Here’s VW’s new electric flagship underneath

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Now every new model has to fit. This is the belief of VW CEO Thomas Schäfer (53). Under its auspices, problems like those seen at the last VW launch should no longer exist. Stromer ID.3 and ID.4 in particular no longer have lags, software issues, functionality only available through updates, and often very sparse interiors. Perhaps that is why VW developers have developed a special camouflage for prototypes of the upcoming electric flagship ID.7.

Because the paint applied 40 times can energize, and then 22 parts of the body are illuminated alternately. If you connect a sound system, the premium electric car turns into a rotating light organ. Too much effort to hide the final design of the ID.7, which no one but VW knows yet. But one thing is clear: ID.7 will continue to have the look of ID.3 and Co. – the new design line launched by Schäfer with work ID.2all won’t launch until 2025.

Middle class outside, upper class inside

But more importantly, how is ID.7 doing now? We were already allowed to take a tour of the prototype. A good sitting position is quickly found. The cockpit, with a 15-inch infotainment screen and a narrow screen for instruments, is unique to the VW Stromer. But customer criticism of the hard plastic desert of the first ID.3 has been heard: the upper area of ​​the instrument panel is covered with leather, the air vents of the intelligent air conditioning system are hardly visible. At 4.97 metres, the ID.7 is only 20 centimeters longer than an existing VW Passat on the outside. But inside it looks downright top-notch. You can also sit comfortably in the back, which is more than 1.85 meters high, with a wheelbase of 2.97 meters already, legroom is not a problem. This is how the ID.7 compares favorably with Hyundai’s new Ioniq 6.

Here we go: the standard head-up display provides us with important information via augmented reality without having to take our eyes off the road. In just a few kilometers it’s clear: With this handy setup, the ID.7 will become an electric Passat. Even in sport driving mode, the shock absorbers filter out the bumps quite reliably, but the body wobbles slightly afterwards. You don’t have to worry about your intervertebral discs even if you set the shock absorbers to maximum stiffness in individual mode. With ID.7, it is very easy to consume kilometers on long trips.

Finally more power

However, the differences between the Eco, Comfort and Sport drive programs may be more pronounced. Speed-dependent steering is not designed to be very sporty, but provides reliable feedback. Air resistance is very good with a coefficient of 0.23, but the very flat A-pillars stay in sight during turns. On the other hand, the inside of the ID.7 is so quiet that you can have a quiet conversation even at high speeds.

Is VW now getting closer to electric pioneer Tesla with ID.7? A little more: The entire drive platform has been further developed. Previously, the rear-wheel drive power limit was 204 hp (150 kW); We are on the road with our new summit machine with 286 hp (210 kW) and 545 Newton meters of torque. When it comes to improvement, VW offers only one level by turning the automatic steering wheel lever to position B. We are not yet impressed with the brakes, which could have a more precise pressure point for better dosing.

up to 700 kilometer Range

There are variants for the batteries: In the fall, the ID.7 will start with a net capacity of 77 kWh (kWh), and the S variant will come later with a net capacity of 85 kWh. We were traveling with the small battery and at the end of the test drive we still had 42 percent of the battery left and we had a remaining range of 193 kilometers – calculated at 460 kilometers in daily use. VW has not yet released consumption figures, but theoretically the standard range should be 615 or 700 kilometers. The ID.7 charges at a maximum of 170 kW, the S versions reach a rated charging power of up to 200 kW.

The infotainment system is also a step forward, with more intuitive operation and direct access to navigation, assistance systems and vehicle data via symbols. However, the tiles are quite small, so you always have to look down to initiate the right action. However, channels remained, where you can control the volume, for example, by swiping your finger.

Let’s start with the ID.7 in the fall, but the prices are not yet known. By the way, 532 liters of luggage fit in the trunk. But it shouldn’t stay that way: Because there should be a tourer in the VW pipeline, called the ID.7 station wagon.

Source: Blick