2025 Volkswagen ID.7 revolutionizes electric vehicles

author: FutureCar Staff    

The 2025 Volkswagen ID.7 is a car that challenges the notion of choosing between a car and a crossover. As part of VW's ID family of electric vehicles, the ID.7 combines the classic touring car design with modern electric technology. It features a head-up display, optional massaging seats, and a sleek Audi-like fastback styling. With these premium features, the ID.7 signals Volkswagen's entry into the luxury segment.

While the ID.7 has been tested in the hills of southern France, it remains uncertain how much of it will be available in the North American market. It is set to arrive in the U.S. in the second half of 2024, offering both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive powertrains. The car is equipped with a 77-kwh usable battery pack, although the larger 85-kwh battery pack available in Europe may not be offered in the U.S. Pricing and trim details will be announced at a later date.

The ID.7 is imported from Germany and will not be manufactured alongside the VW ID.4 in Tennessee, which means it will not qualify for the federal EV tax credit. However, the car's standout features include its spacious cargo area, comfortable and quiet ride, and understated design. The roofline of the ID.7 arcs into a fastback-style tail, offering ample cargo volume. The front of the car features a lower grille, side air intakes, and LED headlights that seamlessly connect to the wrap-around LED taillights.

In terms of efficiency, the ID.7 boasts a low 0.23 coefficient of drag, similar to the Tesla Model 3. Despite its size, the ID.7 is four inches longer and has a longer wheelbase than the Arteon. It is also taller due to the flat battery pack that occupies vertical space in the floor. The car's new motor and drive unit provide a rating of 210 kw, resulting in an output of 282 hp and 429 lb-ft of torque. It accelerates from 0-62 mph in 6.5 seconds.

The ID.7 offers four drive modes - Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Individual - each with subtle modulations. Sport mode enhances accelerator response, tightens steering, and firms up the adaptive dampers. The car's torque allows for effortless passing, and it has a top speed of 112 mph. However, it does not feature one-pedal driving and relies on a regen brake setting of B on the column stalk.

The ID.7 prioritizes comfort and showcases the latest in cabin technology. The car comes with heated power front seats, but higher trims offer ergoActive bucket seats with massagers. The infotainment system features a 15.0-inch touchscreen with larger icons and a cleaner layout compared to the ID.4. The climate control sliders are backlit for better visibility, and the voice commands allow for localized climate control.

The ID.7's interior is spacious, with wide door openings and a higher ground clearance. The rounded roofline provides ample headroom in the back seats, and four adults can comfortably fit in the car. The rear middle seat can be used as a cupholder or a pass-through for longer items. The rear seats fold down, expanding the cargo space from 18.8 cubic feet to 56.0 cubic feet. Additional storage cubbies are available beneath the load floor.

While there are still some unknowns about the ID.7, it is expected to have a range of approximately 350 miles with the single-motor powertrain. VW estimates an efficient rating of almost 4.1 miles per kwh. The ID.7 charges at a rate of 175 kw on a DC fast charger, allowing it to charge from 10 to 80% in 28 minutes. However, it does not have bidirectional charging capabilities like the Hyundai Ioniq 6.

As more electric vehicles enter the market, the ID.7 offers a reminder that an electric sedan with a hatch can be a comfortable and efficient option. With its combination of luxury features, spacious interior, and impressive efficiency, the ID.7 provides a refreshing alternative to the growing number of electric crossovers.

FutureCar Staff