After a first presentation hidden behind electroluminescent paint at the CES in Las Vegas at the start of 2023, the new ID.7 electric sedan is finally unveiled in broad daylight. Beneath its air of a conventional saloon, the new ID.7 conceals the manufacturer’s latest refinements in terms of technology.
In addition to being the brand’s first electric model in the large touring segment, it is also the first from the MEB modular platform to be equipped with a new generation of high-efficiency engines. Developing 210 kW / 286 hp, these are the most powerful and torque-rich engines in the entire Volkswagen ID model range. Called internally APP550, this engine was developed jointly with Volkswagen Group Components in Kassel, Germany, where it is also produced.
The main improvement made to the new electric motor concerns energy consumption. Depending on the size of the battery, the car can achieve a range in the WLTP cycle of up to 700 km and boasts charging powers of up to 200 kW. An interesting asset insofar as this sedan is obviously intended above all for large riders and other families who have no time to waste on the road to recharge. However, the charging times are not yet known.
With almost 5 m long and almost 3 m wheelbase, the space on board is particularly welcoming. During the presentation, we were able to board the sedan and the space is particularly pleasant, especially in row 2, with plenty of legroom We also note excellent seating in the seats and headrests padded and soft. Similarly, the quality of the materials seems excellent, but a future test should tell us more.
The ID.7 is also equipped with a new display and operating concept. Volkswagen has indeed taken into account the feedback from its customers and claims to have improved the user experience. There is indeed a new 15-inch screen in landscape format (38 cm diagonal) for the infotainment system. It integrates air conditioning controls as well as customizable shortcuts. The bottom of the screen is equipped with backlit sensitive touch controls. An augmented reality head-up display will also be standard.
A new IDA voice assistant is appearing for more natural communication with the latter. As for comfort, the optional front seats feature an electronic adaptive climate control system that can heat or cool the seats as well as dry them. They also have a massage function certified by the German Back Health Association AGR. The range of optional equipment is completed by a 700 W Harman Kardon sound system comprising 14 high-definition speakers with a center speaker in the front and a subwoofer in the boot.
Finally, with regard to driving aids, assistance systems such as the Travel Assist system incorporate lane changes from 90 km/h by simply pressing the turn signal. Parking with memory function over a distance of up to 50 meters is also included and can be activated from the driver’s seat or from a smartphone via the manufacturer’s application.
The new ID.7 is one of ten new electric models that Volkswagen intends to launch on the market by 2026. It is intended for the European and North American markets and will be built at the Volkswagen plant in Emden. It will arrive in Europe and China in fall 2023 and in North America in 2024.