkswagen’s foray into all-electric mobility with the ID.7 represents both a commitment to innovation and a measured response to evolving consumer preferences. As the journey unfolds, the industry will closely watch the performance and reception of this groundbreaking sedan.
