Choices are great, especially in the automotive world, and even more so as electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly prevalent. However, the Volkswagen ID.7 initially left me scratching my head. Wasn’t it just an electric sedan version of the ID.4? And positioned as a successor to the Arteon, a car that didn’t exactly set sales charts on fire? The point seemed unclear.
Even after respected EV expert Tom Moloughney praised the VW ID.7, I remained unconvinced of its significance. Perhaps it was simply a transitional model in Volkswagen’s evolving EV strategy, designed to bridge the gap until more budget-friendly options emerged.
But as they say, seeing is believing, and driving is even more so. After spending some time behind the wheel, I finally understand the ID.7. My initial perspective was simply off the mark.
| Quick Specs | Volkswagen ID.7 |
|---|---|
| Output | 282 Horsepower / 402 Pound-Feet |
| Motor | Single Permanent-Magnet Synchronous |
| Battery | 82.0-Kilowatt-Hour Lithium-Ion (77.0 kWh Usable) |
| Range | 386 Miles (WLTP) |
| DC Fast Charging | 10% – 80% in 28 minutes / 175 kW max speed |
| Base Price | €56,995 (Germany) / $61,962 USD (Equivalent) |
Gallery: 2024 Volkswagen ID.7 Live Drive Germany
The ID.7 distinguishes itself as a remarkable EV in several key aspects. Firstly, it possesses a more premium feel than typical Volkswagen models like the Jetta or Tiguan. It evokes the allure of those sought-after European models often unavailable in the US, akin to an Audi RS4 Avant or a Volkswagen GTD, or even the luxurious Phaeton of the past. This is excellent news for those seeking a touch of European sophistication.
Secondly, the VW ID.7 serves as the technology flagship within Volkswagen’s EV lineup. It spearheads the integration of cutting-edge software, augmented reality displays, and future AI-powered voice assistants. This model showcases the advanced technology VW aims to implement across its range in the coming years. Features include “smart air vents” with electric swivel motors, adaptive headlights that respond to steering input, the IDA voice assistant, and Level 2 hands-free assisted driving capabilities (though the latter was not tested during this drive).
Crucially, the Volkswagen ID.7 excels in range, making it a true road trip champion and an efficiency leader. Whether you prioritize range, efficiency, or long-distance comfort, the ID.7 is poised to become VW’s electric marathon runner in the American market. Engineered for the high-speed Autobahn in terms of comfort, speed, and range, it’s designed to be Volkswagen’s long-distance champion when it arrives stateside.
It’s acknowledged that the ID.7 won’t be a mass-market vehicle. Volkswagen executives themselves have indicated that both the ID.7 and the new ID. Buzz are not intended to be high-volume sellers. However, for discerning buyers seeking these specific attributes, the ID.7 presents a far more compelling option than initial impressions might suggest.
This appeal begins with the exterior design, arguably the most aesthetically pleasing application of the ID family design language to date. The VW ID.7 has a more striking presence in person than in photographs, exhibiting a streamlined, understated elegance with a distinctly European flair. It calls to mind the sophisticated Citroën C6, a resemblance that extends to its driving dynamics as well.
The test vehicle was a European specification model equipped with an 82 kWh battery (77 kWh usable), rear-wheel-drive, and a 286-horsepower output. This configuration achieves a range of up to 621 km (386 miles) based on Europe’s WLTP testing cycle. While the EPA range testing cycle in the U.S. differs, a projected range of approximately 300 miles per charge is anticipated for the U.S. market, although official figures are still pending. During a drive in Germany on a cool early March morning, the test car displayed a 443 km range at a 99% charge.
Optimistically, the 300-mile EPA estimate might prove conservative, particularly considering the VW ID.7’s anticipated price point around $50,000 and the growing segment of EVs offering over 300 miles of range. A direct comparison with rivals like the Hyundai Ioniq 6 seems inevitable. The forthcoming ID.7 Pro S, boasting a 91 kWh (86 kWh usable) battery, is projected to achieve 700 km (435 miles) on the WLTP cycle, but its U.S. availability remains unconfirmed. Hopefully, this longer-range variant will eventually reach the American market.
Regardless, the standard ID.7’s range should be more than adequate, complemented by its focus on energy efficiency. A Volkswagen representative highlighted its remarkable efficiency even at speeds up to 75 mph. The ID.7 is explicitly designed as a long-distance cruiser, facilitating extended journeys with only brief fast-charging stops required.
This long-distance touring focus is immediately apparent upon entering the cabin. The interior creates a cocoon-like ambiance, enveloping the driver and presenting essential information via a narrow display bar – a more refined approach than the ID.4’s smaller screen.
The VW ID.7 also features a new 15-inch central infotainment touchscreen, running Volkswagen’s updated software suite. This system is reported to be significantly more user-friendly, faster, more responsive, and more feature-rich than the previous iteration found in earlier ID.4 models. The augmented reality head-up display is a standout feature, projecting clear and aesthetically pleasing animations for navigation and lane-keeping assistance.
The interior exudes a distinctly premium and upscale atmosphere, less overtly sporty than an Audi but featuring comparable high-quality materials throughout. The seats are generously sized and plush, offering both heating and cooling functions, as well as a pressure-point massage feature. My initial perception of the ID.7 as simply an ID.4 sedan was clearly inaccurate; the interior ambiance is a step above.
On the road, the emphasis on comfort is immediately apparent. The VW ID.7 is not intended to be a sports sedan, and this is not a criticism. The suspension is tuned for smoothness and compliance, effectively absorbing road imperfections. The brake pedal feel is a bit softer than preferred, but the overall driving experience is characterized by a buttery-smooth ride and matching acceleration. While the rear end can be provoked with aggressive throttle input in corners, the overall impression is reminiscent of an “electric Lexus LS” – remarkably pleasant and refined, particularly for extended highway driving.
A significant highlight is the 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. It delivered one of the most immersive and dynamic audio experiences encountered in any vehicle, EV or otherwise, creating a relaxing and enjoyable in-cabin environment for long journeys.
This encapsulates the core purpose of the VW ID.7. For long road trips, it emerges as one of the most desirable EVs available. This long-distance comfort extends to the rear seats, which offer ample space, even allowing someone of average height to almost stand upright to reach the child lock controls.
However, the ID.7 is not without minor drawbacks. While some user interface frustrations from previous ID models have been addressed – such as the permanent climate controls on the main screen – the absence of a physical volume knob and the continued use of touch-sensitive temperature and audio sliders remain irksome. Furthermore, the much-touted voice assistant, while improved, still lags behind class leaders like Mercedes in natural language understanding, struggling with basic commands like “navigate to Wolfsburg.”
Hopefully, these voice control shortcomings are attributable to regional and language variations, and the U.S. version will offer a more seamless experience. The planned integration of ChatGPT may also enhance its capabilities, although U.S. availability of this feature is still under discussion.
The VW ID.7’s price point will prevent it from becoming a mainstream volume seller, and its German production means it won’t qualify for U.S. federal tax credits unless leased. Furthermore, some familiar Volkswagen user experience quirks persist, although the company appears to be addressing these by reintroducing physical buttons in future models. Despite these minor points, I came away genuinely impressed by the ID.7, envisioning it as an ideal companion for a cross-country road trip when it reaches America. It’s a more compelling and interesting vehicle than I initially anticipated.
For a specific segment of drivers, the VW ID.7 will perfectly fulfill the need for a comfortable, Euro-luxury, long-range electric cruiser, even if they weren’t consciously aware of desiring such a vehicle. More people are likely to be charmed by the ID.7 if they take the opportunity to experience it firsthand.
The VW ID.7 is expected to go on sale in the U.S. in late Q3 of this year.
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