The VW ID.7 is the latest addition to Volkswagen's electric vehicle lineup, and it aims to compete with the likes of the Tesla Model 3, the Mercedes-Benz EQE, and the BMW i4. The Volkswagen ID.7 is an electric sedan that combines a sleek and aerodynamic design, a spacious and high-tech interior, and a powerful and efficient electric drivetrain. But how does it stack up against its rivals, and is it worth the premium price tag? Here's what you need to know about the VW ID.7.
Design and Dimensions
The VW ID.7 is based on the ID.Aero concept that was unveiled at the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The production version retains most of the concept's features, such as the low and wide stance, the sharp LED headlights and taillights, the large wheels, and the distinctive light bar that runs across the front and rear of the car. The ID.7 also has some unique elements, such as the hood extending slightly over the grille, creating an overbite effect, and the angled rear brake light on top of the rear window.
The Volkswagen ID.7 measures 194.9 inches in length, 74.8 inches in width, and 56.3 inches in height. It has a wheelbase of 116.9 inches, which is longer than that of the Tesla Model 3 (113.2 inches), the Mercedes-Benz EQE (118.1 inches), and the BMW i4 (112.8 inches). The ID.7 also has a drag coefficient of 0.20, which is lower than that of the Tesla Model 3 (0.23), the Mercedes-Benz EQE (0.22), and the BMW i4 (0.24). This means that the ID.7 is more aerodynamic and efficient than its competitors.
Interior and Technology
The interior of the VW ID.7 is spacious and minimalist, with a futuristic and elegant vibe. The dashboard is dominated by a large 15-inch touchscreen that controls most of the car's functions, such as navigation, entertainment, climate, and settings. The screen also supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as over-the-air updates. The driver also gets a head-up display that projects key information such as speed, battery level, and driving assistance features on the windshield. The ID.7 also has a digital instrument cluster that can be customized to show different data.
The ID.7 offers plenty of room for five passengers, with generous headroom and legroom in both rows. The seats are comfortable and supportive, with leather upholstery and heating and ventilation options. The trunk has a capacity of 18 cubic feet, which is more than that of the Tesla Model 3 (15 cubic feet) but less than that of the Mercedes-Benz EQE (21 cubic feet) and the BMW i4 (19 cubic feet). The ID.7 also has a small front trunk that can store an additional 2 cubic feet of cargo.
The ID.7 comes with a host of advanced safety and driver assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, parking sensors, surround-view camera, and more. The ID.7 also has a semi-autonomous driving system called Travel Assist, which can steer, accelerate, and brake for the driver on highways up to speeds of 130 mph.
Performance and Range
The VW ID.7 will be available in two powertrain options: a single-motor rear-wheel-drive configuration with 282 horsepower and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive configuration with 402 horsepower. The rear-wheel-drive model will be able to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds, while the all-wheel-drive model will do it in 4 seconds. Both models will have a top speed of 155 mph.
The ID.7 will also offer two battery options: a standard 77-kWh battery pack that will provide an estimated range of 300 miles and an optional 86-kWh battery pack that will increase the range to 350 miles. Both battery packs will support fast charging up to 125 kW, which will allow them to recharge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes.
The Volkswagen ID.7 will have sporty and agile handling thanks to its low center of gravity, balanced weight distribution, and adaptive suspension. The ID.7 will also have a Dynamic Chassis Control system that will adjust the damping, steering, and throttle response according to the selected driving mode. The ID.7 will have four driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Individual.
Price and Availability
The VW ID.7 is on sale in Europe with a starting price of 56,995 euros in Germany, which is equivalent to about $66,500. The US pricing has yet to be announced, but we expect it to be similar to the European one. The ID.7 will be eligible for federal and state tax credits and incentives, which will lower the effective cost for buyers.
The ID.7 electric sedan is offered in four trim levels: Base Pro, Pro S, Pro S Plus, and Sport. The Base Pro comes with the rear-wheel-drive powertrain and the 77-kWh battery pack, as well as standard features such as LED headlights and taillights, 18-inch wheels, leather seats, wireless charging, and Travel Assist. The Pro S will add the 86-kWh battery pack, 19-inch wheels, panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, and a premium sound system. The Pro S Plus includes an all-wheel-drive powertrain, 20-inch wheels, matrix LED headlights, heated and ventilated seats, and a head-up display. The Sport has a sportier exterior and interior design, as well as a sport suspension, 21-inch wheels, carbon fiber accents, and a sport steering wheel.
Conclusion
The Volkswagen ID.7 is a compelling electric sedan that offers a lot of value for its price. It has a striking design, a spacious and high-tech interior, a powerful and efficient performance, and a long range. It also has a lot of safety and convenience features, as well as a semi-autonomous driving system. The ID.7 is a serious contender in the midsize electric sedan segment, and it could give the Tesla Model 3 a run for its money. If you are looking for a premium and practical electric vehicle that can handle your daily commute and your long trips, the VW ID.7 is the one for you.
