Volkswagen has been on a roll lately with its ID family of electric vehicles, from the compact ID.3 hatchback to the futuristic Volkswagen ID.Buzz van. But the latest member of the lineup, the ID.7 SUV, might be the most important one yet. Why? Because it's not just a great EV, it's a great vehicle, period.
The Volkswagen ID.7 is based on the same modular electric platform (MEB) as the other ID models, but it's bigger, more spacious, and more versatile than any of them. It's also more powerful, more efficient, and more advanced than most of its rivals, both electric and gas-powered. In short, it's the kind of SUV that could convince even the most skeptical buyers to switch to electric.
What Makes the Volkswagen ID.7 So Special?
Let's start with the basics. The Volkswagen ID.7 is a three-row SUV that can seat up to seven passengers or five with a generous cargo area. It has a sleek and aerodynamic design that looks futuristic but not weird, unlike some other EVs we could name. It has a large and airy cabin that's filled with high-tech features and premium materials, such as a 15-inch touchscreen, a head-up display with augmented reality, and ambient lighting.
But the real magic happens under the skin. The ID.7 offers two battery options: a 77-kWh pack that provides an estimated range of 280 miles or a 111-kWh pack that boosts that figure to 375 miles. Both batteries can be recharged at up to 200 kW at fast-charging stations, meaning you can add up to 186 miles of range in just 18 minutes.
The Volkswagen ID.7 also has two electric motors, one on each axle, that deliver a combined output of 335 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. That's enough to propel the SUV from zero to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 112 mph. And thanks to the low center of gravity and the sophisticated suspension system, the ID.7 handles like a much smaller and lighter vehicle.
What Else Does the ID.7 Offer?
But the ID.7 is about more than just performance and efficiency. It's also about comfort and convenience. The SUV has a spacious and flexible interior that can be configured in various ways to suit different needs. The second-row seats can slide forward and backward, fold flat, or be removed entirely. The third-row seats can also fold flat or be stowed under the floor when not in use.
The Volkswagen ID.7 also has a smart and intuitive infotainment system that can be controlled by touch, voice, or gesture commands. The system can learn from your preferences and habits and offer personalized suggestions and settings. It can also connect to your smartphone, smart home devices, or other online services via the Volkswagen We Connect app.
And if that's not enough, the ID.7 also has a host of advanced driver-assistance systems that can make driving safer and easier. The ID.7 electric SUV has a Level 2+ semi-autonomous driving system that can steer, accelerate, brake, and change lanes on highways with your supervision. It also has a Level 4 fully autonomous system that can park itself or drive itself in certain situations without your input.
When Can You Buy the ID.7?
The ID.7 is expected to go on sale in Europe in late 2023, followed by other markets, including the U.S., in 2024. Pricing has not been announced yet, but it's likely to be competitive with other midsize SUVs in its segment.
The ID.7 is not just another electric SUV. It's a game-changer for Volkswagen and for the industry as a whole. It's a showcase of what electric vehicles can do and how they can improve our lives. It's a statement that EVs are not just an alternative but the future of mobility.
