New ID.7: First look at the E-Passat

In the summer, VW wants to crown the model series with the ID.7. The manufacturer announced this at the premiere of a near-series study in the run-up to the CES technology fair (January 5 to 8) in Las Vegas. VW had previously presented the ID.7 as a study called ID.Aero. After the ID.4, the ID.7 is the second “world car” to be offered in the USA, Europe and China.

Even if the prototype still hides its final form with brightly colored paintwork (the presentation should be in the spring), the rather conventional sedan cut is already clearly visible. And VW makes no secret of the dimensions either.

Up to 700 kilometers range

According to VW, the four-door has a wheelbase of almost three meters and is almost five meters long, but should offer significantly more space inside than the similarly sized Passat. The ID.7 should offer more than 500 liters of luggage space. Because the body is also streamlined, the car, which is powered by up to 299 kW/400 hp, has a standard range of around 700 kilometers.

Although the ID.7, like all ID models, is constructed from the MEB modular electrical system, it takes the next step, especially with the interior and the operating concept.

Cockpit improvements

While the electric debut ID.3 in particular was criticized for its poor usability and cheap-looking materials, VW has visibly learned something new with the ID.7: the cockpit looks higher quality in the first pictures. The standard equipment includes a head-up display with augmented reality, a 15-inch touchscreen and air conditioning controls integrated into the first level of the infotainment system. Previously, this was awkwardly accommodated in submenus. In addition, VW will illuminate the so-called sliders in the future so that the radio and air conditioning can be operated correctly even in the dark. The Golf 8 and the existing ID. models are also to be retrofitted accordingly.

The Wolfsburg-based carmaker promises comfortable and efficient air conditioning with new air strips: the air conditioning recognizes the driver using the key and activates cooling or heating as soon as he approaches. The vents in the instrument panel can “wag” or thus distribute the air flow in the car and either directly or indirectly warm or cool the driver.

ID.7 as an e-alternative to the Passat

The ID.7 is intended to be the electric alternative to the Passat and will also come onto the market as a station wagon in 2024. But the new model will not initially replace the long-running favorite at VW: Almost at the same time as the ID.7, the Lower Saxony company will be bringing the next generation of its conventional flagship this year, which is being developed together with Skoda and will only be available as a Variant estate version.