Volkswagen Launches Flagship EV ID.7 with Premium Features and Extended Range

Volkswagen has opened pre-orders for its new flagship electric vehicle, the ID.7. The aerodynamic fastback sedan aims to convince customers with its long-range, rapid charging, spacious interior, and intuitive handling.

The ID.7 marks Volkswagen's entry into the premium electric segment. It will be the fifth ID. model available in Sweden after the ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, and ID. Buzz. Over 36,000 ID. vehicles have been registered in Sweden since the launch of the ID.3 in autumn 2020.

"The ID.7 is a long-awaited model that we believe will suit the Swedish market very well," said Sten Forsberg, head of Volkswagen Sweden. "It has all the prerequisites to become a new Swedish company car favorite."

Generous Space and Class-Leading Range

Built on Volkswagen's modular electric drive platform (MEB), the ID.7 measures nearly 5 meters long with a wheelbase of 2,966 mm. This provides a spacious cabin and rear legroom thanks to minimized overhangs.

The aerodynamic exterior, with a flowing coupe-like roofline, enables a low drag coefficient from 0.23 depending on configuration. The ID.7's efficient new rear-mounted electric motor provides 286 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.

Volkswagen claims a class-leading max range of 618 km from the 77 kWh battery (net capacity). The ID.7 supports charging up to 170 kW, allowing an 80% charge in around 25 minutes. It also offers plug-and-charge capability and is ready for bidirectional charging.

Premium Comfort and Tech as Standard

Volkswagen has packed the ID.7 Pro launch model with upmarket features as standard. These include a head-up display with augmented reality, a 15" infotainment system, a heated steering wheel, retractable door mirrors, adaptive LED headlights, and a host of driver aids.

The ID.7 introduces Volkswagen's next-generation driver display and controls. Climate functions are permanently visible on the touchscreen. The system supports natural voice control: for example, say, "Hello IDA, my hands are cold," and it will switch on seat heating.

Also standard is 3-zone climate control with intelligent vents distributing air throughout the cabin. Optional features like a panoramic sunroof with switchable dimming provide added luxury.

The Volkswagen ID.7 gets newly developed front seats with ventilation, massage, and extendable thigh support. Customers can choose among Style, Style Plus, and Exterior packages with further upgrades.

Hitting the Ground Running

"The new Volkswagen ID.7 will convince customers worldwide thanks to its long range, fast charging, spacious interior, and intuitive handling," said Volkswagen's Imelda Labbé. "The model sets a new standard for premium electric models."

Production of the ID.7 is underway at Volkswagen's EV-focused factory in Emden, Germany. First deliveries to customers in Sweden are slated for late 2023.

The Volkswagen ID.7 Pro starts at a recommended price of $63,500. It comes in a choice of five colors with a black roof and detailing.

With competitive range and features, Volkswagen aims to immediately impact the premium EV space. The combination of brand cachet, striking design, and next-gen tech make the ID.7 a compelling new option.

Volkswagen's Electric Revolution in Full Swing

The ID.7 marks the continuing evolution of Volkswagen's EV ambitions. As battery costs decrease and charging infrastructure expands, Volkswagen is transitioning its lineup to capture electric sales.

2030 is the target date for Volkswagen Group to stop developing new petrol and diesel vehicles. By 2033, the company intends to sell only electric vehicles in major markets.

The Volkswagen ID.7 will be followed by the sporty ID.5 GTX. Volkswagen also previewed the ID.Aero sedan concept destined for China and North America. More affordably priced EVs for under €25,000 are also planned.

Volkswagen is investing €52 billion in electromobility up to 2026. Group brands Audi, Porsche, and Bentley are also ramping up premium EV options. But Volkswagen remains the core of high volume electric production.

MQB to MEB Platform Transition

The Volkswagen ID.7 is the latest model to utilize Volkswagen's mass production MEB platform. MEB consolidates EV components for economies of scale savings, starting with the ID.3 and ID.4 crossover.

MEB underpins a total of 10 million EVs planned by Volkswagen through 2030. So far, over 500,000 MEB-based vehicles have been produced. Volkswagen aims to gain further cost benefits from its unified battery strategy and in-house cell production.

MEB is critical to help transition Volkswagen's sales from its older MQB petrol/diesel platform to EVs. MQB has served Volkswagen well for over a decade and 30 million vehicles. But, adapting it further for EVs is limited.

Volkswagen's Zwickau factory was the trailblazer, converted from MQB to solely produce MEB models. Other plants in Emden, Hanover, Chattanooga, USA, and Foshan, China, also switch to EVs.

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Gaining Ground on Tesla

The ID.7 spearheads Volkswagen's counterattack as Tesla continues dominating global EV sales. The Model 3 and Model Y make up nearly 70% of battery-electric car sales worldwide.

Volkswagen lagged initially with EV production capacity. But its planning and manufacturing expertise are strengths when ramping up. Volkswagen aims to dethrone Tesla as the world's leading electric vehicle maker by 2025.

The Volkswagen ID.3 and Volkswagen ID.4 have sold solidly despite some software bugs. Tesla's lead remains strong in the near term and continues expanding production capacity.

Long term, Volkswagen's scale, brand recognition, global reach, and improved EVs pose a formidable threat to Tesla. With major investments and evolving products like the Volkswagen ID.7, Volkswagen's electric quest is right on track.