a new electric sedan with more range than the Tesla Model 3
On the sidelines of CES in Las Vegas, Volkswagen has (partially) lifted the veil on its first 100% electric sedan, the ID.7. In the program, a range of 700 km, a large 15-inch touch screen and almost five meters long.
The Volkswagen group’s 100% electric range is already well equipped, especially compared to some close competitors. There is of course the Volkswagen ID.3, an electric compact, the ID.4 and ID.5, the two SUVs, and the friendly ID. Buzz echoing in the Combi of yesteryear.
But this range is clearly lacking in the saloon, a segment that has not really had wind in its sails in recent years, but for clear reasons of efficiency and aerodynamics, this body can find again the himself in front of the scene.
On the sidelines of CES in Las Vegas, Volkswagen is presenting (or formalizing, we should say) the new ID.7, its first 100% electric sedan following the ID concept car. The Aero was presented last year.
Very big, but above all very high
So far, Volkswagen has released a camouflaged prototype of the model, although the dimensions and lines that stand out are final. The Volkswagen ID.7 is based on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform. It measures 4.94 meters long and its massive wheelbase of 2.97 meters suggesting good board space.
On the other hand, the car is 1.54 meters tall, which seems particularly high for a sedan. For comparison, the Passat sedan, which is its thermal counterpart, is nine centimeters lower in height.
Aesthetically, the set looks smart and is generally inspired by the lines of the ID concept car. Aero. According to the first elements communicated by Volkswagen, thee Cx is between 0.23 and 0.24a data similar to the Tesla Model 3.
The best range in its segment?
Technically, Volkswagen hasn’t revealed anything about its ID.7, except that it has the right a range of up to 700 km. This is more than was previously possible on the MEB platform. As a reminder, the ID.4 can travel up to 526 km with a large 77 kWh battery.
This data of 700 km is unlikely to be reached with the same battery, although the aerodynamic optimizations certainly made it possible to arrive at this fantastic figure. Then we imagine a battery with a capacity of at least 90 kWh, powered by the new MEB-Evo platform, recently presented by the German group. The Volkswagen ID.7 is also better positioned than the Tesla Model 3 Long Range (602 km), Mercedes EQE (639 km) or BMW i4 (593 km).
As far as different variants, engines and finishes are concerned, it is Status quo, Volkswagen has yet to announce anything. There will definitely be an entry-level rear-wheel drive version with a single motor, and some versions with two electric motors and four-wheel drive. A slightly sporty version of the GTX also cannot be ruled out.
A veritable compendium of technologies
Inside, the Volkswagen ID.7 impresses and does not disappoint. Get out of the frustrating dashboard of the ID.3 and ID.4, make way for something in the same spirit, but that seems more upscale and more in line with the claims premium access from the manufacturer.
The dashboard plays the horizontality card with the a large 15-inch touchscreen to control the entire infotainment system. Another positive point, and not least: this screen integrates new software with a new user interface that, according to the manufacturer, “easier to use”.
The best example is the climate control controls which are now permanently displayed at the bottom of the screen, meaning they are no longer hidden in countless sub-menus as is the case on other ID models. As you can see from the few images shown, the head-up display is also completely new.
Volkswagen has included some interesting technologies, including the “Smart Air Vents” function, which dynamically controls the ventilation flows in the passenger compartment to ensure faster distribution of hot or cold air. With the key, the car can also anticipate the arrival of the driver in the passenger compartment and directly turn on the ventilation before he enters the vehicle.
The ID.7 is equipped with more precise voice control and is equipped with artificial intelligence that makes it possible to “learn” the driver’s behavior in a way. For example, the voice command responds to “Hello Volkswagen, my hands are cold! » by directly opening the heated steering wheel and diverting the flow of hot air towards the hands.
If you find the paint on the prototype shown by Volkswagen to be strange it is also normal, because it is. In fact, it is a “smart” camouflage consisting of 40 layers of paint and a surface divided into 22 remote controlled electroluminescent zones. By connecting the car to an audio system, the paint lights up to the rhythm of the music. A technology that we probably won’t find in the production version, but it’s pretty good for the presentation of a model.
See you in the fall
Obviously, we wonder when the production version will be shown. Its production should begin in the second quarter of 2023, its final presentation should take place in a few weeks. The car will first be launched in China, the European market launch is planned for autumn 2023.
An estate version should also arrive in 2024 and follow on from the ID concept car. Space Vizzion was recently introduced. Like the Volkswagen ID.4, the ID.7 will be built at the plant in Emden, Germany.
In terms of price, we should be in the range between 50,000 to 70,000 euros, which will allow us to have one of the best autonomy – price ratios on the market.
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