The VW ID.7 is the electric sedan that replaces the Passat
Volkswagen, continuing its evolution in the world of electric vehicles, brings the ID.7 model to the market, and the Rent a Car Satu Mare Airport office announces that it replaces the Passat model and is the top representative of its electric range. This iconic electric car brings a new level of elegance to the ID range and promises to be the most efficient yet. The question that arises is whether he will manage to honor his promises? Designed to take over from the VW Passat in the era of electric vehicles, the ID.7 establishes itself as a potential replacement worthy of attention. In a context where it will take the place of the Passat, this fully electric limousine is launched in a world where sustainable mobility is becoming more and more important.
The ID.7 sits at the top of Volkswagen's ever-expanding range and is initially available as a limousine, with a Tourer estate estate to follow later this year. Officially described as a limousine, the ID.7 actually looks like a large hatchback. As part of Volkswagen's strategy to gradually steer buyers away from internal combustion engine models towards electric ones, this model fills, to a certain extent, the gap that appeared in the range with the demise of the Passat in the limo variant because the new model de Passat is only available in the combi version.
With the launch of the ID.7, Volkswagen is not only introducing a new electric top of the range, but also significantly evolving the design and concept of the ID. With the futuristic debut of the ID.3, the German brand now takes a much more refined, conservative and traditional approach. With this change, Volkswagen hopes to attract even more attention and appreciation from its existing customers, while also marking a significant stage in the development of the design language and atmosphere specific to the ID models.
The elegant and powerful silhouette of the new Volkswagen ID.7 reveals its charm in an unmistakable way. Viewed from the side, the sporty, flat windshield frame and coupé-like C-pillar immediately catch the eye. The roof and roof pillars are always finished in gloss black, while the roof frame strips have an aluminum look. A defining element of the vehicle's elegant side design is the character line below the windows, which runs as a sharp cut from the headlights to the muscular rear, visually reducing the height and creating a positive tension to the silhouette.
The aerodynamic front underlines the charismatic design of the ID.7, highlighted in particular by the sculpted hood and LED headlights with a narrow strip for daytime running lights and turn signals integrated into the top of the unit. A horizontal LED strip runs between the headlights. The side air intakes for the wheel wells are placed at the bottom of the spoiler and have a distinctive shape. The rear of the car highlights the width of the ID.7 through horizontal lines. The most pronounced line is a horizontal LED strip that extends between the two main LED taillights. As another distinctive element, the middle area of the LED strip is white and only turns red when the light is activated. The large, wide-opening tailgate separation lip is an aerodynamic and eye-catching detail. A strong impression is also created by the bar and the diffuser located below, both of which have a gloss black paint finish. So the exterior design of the Volkswagen ID.7 combines elegance with functionality, offering a distinctive and characterful presence on the road.
The interior of the new Volkswagen ID.7 brings to the fore a revolutionary infotainment system, representing the central point of attraction. This new generation of touchscreen will be implemented across the entire ID range of the German manufacturer and has been developed following feedback from a large number of customers and journalists from the automotive world. The screen with a diameter of 38 cm is mounted in the upper part of the dashboard. Below this are the touch buttons, now illuminated to allow use in low light conditions. The software interface now operates similar to that of a smartphone, offering a configurable start page with various widgets and two rows of hotkeys that can be swapped to provide quick access to desired functions.
The system still remains a predominantly tactile one, with the only physical buttons in the cabin being those for the hazard lights, in addition to those on the steering column. Even though it is not extremely difficult to adjust aspects such as climate control via the ID.7's touch screen, the Rent a Car Airport Satu Mare agency believes that it is not as simple to do while driving as with a panel with classic physical buttons. Some functions, such as changing driving modes require looking from the road to the screen for a little too long for our liking. In addition, the system benefits from a sophisticated voice assistant that performs most of the functions of the infotainment system. Newly, customers can change the activation word, which is useful if drivers accidentally activate the system with a family member's name.
For all the improvements, the ID.7's touchscreen lags behind other models like the Kia EV6 or Hyundai Ioniq 6, which use simpler software behind traditional physical buttons for climate control. Compared to the Tesla Model 3, the latter offers a more natural touch interface, extending even to the on-screen headlights, wipers and drive selector. The massive central screen is complemented by a small driver information screen located behind the steering wheel. It only displays basic information such as speed, range and warnings, while other functions such as navigation directions are taken over by the HUD windscreen display.
Material and build quality throughout the cabin is good. The rim is covered in soft-touch plastic and leather, with harder, rougher materials rarely seen outside of the main contact areas. The only exception is the cup holders in the center console, which have sharp edges and appear to be of lower quality. Thus, the interior of the Volkswagen ID.7 impresses with the innovation of the infotainment system, but maintains a dark and slightly gloomy ambience. While there are notable improvements, there remains room for further developments to reach the top of the market in terms of in-cabin experience.
The Volkswagen ID.7 stands out for its generous space and practicality, strengthening its position as a suitable choice for those who value comfort and utility in an electric car. The impressive length of 4,961 mm, enhanced by the generous 2,971 mm wheelbase and short body roll, gives the ID.7 a dynamic and aerodynamic appearance, with a height of 1,536 mm adding to its distinct profile. The aerodynamic coefficient of only 0.23 Cd and the front surface of 2.45 m2 contribute to the aerodynamic efficiency of this model. In terms of comfort, the sophisticated front seats, certified by the German campaign for a healthy back (AGR), impress with their versatility. They are versatilely adjustable, benefiting from four-way lumbar support and an extendable base to support longer legs, alongside the usual adjustments for fore/aft position, backrest and seat height. The seats are heated and include massage as standard, and by choosing the "Interior" package, customers can opt for more massage and ventilation options. Passengers can also use seat heating and ventilation at the same time, even benefiting from the "Dry Boost" function if the clothes are slightly damp.
The front storage area is well designed, with door pockets large and lined with fabric to prevent noise from stored items. There's also a large compartment under the center armrest, and the two covered covers in the center console hide two cup holders, two USB-C ports and a wireless charging tray. However, the glove compartment is quite small. In the rear, the ID.7 offers generous legroom, especially for the legs, allowing even tall passengers to stretch out comfortably. There is enough legroom under the front seats, an important aspect in an electric car where that area can be occupied by batteries. However, headroom isn't as generous, and passengers taller than 1.83m may have to lean slightly to avoid touching the ceiling. The side seats are quite sculpted, making the center seat narrower, which is why the ID.7 presents itself more like a comfortable four-seater. There are two ISOFIX points in the back seat, but installing a child seat isn't as easy as it would be in a Malibu with a higher roof and larger doors.
The capacity of the trunk is impressive, and the Rent a Car Airport Satu Mare company informs you that it is 532 liters with the rear seats in position and this exceeds the space offered by models such as the Kia EV6 with 490 liters and the Tesla Model 3 with only 425 liters. Additionally, unlike the Tesla, the ID.7 features a full-height tailgate trunk that makes loading bulky items very easy. The rear seats fold down in a 60:40 configuration, providing a total load space of 1,586 litres. There's also a ski hatch in the middle of the rear seats, allowing long, thin items to be carried between two rear passengers. The boot also has an adjustable floor, in the upper position it offers a completely flat floor when the seats are folded down, but can be lowered to give a bit more space in the boot. Under the floor, there is a compartment ideal for storing charging cables, a useful aspect considering that the ID.7 does not have a front storage compartment (frunk) like the Tesla Model 3 or BYD Seal.
The Volkswagen ID.7 impresses with its generous space and practicality, especially with regard to the capacity of the trunk and the flexibility offered by the folding options of the seats. However, it's worth noting that limited rear headroom could be a concern for taller passengers, and the seating configuration may make the model fit better as a four-seater comfortably than as a vehicle for five passengers.
The Volkswagen ID.7 does not impress in terms of engine, performance and autonomy, and thus we cannot say that it strengthens its position in the segment of electric vehicles with outstanding features. The model is powered only by a single electric motor that develops 282 horsepower, which drives the rear wheels. Although this figure may seem modest compared to other models such as the BMW i4 eDrive40 with 335 horsepower or the Model 3 Long Range with more than 350 horsepower, in reality it is more than enough for most drivers. The ID.7 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.5 seconds, offering a pleasant experience without hesitation when pressing the accelerator pedal. Pulling out of junctions or passing slow-moving traffic is handled with ease.
A notable aspect is that the ID.7 is the first model to integrate the second generation of electric motor and inverter (the component that converts the continuous energy of the battery into alternative energy for the motors). The new rear-mounted engine generates 210kW and 545Nm of torque, featuring numerous improvements over the previous design. Various components of the single-ratio gearbox have been optimized in terms of friction and strengthened to ensure the most efficient operation possible. However, the disappointing real-world test consumption of 19 kWh per 100 km suggests that the improvements have not delivered the leap in efficiency that VW customers were hoping for.
In terms of autonomy, the VW ID.7 impresses with an official figure of 620 km on a full charge of the 77 kWh battery, but in reality the Rent a Car Satu Mare Airport office informs you that a less impressive autonomy will be obtained of 400 km. This is in a competitive range, beating the official performance of the top-of-the-range Kia EV6 which has a range of 530km and coming close to the Tesla Model 3 Long Range which boasts a range of 630km. We estimate that a range approaching the official WLTP figures is achievable in the city with careful driving and a moderate press of the accelerator pedal complemented by regenerative braking. It should be noted that a heat pump for air conditioning and heating, which makes the heating system much more efficient in the cold season, is only available as an option and without it, the autonomy in winter conditions is likely to decrease significantly.
In terms of charging, the ID.7 stands out with an impressive 175 kW at a DC fast charging station. This means that in theory a charge from 10% to 80% will take just 28 minutes, in line with most competitors, even with smaller batteries. Charging at home will take eight hours for a 0 to 100% charge on an 11 kW source, or around 11 hours from a regular 7.4 kW socket. It's also worth noting that there will be a version with an even bigger 86kWh battery joining the ID.7 range later in 2024, offering an estimated range of around 700km according to WLTP tests. In contrast, a performance GTX variant with all-wheel drive will involve a trade-off in range for increased performance.
The Volkswagen ID.7 stands out for its competitive range, satisfying performance and fast charging capabilities, cementing its status as an attractive choice in the EV landscape. However, efficiency can still benefit from improvements, and the optional addition of the heat pump can be crucial for those dealing with lower temperature conditions.
The Volkswagen ID.7 driving experience is remarkable, reflecting the balance between comfort, handling and performance. Regardless of the environment, from urban congestion to winding roads, the model offers a pleasant driving experience. In the city, even if the ID.7 impresses with its generous dimensions, handling is not at all difficult. Forward visibility is good and moderate blind spots around the windscreen pillars are effectively compensated by a number of electronic safety systems. The 360-degree view camera system comes as standard, making it easier to park or navigate through width restrictions without risking damage to the rims. The car handles road bumps, potholes and rough surfaces well, although it doesn't offer the same level of soft comfort as a Nissan Ariya. Being a sedan, it does not benefit from the high driving position typical of SUVs and an imposing view of traffic.
On the highway, the ID.7 proves extremely comfortable at high speeds, offering a quiet and relaxing experience. The aerodynamic shape of the body minimizes wind noise, and performance approaches the level of a Kia EV6 or even a much more expensive BMW i5. On a winding road, the ID.7 maintains its neutral character without encouraging aggressive cornering. Safety systems intervene before exuberant steering maneuvers become dangerous. The Dynamic Chassis Control option allows the suspension to be adjusted to 13 levels of firmness, offering a compromise between extremely soft comfort for highway cruising and excellent handling in tight corners.
The VW ID.7 doesn't measure up to competitors like the Kia EV6 or BYD Seal on twisty roads thanks to a steering that doesn't convey much information about the behavior of the front wheels, but the launch of the ID.7 GTX performance version in late 2024 will address the demand for a sporty variant, thus completing the range and diversifying the driving experience offered by Volkswagen.
The Volkswagen ID.7 brings advanced technology and outstanding performance to the Romanian car market, and the recently announced prices confirm the cutting-edge technologies found on this state-of-the-art electric sedan. Currently available in only one variant, equipped with a 286 horsepower electric motor and a 77 kWh battery, the ID.7 impresses with a generous official autonomy of 620 kilometers. The model, known under the commercial name ID.7 Pro, can be purchased starting from 53,335 euros. With this offer, Volkswagen brings an attractive option for electric vehicle enthusiasts, offering not only efficiency and performance, but also a competitive price in the context of the Romanian car market. The starting price for the ID.7 is balanced and reflects the advantageous ratio between the advanced technology offered by this model and the financial benefits of using an electric car. With an impressive autonomy and a modern design, the ID.7 positions itself as an attractive option for those interested in making the transition to electric mobility.
In conclusion, the Volkswagen ID.7 is a significant addition to the electric vehicle landscape, offering a remarkable balance of advanced technology, performance and generous range. The elegant and carefully contoured exterior design gives the car a distinct presence on the road, while the generous interior space and practicality offered add a high level of comfort for travelers. Modern and improved infotainment, together with attention to detail in terms of materials and build quality, completes the premium experience offered by the Volkswagen ID.7. While there is room for improvement in terms of charging system efficiency and the interior design may seem dark to some, the model is a competitive option in the electric vehicle market.
The powerful engine, impressive range and flexible charging options underline Volkswagen's commitment to innovation and sustainability. With a starting price that is a bit steep from the point of view of the Rentsilvania Rent a Car Satu Mare car closing office, the ID.7 is aimed at the electric car segment in Romania, offering an attractive alternative for those looking for an electric car with technologies top features. In an ever-evolving automotive landscape, the Volkswagen ID.7 stands out as a notable choice for those looking to make the transition to more sustainable mobility without compromising comfort or performance. With the promise of a future GTX model and improved charging options, the ID.7 promises to be a major player among electric cars, helping transform the automotive landscape in a greener and more efficient direction.
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