Volkswagen has been working on the flagship car for its all-electric ID. series, a mid sized sedan that will known as the ID.7, and which is getting close to a full unveiling and launch in Europe, China and North America.
The car has been seen testing – in camouflage – on winding roads in Spain, and according to Volkswagen’s latest testing, will deliver up to 700 km in range on the WLTP cycle.
The increase in the range comes from an optimised drivetrain which includes the most powerful motor used on any VW ID. series cars. The same motor also delivers the highest torque on any ID. vehicle.
Battery charging has also been improved with fast charging speeds of up to 200 kW. That’s 30 kW faster than the best VW ID.4 SUVs charging speed. The ID.4 is available in many markets outside of Australia.
There are also some other differences, particularly in the interior comfort and design area. Some of these include:
- 15-inch horizontal vehicle control and infotainment screen
- Minimalistic interior
- Climate-controls via screen
- Interior lighting
- Upgraded Augmented Reality (AR) heads-up display
During the testing, Kai Grünitz, a Member of VW’s Board of Management, who is also responsible for development, says the ID.7 will feature a new, more powerful and more efficient electric drive motor.
“In addition, we have enhanced the control quality of the running gear and were thus able to further increase driving comfort. The combination of a superior drive system, comfortable running gear and long range make the ID.7 the perfect limousine for long distance travel.”
The images released so far for the ID.7 suggest it draws heavily on the design of Australia’s best-selling electric car brand, Tesla.
The Model 3 and Model Y consists of many minimalist design features from which VW has taken inspiration. The VW challenge will be to keep up with the Model 3 when it is relaunched, as rumoured, later this year.
According to VW, the first markets to see the latest model will be China and Europe later this year with North America to follow in 2024.
More will be revealed on the ID.7 at it’s world-premiere later this quarter.
An early review of the VW ID.7 from Fully Charged Live on YouTube:
Riz is the founder of carloop based in Melbourne, specialising in Australian EV data, insight reports and trends. He is a mechanical engineer who spent the first 7 years of his career building transport infrastructure before starting carloop. He has a passion for cars, particularly EVs and wants to help reduce transport emissions in Australia. He currently drives a red Tesla Model 3.