The Volkswagen ID.7 is not just another electric SUV. It’s a statement of intent from a brand that wants to be a leader in the EV revolution. And it’s a vehicle that could make you rethink your need for a gas-powered crossover.
The ID.7 is the latest addition to Volkswagen’s growing family of electric vehicles, based on the modular MEB platform that also underpins the ID.3 hatchback and the ID.4 SUV. But unlike those models, which are aimed at the mass market, the ID.7 is a more premium offering, with a larger size, a more luxurious interior, and a higher price tag.
The Volkswagen ID.7 is about the same length as the Volkswagen Tiguan, Volkswagen’s best-selling SUV in the U.S., but it has a longer wheelbase and a shorter overhang, giving it more cabin space and a sleeker profile. It also has a lower roofline and a more aerodynamic shape, which help improve its efficiency and range.
The Volkswagen ID.7 comes in two versions: the rear-wheel-drive Pro and the all-wheel-drive Pro S. Both have a 77 kWh battery pack, but the Pro has a single electric motor that produces 201 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque, while the Volkswagen ID.7 Pro S has two motors that deliver 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque.
The Volkswagen ID.7 Pro can travel up to 340 miles on a single charge, while the Pro S can go up to 310 miles. Both can recharge up to 80% in about 30 minutes using a fast charger.
The ID.7 also has impressive performance figures, with the Pro accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds and the Pro S doing it in 6.2 seconds. The top speed is limited to 99 mph for both models.
The ID.7 has a low center of gravity and a well-balanced chassis, which give it excellent stability and agility on twisty roads. The steering is light and responsive, and the regenerative braking is smooth and predictable. The suspension is firm but not harsh, and the cabin is well-insulated from the road and wind noise. The ID.7 feels like a solid and sophisticated machine, not a cheap and cheerful one.
The ID.7 also impresses with its interior design and features. The dashboard is minimalist and futuristic, with a 12-inch touchscreen that controls most of the functions and a 5.3-inch digital instrument cluster that shows the speed, battery level, and navigation. The ID.7 also has a head-up display that projects augmented reality information on the windshield, such as lane guidance and traffic signs.
The ID.7 has a spacious and comfortable cabin, with plenty of headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The seats are supportive and adjustable, and the materials are high-quality and soft to the touch. The ID.7 also has a generous cargo space of 23.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats, which can be expanded to 63.3 cubic feet by folding them down.
The ID.7 comes with a host of advanced safety and driver assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and parking sensors. The ID.7 also has a semi-autonomous driving mode called Travel Assist, which can steer, accelerate, and brake the vehicle on highways and in traffic jams.
The Volkswagen ID.7 is not without its flaws, however. The touchscreen can be laggy and distracting at times, and some of the controls are not very intuitive or ergonomic. The ID.7 also lacks some features that are common in other electric SUVs, such as wireless charging, heated seats, and a panoramic sunroof. And the ID.7 is not cheap either: the Pro starts at $49,995, while the Pro S starts at $54,995.
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But despite these drawbacks, the ID.7 is a remarkable electric SUV that could rival the Tesla Model Y in terms of performance, range, and practicality. The ID.7 is an electric vehicle that shows Volkswagen’s commitment to electrification and its potential to outshine its competitors.
The Volkswagen ID.7 is expected to go on sale in the U.S. in late 2023 or early 2024. If you’re looking for an electric SUV that could make you forget about the Volkswagen Tiguan—or any other gas-powered crossover—you might want to wait for it.
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