Meet Volkswagen’s new electric sedan, the ID.7

KUALA LUMPUR: Volkswagen has pulled the wraps off its first mid-size electric model, the ID.7. It is a large, sleek sedan that underpins the brand’s modular electric drive (MEB) platform like the earlier ID models. Set to go on sale in Europe this year, the EV will rival the likes of the Tesla Model 3, Hyundai Ioniq 6, and Polestar 2.

Let’s get to know the Volkswagen ID.7 key highlights -

• The EV comes powered by a rear-mounted electric motor, churning out a maximum power of 286 hp and a peak torque of 545 Nm
• The power is sent to the wheels via a single-speed gearbox, enabling EV to run from zero to 100 kmph in 6 seconds
• The base ID.7 Pro gets a 77-kWh battery pack that has a projected driving range of 615 km (on the WLTP cycle). A bigger 82-kWh unit with 700 km of range will available with the ID.7 Pro S trim at a later date

• In terms of design, the new Volkswagen EV looks athletic with a swooping nose flowing down into the front bumper, sleek LED headlights, a full-width LED bar across the hood, and slim air intakes
• A full-width LED light strip can also be found on the rear profile mated to a fastback-like roofline and a dual-tone bumper

• The Volkswagen ID.7 cabin features a huge 15.0-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, an augmented reality heads-up display, 14-way power-adjustable seats with heating and cooling function, a new air conditioning operating concept, a backlit touch slider, and a glass panoramic roof that can turn opaque at the touch of a button
• Volkswagen also used a few recycled materials inside the cabin, including recycled plastics and fabrics made from ocean plastics and recycled bottles

• The EV is also equipped with best-in-class assistance systems such as Travel Assist (co-developed with CARIAD)

Upon introducing the EV, Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars said “With the ID.7 we are taking the next step in our electric offensive. The limousine offers a high level of comfort and long ranges. Already by 2026, we will offer the widest electric range of all manufacturers in Europe – from the entry-level model for less than 25,000 euros up to the ID.7 as the new top model within the ID. family. Our goal is to achieve an electric car share of 80 per cent in Europe by 2030. As from 2033, Volkswagen will produce only electric vehicles in Europe.”

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