Volkswagen is advancing its electric vehicle efforts with the ID.7, a premium midsize sedan over 16 feet long, featuring top convenience features. This new model introduces a fresh drivetrain, extensive range, fast charging capabilities, ample interior space, innovative high-tech interior design, and high quality.
Globally launching starting in Europe, the ID.7 Pro is available for order. It comes with a 282-horsepower engine, an 82kWh battery, and can travel up to 386 miles (621 kilometers) per charge, according to the WLTP range standards.
The ID.7 models for Europe and North America will be manufactured at Volkswagen’s electric mobility plant in Emden, Germany.
Exterior Highlights
The ID.7’s design features smooth, strong lines. Its front is marked by a uniquely designed hood and narrow LED daytime running lights. Low on the bumper, distinctive side air intakes improve wheel aerodynamics.
A key feature of its side view is a line below the windows, adding dynamism to its appearance. The car’s proportions, including its 195.3-inch length and 117-inch wheelbase, contribute to its elegant and bold look. Short overhangs and a height of 60.5 inches make it the lowest VW ID. model yet.
At the back, horizontal lines highlight its 73.3-inch width. A prominent feature is the horizontal LED strip at the rear, which merges into the LED taillights.
Interior Highlights
The ID.7 has a spacious interior, thanks to its long wheelbase and compact drivetrain. It offers ample legroom, especially in the back. Even with its battery in the floor and a lower height than other ID. models, it still provides good headroom, with 40.4 inches in the front (with a panoramic roof) and 37.8 inches in the back. The electric trunklid opens to a cargo area that can hold up to 18.8 cubic feet, or up to 56.0 cubic feet when loaded to the front seats.
Inside, the ID.7 has a new design, featuring a horizontal dash panel with integrated air vents. It comes standard with an augmented-reality (AR) head-up display that shows important driving information, reducing the need to look away from the road. This display shows speed, lane markings, distance warnings, and navigation arrows directly in the driver’s line of sight.
The central infotainment system includes a 15-inch touchscreen, with easy-to-use menus and customizable settings. It has direct access keys for apps and vehicle functions, and a home screen that combines important app content.
The ID.7 also has advanced air conditioning controls and a 30-color ambient lighting system. The sound system is a harman/kardon 700W premium setup with various sound settings and the ability to focus audio to specific seats.
The front seats in the ID.7 are new and comfortable, with electric adjustment, memory function, and a massage feature. High-end models have seats with built-in climate control and an enhanced massage function. The seats also have sensors to automatically adjust the climate.
A new feature in the ID.7 is the panoramic glass roof with smart glass, which can be switched from opaque to transparent. This roof helps control the interior temperature by reflecting infrared rays and retaining interior heat.
Drivetrain Arrangement
Volkswagen has focused on energy efficiency and increased range in designing the ID.7. It features a new, efficient drive system and high-density battery cells, along with an aerodynamic shape to cut air resistance and save energy.
The ID.7 is quiet, with low wind noise, offering a luxurious feel. It’s also quick, accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in 6.5 seconds and reaching a top speed of 112 mph.
The first version of the ID.7 includes the APP 550 drive system, with the most powerful electric motor in a Volkswagen EV to date. This motor, along with a gearbox and pulse inverter, is built into the rear axle.
The ID.7’s energy comes from a lithium-ion battery with a net content of 82 kWh. A new charging and thermal management system pre-conditions the battery for faster charging, especially useful in cold weather.
When using navigation with the Electric Vehicle Route Planner, this pre-conditioning starts automatically. It can also be manually activated through the infotainment system.
Key parts of the drivetrain are the synchronous motor, one-speed gearbox, and inverter, which manages energy flow and motor temperature. Improvements in the motor and gearbox increase efficiency and power.
Volkswagen designed the new inverter and its software in-house. It changes battery DC into AC for the motor, manages energy flow, and turns energy generated during braking back into battery power. This inverter plays a crucial role in the car’s efficiency.
Chassis Breakdown
The ID.7 is a balances comfort and sportiness. It has a long wheelbase for comfort and features like adaptive damping for sporty handling. The car’s design, including a low center of gravity due to the battery placement, also improves handling.
It has front strut suspension and a five-link rear axle. The optional DCC adaptive damping system is controlled by new Volkswagen software, allowing the driver to choose between sporty or comfortable settings. These settings can be adjusted based on driving modes like Eco, Comfort, Sport, and a customizable Individual mode.
The car’s vehicle dynamics manager enhances the balance between comfort and agility. It controls stability and handling, improving safety and performance. The steering system in the ID.7 is also redesigned for more precise control and a more enjoyable driving experience. Optional progressive steering allows for more responsive handling with smaller steering movements.
Driver Assist Technology
The ID.7 will come with advanced parking assist systems. Park Assist Plus helps the driver park by controlling acceleration, braking, and steering. It also has a memory function for parking on private property, recording the last part of a drive to remember parking locations. The car can automatically offer to park itself when it reaches a saved location, like a home garage or a regular parking spot at work. Up to five parking maneuvers can be saved at different places.
The ID.7 also includes enhanced Travel Assist for highway driving over 56 mph, which assists with lane changes and adapts to upcoming road features like corners or roundabouts. It suggests lower speeds for safe cornering.
For lane changes on freeways, the car can suggest and perform lane changes when the driver uses the turn signal, but the driver must keep their hands on the wheel.
The exit warning system alerts passengers when opening the door if vehicles, including bicycles, are approaching from behind. This feature is part of the Side Assist system and uses visual and acoustic warnings to prevent collisions.
See Also — Highlights of the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4
Photo courtesy of the Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
