German carmaker Volkswagen has recently announced the first global electric sedan for the upper mid-size class as well as its new ID. flagship, ID.7.
Production is scheduled to start later this year. The model is set to enter the European and Chinese markets as early as this fall and hit the North American market next year.
The model comes in two trims, Pro and Pro S, each with a 282 horsepower (210 kilowatts) electric motor.
The Pro trim has an 82-kilowatt-hour gross (77-kWh net) battery, providing a WLTP-cycle range of approximately 382 miles (615 kilometers) and supporting 170-kW DC charging.
Meanwhile, equipped with a pack with a gross capacity of 91-kWh (86-kWh net), the Pro S provides an estimated driving range of 435 miles (700 km). It supports DC charging at 200 kW. This trim, however, will not be available in the US.
“We are aiming for a range of up to 700 kilometers in accordance with WLTP,” said Volkswagen’s member of the Brand Board of Management responsible for development Kai Grünitz.
According to Grünitz, the range is possible due to the vehicle’s impressive aerodynamics, with increased efficiency in powertrain and thermal management.
ID.7 is almost five meters long with a 2,966 mm wheelbase and a roof that slopes to the rear in coupé style. It is optimized for a low drag coefficient of 0.23. It also features a new, highly efficient drive generation of Volkswagen’s modular electric drive platform (MEB).
Inside, this model comes with an augmented reality system that can be controlled from the steering wheel for optimized viewing. On the center of the dashboard is a 15-inch infotainment system to adjust cabin temperature and audio volume.
Drivers will be able to choose from four driving modes: comfort, sport, eco and individual.
“With the ID.7, we are taking the next step in our electric offensive. The limousine offers a high level of comfort and long ranges,” said Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars.
This release is the next step toward Volkswagen’s goal of providing the most extensive line of electric vehicles in Europe by 2026. Apart from aiming to achieve an electric car share of 80 percent in Europe by 2030, Volkswagen also plans to produce only electric cars in Europe starting in 2033.
According to a report by Mobility Sweden, Volkswagen ID’s previous model, Volkswagen ID.4, placed second among the top-selling BEV sales in February 2023, right behind the Volvo XC40.
Since the country’s auto buyers have always favored mid-sized vehicles — sedans or SUVs — compared to compacts, the ID.7 might prove to be an attractive choice for the Swedish market.