Touring the scenic south of France with the all-electric VW ID.7

By 2030, Volkswagen aims to have around 80% of its European vehicle deliveries fully electric. The introduction of the new ID.7, an electric saloon, marks another significant step towards this goal. Here on ellectric, we already introduced the second generation of the VW ID.3 and the ID.Buzz. Recently, we had the chance to embark on a journey with the new VW ID.7. Our adventure took us through the breathtaking landscapes of Southern France, commencing in Marseille and proceeding to Cassis and Mane. Let's explore the ID.7 in detail, starting with its exterior design.

Exterior design

The ID.7 is a spacious electric car designed for long journeys and smooth city driving. Its aerodynamic fastback saloon is characterised by clean, muscular lines, including a closed front end, sculptured bonnet, and sleek LED headlights. The elongated design features a distinctive style element with a sharp undercut below the window shoulder, creating a sense of power and tension. At the rear, horizontal lines enhance the width, and a prominent horizontal LED strip extends into the wraparound LED tail lights. The ID.7 boasts a length of 4.961 mm and stands out with its spacious interior, thanks to its wheelbase of 2.966 mm.

Interior design

The Volkswagen ID.7 boasts a meticulously designed interior that combines practicality with luxury. With features like an optional panoramic sunroof with smart glass, which can be electronically switched between opaque and transparent settings, as well as voice command functionality, the ID.7 offers a seamless and user-friendly experience. The front seats are equipped with an adaptive seat Climatronic function and a massage feature, ensuring comfort even on long drives. The driver is greeted by an augmented-reality head-up display coming as standard, that projects essential information, such as speed and navigation details, directly into their line of sight. The spacious interior, thanks to the long wheelbase, provides ample legroom for both front and rear passengers. The dash panel features a clean and organized layout, with optional illuminated trims and contrasting seams that add a touch of sophistication. This innovative design is further enhanced by the integration of the vent band and trims, creating a sense of width and openness.

The 15-inch touchscreen display serves as the central interface between human and machine. With a restructured graphic interface and menu navigation, everything is quite simple and intuitive. And besides, the latest software version enables activation of various functions through the IDA voice assistant such as background lighting and driving profile selection.

The Volkswagen ID.7 offers an optional 700-watt Harman Kardon sound system with 14 high-end loudspeakers including a centre speaker and subwoofer. It features four preconfigured sound settings: Pure, Relax, Speech, and Vibrant. Individual sound adjustments and seat-specific listening focus are also available.

The ID.7 boasts an innovative air conditioning system with smart air vents that automatically distribute air throughout the spacious interior. Cooling or heating begins upon the driver's approach, and customisable settings can be adjusted through intuitive voice control.

Performance

When it comes to acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW ID.7 may not be the sportiest, clocking in at 6.5 seconds. However, Volkswagen's focus on range and comfort sets this electric vehicle apart. With its electric motor generating 210 kW/286 hp and a torque of 545 Newton metres, the ID.7 boasts a great performance. Equipped with a 77 kWh battery, it promises a range of 621 kilometres according to the WLTP cycle. And with plans to introduce a larger 86 kWh battery next year, the ID.7 is expected to reach a range of up to 700 kilometres. While our journey in the south of France prevented us from fully testing the ID.7's range, we estimate that everyday use will provide around 500 km.

Charging the VW ID.7 is a breeze, with a charging capacity of up to 175 kW. In just 28 minutes, the ID.7 can be charged from 10 to 80 percent. Not only does the ID.7 deliver a good performance, it also offers a quiet and comfortable driving experience. With its spacious and well-designed interior, even its nearly 5-meter length doesn't compromise agility on the road. Volkswagen has packed the ID.7 with numerous electronic assistance systems, to further ensuring comfort and relaxation. Take, for instance, the Travel Assist feature: from maintaining lane position and monitoring distance to recognising traffic signs and adjusting speed accordingly, the VW ID.7 ensures a stress-free and relaxing journey.

With a starting price of around €57,000 € the VW ID.7 presents itself as a reliable and eco-conscious choice emphasising on range, comfort, and advanced technology.

Pictures: Volkswagen for ellectric