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Dec 23, 2023

2025 VW ID.7 Is Coming After Tesla’s Model 3 With Up To 435 Miles Of Range

The ID.7 EV will arrive in America next year with a

The ID.7 EV will arrive in America next year with a hatch and a Tesla-like interior

Volkswagen's electric vehicle push is taking a big leap forward as the company has unveiled the all-new ID.7 in China, Europe, and the United States.

The simultaneous global debut hints at the importance of the model, which is being billed as an "electric touring saloon" and the flagship of the ID lineup. It's been a long time coming as the car was previewed by the ID.Vizzion and ID.Aero concepts.

The "fastback saloon" is actually a five-door hatchback and it follows in the footsteps of the aforementioned concepts. As a result, the ID.7 has an aerodynamically optimized front end with slender LED headlights that are connected by a thin illuminated strip. It flows into daytime running lights, which double as turn signals.

More: 2023 VW ID.4 Gains New Entry-Level Variant With 208 Miles Of Range

Further below, we can see a sculpted bumper that directs air to vertical air curtains. This helps the car to have a drag coefficient of approximately 0.23, which would match the Tesla Model 3.

Moving down the sides, we can see familiar ID bodywork and a "feature line" that runs from the headlights to the taillights. They’re joined by minimalist door handles, an expansive greenhouse, and aerodynamically optimized wheels.

The most eye-catching details are the gloss black pillars and the faux aluminum trim strips that reside above the windows. These could have easily come off as garish, but they go nicely with the standard gloss black roof. Speaking of which, the model can be equipped with an optional panoramic sunroof that can transition from opaque to transparent at the push of a button.

The rear view might be the least exciting, but it features an LED light bar that only illuminates red when the brakes are activated. The rest of the time, the lights appear white.

Further below, there's a horizontal reflector that helps to emphasize the car's width. Designers also installed a gloss black diffuser and an integrated spoiler.

In terms of size, the ID.7 measures 195.3 inches (4,961 mm) long, 73.3 inches (1,862 mm) wide, and 60.6 inches (1,538 mm) tall with a wheelbase that spans 116.8 inches (2,966 mm). To put those numbers into perspective, the model is 1.7 inches (43 mm) longer than the old US-spec Passat and has a 6.4 inch (163 mm) longer wheelbase.

A Minimalist, But Upscale Interior

The exterior doesn't scream futuristic, but the same can't be said about the cabin and its minimalist design. Instead of sporting a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, the ID.7 has a tiny display that focuses on showing "legally prescribed" information such as warnings and your current speed.

The screen is basic by design as an augmented reality head-up display comes standard and shows a wealth of additional information including directions. Some people will undoubtedly miss the traditional instrument cluster, but Volkswagen said the change allows drivers to be informed without having to take their eyes off the road.

The centerpiece of the interior is a freestanding 15-inch infotainment system, which controls nearly everything. It's all-new and Volkswagen said the "graphic interface and menu navigation have been largely restructured." The company went on to say the infotainment system is more intuitive, more customizable, and features two "touch bars" as well as a home screen button. There are also physical touch sliders beneath the display as well as a voice assistant, which can adjust a wide variety of vehicle settings and answer queries about the weather.

Putting the displays aside, the ID.7 appears pretty classy as we can see an elegant mix of leather and high-quality materials. Volkswagen didn't go into many specifics, but there's illuminated trim, a floating center console, and available two-tone designs. We can also see metallic accents, a spacious rear seat, and a flexible cargo compartment. Customers can also get a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system.

Given the ID.7's flagship status, Volkswagen took some cues from the ill-fated but iconic Phaeton. In particular, there's a high-tech climate control system with air vents that open and close automatically, and distribute air by means of "dynamic movements" enabled by "electronically controlled vertical and horizontal motors." That sounds like overkill and the climate control system begins working as soon as you approach the vehicle.

Volkswagen also paid a lot of attention to the front seats, which offer up to 14-way power adjustment. While that isn't unusual, the seats have a Climatronic function which uses temperature and moisture sensors to activate heating or cooling as needed.

If that isn't fancy enough, the ergoComfort seats feature ten air cushions in the backrest that provide a pneumatic pressure point massage. The ergoPremium seats go even further as they have two air cushions in the base of the seat to "activate the pelvis and spine."

Two Different Batteries And Up To 435 Miles Of Range

The ID.7 rides on the MEB platform and will be offered with two different battery packs. The ID.7 Pro has a 77 kWh (82 kWh gross) battery and a 170 kW DC fast charging capability. This should enable the model to travel approximately 382 miles (615 km) in the WLTP cycle.

It will be followed by the ID.7 Pro S, which has a larger 86 kWh (91 kWh gross) battery pack that allows for a range of approximately 435 miles (700 km) on a single charge. The Pro S variant will also have a slightly higher 200 kW DC fast charging capability.

Volkswagen didn't say much about the car's powertrain, but the automaker has previously confirmed it will feature their new APP550 electric drive unit. The rear-mounted electric motor produces 282 hp (210 kW / 286 PS) and around 406 lb-ft (550 Nm) of torque.

High-Tech Driver Assist Systems Will Be Available

To make long distance travel less stressful, the ID.7 will be offered with a further developed Travel Assist system that uses swarm data. It's a semi-autonomous driving system that combines lane centering with adaptive cruise control. However, that's selling it short as the system uses cameras and navigation data to detect the speed limit and adjust accordingly. The system also offers assisted lane changes.

When your journey comes to an end, you can use Park Assist Pro with a Memory Function. It enables the car to remember 164 feet (50 meters) of a parking maneuver, so it can be replicated time and time again. When the driver returns to a ‘saved’ parking position, the ID.7 will offer to automatically park itself. Owners can even exit the car and use their smartphone to complete the maneuver.

Arrives In Europe This Fall, America In 2024

The ID.7 will be offered globally as Chinese and European deliveries are slated to begin this fall. Following the overseas launch, the model will come to North America in 2024.

We’ll learn more about the US-spec model closer to launch, but Volkswagen noted the European and North American ID.7 will be built in Emden, Germany. That's important to note as the decision will impact the model's eligibility for U.S. tax credits.