rolling light organ

Sparrows have been whistling from the roofs of Wolfsburg for a long time: VW’s latest electric car will be called ID.7. This was always denied at group headquarters in Wolfsburg (Germany), and VW executives insisted on naming the car the Aero B. But that is now history. Tomorrow at CES in Las Vegas (USA), VW will introduce the work, which is still camouflaged with a very special film, as the new VW ID.7.

The special thing about the ID.7 prototype is the camouflage film. It consists of 40 layers that alternately transmit or insulate electricity, thus allowing the electrical work to shine with a very special light. For this play of light to work, 22 individually controllable areas are energized under the top paint layer. The light effect created by the ID.7 camouflage suit fits perfectly into the setting in the dazzling gambler’s paradise, Las Vegas. Also, if you combine the existing feed of the foil with a sound system, even the VW ID.7 turns into a rotating light organ.

Range of about 700 kilometers

As gorgeous as the color play of the ID.7 camo foil is, it’s worth a look underneath. Then at the latest it becomes clear why VW always uses the name Aero B. Extremely aerodynamic round shapes, somewhat reminiscent of the Hyundai Ioniq 6, are hidden under the foil. VW still does not disclose its aerodynamic index – the so-called drag coefficient. But if you take 0.21 of the Ioniq 6 as a benchmark, the ID.7 should be in this region as well. This is probably why VW promises a maximum range of around 700 kilometers for its new Stromer. The current version of the VW electrical architecture MEB does not reach such ranges. The ID.7 is therefore based on the revised MEB+ electric platform, which closes the gap until VW launches its all-new Scalable Systems Platform (SSP) in three years.

In order for Wolfsburg’s electric vehicles to remain competitive, technical features include a significantly wider range and higher charging speeds. Despite the ongoing 400-volt technology, the ID.7’s top charging speed should exceed 200 kilowatts. Thanks to the larger battery capacity, VW also releases more power from the electric motors. With the 4×4, the ID.7 will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in about 5.5 seconds.

Significantly upgraded interior

After the ID.4, the ID.7 is the VW brand’s next “world car” to go on sale in the Americas, Europe and China from mid-2023. The electric sedan takes full advantage of the MEB’s dimensions, is about five meters long and has a 2.97-metre wheelbase. Things are changing in the infotainment system and the cockpit as well. VW executives have long acknowledged that the ID.3’s plastic appearance cannot be a benchmark, and they made corresponding improvements in the model update. But the ID.7 goes one step further: the head-up display with augmented reality functions is supported by a 15-inch (38.1 cm) central touchscreen. More importantly: VW has responded to customer criticism and made it simple to use.

The air conditioner can now be restarted directly without having to navigate through the menus. VW is sticking with only impractical touch sliders for whatever reason. After all, automatic climate control is getting smarter. As soon as it senses from the key that the driver is approaching the vehicle, it proactively begins to cool the interior on hot days and warms it during the cold season. Specially designed undulating air vents control the air flow and distribute it extremely efficiently throughout the passenger compartment.

Probably some wanted the gorgeous illuminated body for the serial version from the middle of the year. It’s just: It really shouldn’t be practical. Imagine the repair costs after a small bump in the parking lot.

Consumer Electronics Show CES kicks off in Las Vegas on January 5, 2023