Volkswagen just introduced its first global electric model for the premium mid-size sedan class, ID.7.  With an estimated range of up to 435 miles, a revised powertrain, a spacious interior, and premium technologies, it’s ideal for long-haul adventures. The ID.7 combines an enhanced customer-focused operating concept and an upscale appearance. Launching this year in Europe and China, it will debut in North America in 2024.

Thomas Schäfer, CEO of VW says, “With the ID.7 we are taking the next step in our electric offensive. The ID.7 offers a high level of comfort and exceptional range. By 2026, we will offer the broadest electric vehicle range of all European manufacturers—from an entry-level model for less than 25,000 euros to the ID.7 as the new top model within our EV family. Our goal is to achieve an electric car share of 80 percent in Europe by 2030. From 2033, Volkswagen will produce only electric vehicles in Europe.”

Volkswagen’s ID.7 is the first of VW’s MEB architecture to boast a completely new and highly efficient drivetrain. MEB is also underpins models of Audi, SEAT, and Škoda, along with Ford through partnership. With a power output of 282 horsepower, it’s the most powerful and highest-torque electric motor in any Volkswagen EV model so far. This power variant is used in the ID.7 regardless of battery size and was developed and produced by Volkswagen Group Components in Kassel, Germany.

The new electric drivetrain has been optimized for energy efficiency, allowing for fast charging of up to about 100 miles depending on trim and battery size. The EPA-estimated range will be announced closer to the North American launch date.

Measuring 195.3 inches in length, the ID.7 was designed with aerodynamics as a priority. Its roof slopes elegantly toward the rear like a coupe, contributing to an excellent drag coefficient of 0.23. The long wheelbase and short overhangs provide considerable room inside the cabin.

The ID.7 introduces a new operating and display concept that includes a 15-inch infotainment system with integrated air conditioning, an augmented reality head-up display, and backlit touch sliders as standard features.

Imelda Labbé, a VW sales executive says, “The ID.7 is an extremely important model for the Volkswagen brand in Europe, North America, and China. The ID.7 offers an attractive package that will excite both existing and new Volkswagen customers all over the world. With this Volkswagen, we are offering premium technologies that impress through their exclusivity, comfort, and a high degree of everyday usability.”

The ID.7 offers equipment options typically found only in premium competitors, such as new massage seats and an available electrochromic dimming panoramic sunroof with smart glass that can be switched between opaque and transparent settings by touch control or natural voice commands using the new IDA voice assistant.

The optional front seats are also a new development, offering adaptive Climatronic cooling or heating with a drying function for the first time in a Volkswagen. A 700-watt Harman Kardon sound system with 14 high-end loudspeakers, including a front center speaker and a trunk-mounted subwoofer, provides an impressive audio experience.

A full suite of level-2 ready driver assist features will be available, including Park Assist Pro with Memory Function as optional equipment. This feature offers three automated modes that can be activated depending on the situation and continuously records the last 55 yards driven to remember the parking situation. The driver can either remain in the ID.7 or monitor the parking procedure from outside the vehicle using the smartphone app.

VW’s got more up its sleeve, debuting 10 new models by 2026. This year alone sees the introduction of the facelifted ID.3, the long-wheelbase ID. Buzz and the ID.7. A compact electric SUV and the production version of the sub-€25,000 ID. 2. Volkswagen anticipates this will give it the widest range of electric vehicles compared with its competitors. The new ID.7 will be produced in the Volkswagen plant in Emden, Germany for both European and North American markets. In China, the corresponding ID.7 models will be produced locally.

Electrified Mag’s Take – This looks like a strong entry in the soon-to-be crowded mid-size EV segment and in many ways, it is a more modern, up-to-the-minute execution of a mainstream electric vehicle. The styling is a tad blandtastic, but welcome to the world of automobile styling in the mid-2020s. We especially love the interior with its warm and inviting atmosphere, avoiding the austere, Fisher-Price feel of the Model 3 and Y’s cabin.

VW’s sales fell off a cliff after Dieselgate, and haven’t really recovered. It seems like the only thing that’s selling for them is the Atlas SUV and down here in So Cal, they are abundant. The days of young folks in lowered Golfs and Jettas with tartan plaid interiors might as well be a thousand years ago. Whether the ID.7 or ID.3 will restore VW to the lofty perch it once held in North America is unclear at this point.

Anyone who is paying attention knows that Tesla’s success over the last few years has come out of Germany Inc’s bottom line. Elon Musk’s brainchild is currently outselling Lexus and BMW combined in the US. We think the ID.7 is cool and arguably more attractive than either entry-level Tesla, but VW has a tough battle grabbing the attention of a generation that wants a car to match the cachet of their iPhone.  This is a tough task not just for VW, but the entire global auto industry.