Volkswagen is no stranger to the electric car market, having launched several models under its ID. brand, such as the Volkswagen ID.3 hatchback, the Volkswagen ID.4 and Volkswagen ID.6 SUVs, and the upcoming Volkswagen ID.Buzz minivan. But the German automaker needs to include a key segment: the mid-size sedan. That's about to change with the introduction of the Volkswagen ID.7, a sleek and spacious four-door that aims to rival the likes of the Tesla Model 3, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, and the Ford Mustang Mach-E.
The Volkswagen ID.7 is based on the Volkswagen ID.Aero concept that debuted in 2019 and features a futuristic design with a low-slung roofline, a large grille-less front end, and slim LED headlights and taillights. The car also boasts an innovative paint job that can change colors and patterns with the help of LED lights embedded in the bodywork. The Volkswagen ID.7 will be available in two versions: a rear-wheel-drive model with a single 201-hp electric motor and an all-wheel-drive model with dual motors and more power. According to Volkswagen, both versions will use a 77-kWh battery pack that can provide up to 300 miles of range on a single charge. A larger 85-kWh battery will be offered later, boosting the range to around 330 miles.
The interior of the Volkswagen ID.7 is equally impressive, featuring a minimalist dashboard with a large 15-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as over-the-air updates. The car also comes with a head-up display that can project navigation instructions and other information on the windshield using augmented reality technology. The cabin is spacious and comfortable, offering plenty of legroom and headroom for five passengers and a generous trunk space that can be expanded by folding down the rear seats.
The Volkswagen ID.7 is not only stylish and practical but also sustainable and eco-friendly. The car uses recycled materials for its interior upholstery, such as PET bottles and apple leather, as well as renewable energy sources for its production process. The car also features an intelligent climate control system that can adjust the temperature and airflow according to the occupants' preferences and needs, using smart air vents that can direct air precisely where it's needed.
The Volkswagen ID.7 is expected to go on sale in China, Europe, and North America by the end of 2023, with prices starting at around $55,000 for the base model. The car will be produced at different plants depending on the market. The European version is made at Volkswagen's Emden plant in Germany, which has been converted to produce electric vehicles exclusively. The Volkswagen ID.7 is part of Volkswagen's ambitious plan to increase its share of electric vehicles to 80 percent in Europe by 2030 and to become carbon-neutral by 2050.
The Volkswagen ID.7 is a game-changer for Volkswagen and for the electric car industry as a whole. It offers a compelling combination of performance, efficiency, technology, design, and sustainability, making it stand out from its competitors. It also represents a significant improvement over its predecessor, the Passat, which has been losing ground to newer and more advanced models in recent years. The Volkswagen ID.7 is not just an electric version of the Passat; it's a whole new level of sedan that showcases Volkswagen's vision for the future of mobility.
