Shown last year as a concept in addition to being spied on various online platforms throughout 2022 undergoing testing, Volkswagen officially teased the new ID.7, the latest all-electric ID model at the new Consumer Electronic Show (CES) in Las Vegas.
No more Aero B
Known until recently as the ID Aero B, the ID.7 sedan joins a product line that, until now, includes the ID.3 hatch and the ID.4, ID.5 and ID.6, plus the ID Buzz. with other models due later.
In effect the replacement for the sedan version of the Passat, the ID.7 rides on the all-electric MEB platform dedicated to Wolfsburg with dimensions set to be announced after the official production kicks-off.
Also read: Volkswagen electric Passat replacement spied on local soil
When they applied the exterior style as evidenced by the newcomer bowing in Las Vegas wrapped in heavy camouflage complete with a unique pattern and a series of QR codes, what is noticeable is the coupe-style roofline, rounded frontal fascia similar to the Lamando sold in China. and a flat rear that takes after the Jetta, although with a different LED lighting group.
Temperature with sound
More impressively, Volkswagen also revealed the interior of the ID.7 in full, confirming the presence of a new enhanced Head-Up Display, a fifteen-inch touchscreen infotainment system and the first digitally controlled air ventilation arrangement called Smart Air Vents that can be opened. using the voice command “Hello Volkswagen”.
Part of the extensive rethink of the air-conditioning system itself, the setup can detect the outside temperature using a button and adjust the delivery and flow of cold or hot air inside before the driver enters.
This also applies to the heated steering wheel, with the final adjustment being an illuminated touch slider as announced by Volkswagen Passenger Car CEO Thomas Schäfer last year.
“With the new ID.7, we are expanding our range of electric models to the upper segment. The sedan will offer high-class technology and quality. The ID.7 is one of ten new electric models to be launched in 2026. The goal? To deliver a product that suitable for customers in every segment,” Schäfer said in a statement.
power
Not announced at CES though is the ID.7 drivetrain, although reports say it will have the same 82-kWh battery as the ID.4, but with a range of 600 km instead of 400 km. A performance GTX derivative is also rumored.
when?
Reportedly on track to enter production in the second half of this year at the former Passat plant in Emden, Germany, alongside the ID.4 and ID.5, the ID.7 will initially be marketed only in China, Europe and North America with other markets set to be announced as the year continues.
This may include South Africa after a sample appeared not far from the Uitenhage Factory, now Kariega, undergoing tests last year to appear ready for production.
What could be a model to lead Volkswagen’s EV switch in South Africa before 2030, it is likely that 2024 will present a more realistic entry for the ID.7 into the local market.