VW’s latest ID model appears to have learned lessons from its existing stablemates, with improvements in interior tech and design plus an impressive range
The Volkswagen ID range has grown a little bigger, thanks to the introduction of the all-new ID.7 at the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show. At nearly five metres long, it’ll challenge the Tesla Model 3, with VW calling the ID.7 the ‘ID. flagship’.
Propelling the new model is a rear-mounted electric motor, which is powered by a 77kWh battery in the ID.7 Pro that will be available from launch, while the 82kWh ID.7 Pro S will arrive later. VW gives projected WLTP range figures of up to 382 miles and 435 miles for the two derivatives: the Model 3 offers up to 374 miles.
It’ll be slower than the average Tesla, however, with a power output of 282bhp. VW has yet to release performance figures, but we’d estimate that the ID.7 will be capable of 0-62mph in around six seconds. A faster ID.7 GTX with dual-motor four-wheel drive is likely to join the range later on.
At the front, the family link between the ID.7 and cars such as the ID.4 SUV is clear. The design diverges at the rear, with a full-width light bar which appears white until lit.
The ID.7 is best described as a ‘fastback’, with a sloping roof leading to a hatchback boot. It’s a slippery shape, with a low drag coefficient of 0.23Cd. All ID.7s will feature black roofs with black door pillars.
Inside, VW appears to have learned lessons from the poor reception that some of its recent products have earned. Having sat inside the new model, we can confirm that the ID.7 has a more premium feel than the ID.4 or ID.5, with plenty of soft-touch surfaces.
There are new ‘ergoActive’ electric seats that have been certified by the German Campaign for Healthier Backs, while an optional massage function features 10 adjustable air cushions. Clever adaptive climate control uses temperature and moisture sensors to find the best setting for either heating, cooling or even drying – handy if you get caught in a deluge on your way to the car.
A new 15-inch touchscreen is fitted, and this has the climate functions permanently positioned across the bottom of the display. Answering a common complaint about VW’s latest infotainment systems, the lower part of the bezel is backlit, so the temperature shortcuts and volume slider are now visible at night. The cabin can also be lit with a four-layer ambient lighting system, with multiple light patterns and colours to choose from.
It’s worth noting that there are no physical air vent controls. Instead, airflow is altered via the screen, while in some modes the car changes this automatically. Alternatively, owners can use the improved ‘IDA’ voice command system, with prompts such as “My hands are cold”. The speed, direction and temperature of airflow will be adjusted to suit.
Embedded in the ID.7’s minimalist dashboard is a small digital instrument cluster, which is similar to the set-up found in the Skoda Enyaq iV. Complementing the cluster is a standard-fit, augmented-reality head-up display, which appears to project features such as sat-nav instructions on to the road ahead. The optional panoramic sunroof contains a special ‘polymer-dispersed liquid crystal’, so it becomes opaque or transparent at the touch of a button, while a 700-watt Harman Kardon sound system with 14 speakers is available.
VW’s Travel Assist function has been upgraded for the ID.7 and uses ‘swarm data’ from other VW Group vehicles for more accurate lane guidance and speed control. There’s also an assisted lane-change feature on offer.
The ID.7’s MEB platform makes it possible to have two deep storage compartments in the centre console, while a near-three-metre wheelbase gives plenty of legroom and a flat floor in the rear. Further back, the large boot (VW is yet to reveal the capacity) has a moveable floor with storage underneath for cables.
Charging speeds will depend on spec. The larger Pro S battery can accept up to 200kW, while the Pro is capped at 170kW, although charge times are to be confirmed.
There’s no word on UK pricing, but we’d expect a starting figure of around £50,000 when the ID.7 goes on sale this summer.
Q&A with Dustin Pietz – Product Specialist (e-mobility)
How has customer feedback for existing ID products shaped what you’ve done with the ID.7?
“We got a lot of feedback from our customers directly in terms of the HMI and so on, and we in my opinion fixed mainly all of them. We created a whole new HMI system to make it much more personalised and more intuitive, integrated the climate functionality on the first layer, lit up the touch sliders. We take the comment[s] from our customers seriously.”
You use the word ‘fixed’ – are you admitting some aspects weren’t quite right on initial cars?
“There’s always space for improvements, and we know it, and we learn with our ID family. Our aim [is] to make every car even better than the car before.”
How soon can we expect the improved HMI to filter down to other ID models?
“That’s our plan – we start with this [the ID.7] and in the near future we are going to integrate these elements as possible in our further ID models.”
It was interesting to see the ID.2all concept which brings back physical climate controls – is that something that will be explored for the wider range in the future?
“It’s time to bring both worlds together again – I see as well as the electronic world, to take the best of both worlds to create a new one, and maybe the ID.2all might be the solution. We have to change not everything, but adjust. “
Is there a similar level of recycled materials used in the ID.7 as there is in the ID.4 and ID.5?
“We even improved them – it’s comparable to the ID. Buzz level of recycled materials. We use recycled plastics for the seat cover…the ergoPremium seat is up to 70 per cent recycled material on the surface.”
Is it more expensive to do this than using virgin materials?
“It is, but we are aiming to be sustainable in all levels, and that’s one of our paths we included in this car. And that’s not only specific to the ID.7 – we are going this way with all ID cars to be completely animal-free in future.”
You’ve described this car as a ‘flagship’ – how do you decide how far to go with that in terms of pricing, sophistication, and its premium feel? In recent history, you had the Phaeton, which was perhaps too high level…
“That’s not our aim. It’s a premium-touched car, it’s our flagship of the ID family, but it’s not a successor of the Phaeton. It has to be reachable for our customers, therefore we have to create an attractive price point [so] that customers who are current Passat drivers are able to get an ID.7.”
Keyword: New Volkswagen ID.7 revealed at Shanghai as brand’s flagship electric car