Volkswagen has expanded its vary of EVs with the brand new ID.7. This all-electric government automotive sits atop of Volkswagen’s all-electric ID line up, taking up the likes of the BMW i4 and Tesla Mannequin 3. 

We first noticed the ID.7 in idea type because the I.D. Vizzion again in 2018, nevertheless again then VW sought to provide the manufacturing automotive a most vary of 327 miles. Because of enhancements in battery know-how throughout the intervening years, VW claims the ID.7 will include a significantly extra spectacular vary of as much as 435 miles. 

To place that in perspective, a Mannequin 3 Lengthy Vary tops out at 374 miles and the brand new Hyundai Ioniq 6 will cowl simply 338 on a single cost. Propelling the brand new ID.7 is a rear-mounted electrical motor, which is powered by a 77kWh battery within the lower-rung ID.7 Professional that shall be obtainable from launch, whereas the 82kWh ID.7 Professional S will arrive later. VW provides projected WLTP vary figures of as much as 382 miles for the Professional, with the Professional S gaining the total 435-mile vary. 

It’ll be slower than the typical Tesla, nevertheless, with an influence output of 282bhp. VW has but to launch efficiency figures, however we’d estimate that the ID.7 shall be able to 0-62mph in round six seconds. A quicker ID.7 GTX with dual-motor four-wheel drive has been teased already, which we count on will supply as much as 400bhp. Visible tweaks are refined for the sportier mannequin, with only a few ‘GTX’ badges and two-tone paint. VW will totally unveil the GTX in September. 

The GTX received’t be the one variant. We’ve additionally noticed the ID.7 property testing – previewed by the I.D House Vizzion idea. The property will release some further boot house, however from what we are able to inform it’ll retain the identical design language because the common ID.7. 

When it comes to design, the household hyperlink between the ID.7 and vehicles such because the ID.4 SUV is evident. The design diverges on the rear, with a full-width gentle bar which seems white till lit. 

The ID.7 is finest described as a ‘fastback’, with a sloping roof resulting in a hatchback boot. It’s a slippery form, with a low drag coefficient of 0.23Cd. All ID.7s will characteristic black roofs with black door pillars. 

Inside, VW seems to have realized classes from the poor reception that a few of its latest merchandise have earned. Having sat inside the brand new mannequin, we are able to verify that the ID.7 has a extra premium really feel than the ID.4 or ID.5, with loads of soft-touch surfaces. 

There are new ‘ergoActive’ electrical seats which were licensed by the German Marketing campaign for More healthy Backs, whereas an optionally available therapeutic massage operate options 10 adjustable air cushions. Intelligent adaptive local weather management makes use of temperature and moisture sensors to seek out the very best setting for both heating, cooling and even drying – useful should you get caught in a deluge in your strategy to the automotive.

A brand new 15-inch touchscreen is fitted, and this has the local weather features completely positioned throughout the underside of the show. Answering a typical grievance about VW’s newest infotainment methods, the decrease a part of the bezel is backlit, so the temperature shortcuts and quantity slider are actually seen at night time. The cabin may also be lit with a four-layer ambient lighting system, with a number of gentle patterns and hues to select from. 

It’s price noting that there aren’t any bodily air vent controls. As an alternative, airflow is altered through the display screen, whereas in some modes the automotive adjustments this routinely. Alternatively, homeowners can use the improved ‘IDA’ voice command system, with prompts reminiscent of “My arms are chilly”. The velocity, path and temperature of airflow shall be adjusted to swimsuit.

Embedded within the ID.7’s minimalist dashboard is a small digital instrument cluster, which has similarities to the set-up discovered within the Skoda Enyaq iV. Complementing the cluster is a standard-fit, augmented-reality head-up show, which seems to venture options reminiscent of sat-nav directions onto the highway forward. The optionally available panoramic sunroof incorporates a particular ‘polymer-dispersed liquid crystal’, so it turns into opaque or clear on the contact of a button, whereas a 700-watt Harman Kardon sound system with 14 audio system is obtainable. 

VW’s Journey Help operate has been upgraded for the ID.7 and makes use of ‘swarm information’ from different VW Group autos for extra correct lane steering and velocity management. There’s additionally an assisted lane-change characteristic on supply. 

The ID.7’s MEB platform makes it attainable to have two deep storage compartments within the centre console, whereas a near-three-metre wheelbase provides loads of legroom and a flat flooring within the rear. Additional again, the big boot (VW is but to disclose the capability) has a moveable flooring with storage beneath for cables. 

Charging speeds will rely upon spec. The bigger Professional S battery can settle for as much as 200kW, whereas the Professional is capped at 170kW, though cost occasions are to be confirmed. 

There’s no phrase on UK pricing, however we’d count on a beginning determine of round £50,000 when the ID.7 goes on sale this summer time.

Which fierce rivals will the ID.7 face when it arrives? These are the very best electrical vehicles on sale proper now…