Volkswagen widens the aspirations for its all-electric luxury ID.7 with this more versatile Tourer version. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

The ID.7 Tourer aims to offer a slightly more versatile take on Volkswagen's largest ID electric model. As a plush compromise between a pricey large executive EV station wagon and a more compact EV estate, it certainly has its place.

Background

We've had large electric estates; like the BMW i5 Touring. And more compact ones - like the MG5 and station wagon EV versions of the Peugeot E-308 and the Vauxhall Astra Electric. Now time for something in-between. This Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer. As the name suggests, it's an estate version of the ID.7 hatch and enters production just as another similarly-sized large-ish Volkswagen - the Arteon Shooting Brake - leaves us. Being an EV, this Tourer isn't a direct replacement for the Arteon Shooting Brake (which was combustion-based and sometimes a PHEV). But the design spirit that links the two products is similar, even if the ID.7 Tourer is arguably less original to look at. That originality didn't help that old Arteon model sell in decent numbers though. Will this Tourer do better? Let's take a closer look.

Engines and Tech Spec

The ID.7 Tourer doesn't of course drive any differently to an ID.7 hatch. The ID.7 range has introduced lots of fresh drive technology, principally with the brand's new 210kW e-motor. This differs from previous VW Group EV motors, with stronger magnets, a higher wire cross-section, more windings and improved cooling, all of which ought to improve efficiency and power (rated at 286PS). All initial ID.7 Tourers will be of the single motor rear-driven sort: a dual motor AWD GTX performance version will follow. This will pair the 286PS rear motor with a 108PS front motor, for a combined output of around 395PS. You'll want to know about drive range on the mainstream models. The familiar 77kWh 'Pro' battery offered from launch will take the car up to 374 miles. A larger 'Pro S' battery (at 86kWh the VW Group's biggest to date) will arrive later to improve that to 425 miles. You twist the gear selector (a column-mounted stalk) to get going, one notch for 'Drive' and two notches for the 'B' mode that maximises regenerative braking and allows for near one-pedal driving. On the move, there are four main drive mode options - 'Eco', 'Comfort', 'Sport' and 'Individual'. And if you've ticked for the option of Adaptive Chassis Control adaptive damping, these will control ride quality too. Expect exemplary refinement thanks to the slippery aerodynamics. As you'd expect, there's plenty of autonomous drive tech. Volkswagen's now familiar 'Travel Assist' set-up has been updated with an 'Assisted Lane Change' feature. And it uses 'swarm data' from other VW Group vehicles for more accurate speed control and lane guidance.

Design and Build

This Tourer variant is less divisive-looking than its interestingly-styled Arteon Shooting Brake predecessor, which is disappointing but predictably necessary. A more significant comparison is with the current Passat, which is only offered in estate form. An ID.7 Tourer is shorter, wider and taller than that alternative Volkswagen combustion-powered model (which in PHEV form would be an interesting ID.7 Tourer alternative). This isn't one of those estates lengthened for extra practicality over the hatch model: the dimensions are identical to the standard ID.7 - 4,961mm long, 1,862mm wide and 1,536mm tall. Long-roof proportions accentuate a contrast-coloured top with subtle roof rails. And the rakish silhouette delivers a sleek 0.24Cd drag factor, just 0.1Cd more than the standard model. Inside up-front of course, it's the usual ID.7 design, which feels of much higher quality than any ID model to date, with plush materials and plenty of soft-touch surfaces. You'll notice that there's no big instrument screen (or smaller instrument screen pod as in other ID models). Instead, most of what you need to know is projected via the standard Head-up display, incorporating augmented reality tech. A small, minimalist instrument screen is retained in the line of the cabin's innovative 'Smart Air Vents' which (annoyingly) can only be angled via the central touchscreen, or by the 'IDA' voice control system. In the rear, thanks to the lengthy 2,966mm wheelbase (180mm longer than a Passat), there's generous space for two adults. Out back, there's a 605-litre boot, which is 73-litres more than an ID.7 hatch. It's 25-litres less than a BMW i5 Touring but usefully more than, say, an MG5 or a Peugeot E-308 SW. The seats-folded total is 1,714-litres.

Market and Model

Price-wise, there'll be only a small premium over what you'd pay for an ID.7 hatch. Which means that prices start from just over £52,000 for the base 'Pro Match' version with its 77kWh rear-driven drivetrain. The brand has also engineered a bigger-battery 86kWh Long Range Pro S AWD version (from around £56,000). And Volkswagen will be offering an AWD GTX performance variant too, with a combined output of around 395PS. If you're prepared to find just over £1,000 more, you can specify an energy-efficient heat pump, which should add a few miles to your driving range in the winter months. Plus your dealer is going to want you to look at adding in larger 20-inch wheels, a temptation you should resist because it'll sap your EV range. And they'll ask you to consider the optional 'Interior Pack', which for £2,000 more gives you ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and a 12-speaker 700-watt Harmon Kardon sound system with a digital 16-channel amplifier. For another £1,000, an 'Exterior Pack Plus' package adds a power-operated tailgate and Progressive steering, which uses pinion gearing to give more direct responses to larger steering angles and allows for more dynamic reactions. For an extra £1,110, you can embellish the 'Exterior Pack Plus' package with possibly the key extra you might want on this car, the Smart Glass panoramic sunroof, which can become opaque, or made transparent again, from one moment to the next via a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer integrated in the glass.

Cost of Ownership

You might hope that this ID.7 would use the advanced 800V electrical infrastructure that allows another only slightly larger VW Group model, the Audi e-tron GT quattro, to use the new generation of ultra-fast public chargers. Because the ID.7 uses a different platform to that Audi (merely a stretched version of the MEB chassis primarily developed for much smaller, more affordable EVs), only a 400V system is in play here. But Volkswagen has done its best to maximise possible charging speeds from it: the ID.7 can charge at up to 175kW in 77kWh 'Pro' form (with a 374 mile range); and up to 200kW in 86kWh 'Pro S' guise (with a 425 mile range). There's also battery pre-conditioning, which, once a charger destination is programmed into the navigation, readies the battery for maximum top speed charging capability on arrival. You can trigger that feature manually too. Volkswagen has done its best to help by providing its EV owners with a 'We Charge' app that helps you find and use over 150,000 public charge points. Expect a 10-80% top-up in the 77kWh model to take under half an hour from a public rapid charger. On the move, a standard 'Eco Assistance' feature draws on navigation data and road signs detected by the car's forward-facing camera so that if your ID.7 is approaching a bend or a town boundary, the system can visually indicate that you should lift off the accelerator. This apparently simple, yet complex calculation allows the car's drive system to perform optimum energy recuperation, thereby supporting optimum range performance. An ID.7 driver will enjoy lower maintenance costs than would be needed for a combustion model - obviously no oil changes are required and regenerative braking means that the brake pads are designed to last the life of the car. There's a fixed servicing schedule, with a basic inspection after two years (unlimited mileage) and subsequent services every year or 20,000 miles. There's the usual unremarkable three year / 60,000 mile Volkswagen warranty (the third year operated by the retailer).

Summary

Before the EV era, a large Volkswagen estate of this size and price wouldn't have stood much of a chance - as the disappointing sales figures of the old Arteon Shooting Brake showed. But customers planning to spend on a large EV of this sort are less badge-conscious these days, a mindset this ID.7 Tourer aims to capitalise on. You're obviously not going to be attracted to this car if you don't already like the ID.7 hatch it's based on. If you do, but need something a fraction more practical, an ID.7 Tourer might suit perfectly. There's just about everything here you'd get from a more expensive BMW i5 Touring. For not that much more than a well-specified Peugeot E-308 SW or Vauxhall Astra Electric Sports Tourer. It's the kind of car Volkswagen is very good at.

Body Glass

Heated windscreen washer jets

Front and rear electric windows

Windscreen - Laminated, heated, infrared-reflecting and sound insulating

Rain sensor

Rear wiper

Brakes

Brake energy recuperation

Electronic Stability Programme

Rear drum brakes

Front disc brakes

Autonomous emergency braking front assist with pedestrian and cyclist monitoring

Electric parking brake

Anti-lock brake system

Carpets/Rugs

Black carpet mats

Communication

Wireless App-Connect

Wireless Smartphone charger

Voice activation for navigation and phone

Preparation for Volkswagen connect

Car2X intelligent vehicle networking

Driver Aids

Dynamic road sign display

Adaptive cruise control

Area view including rear view camera

Park Assist Plus with Park Distance Control

Engine start button

Advanced driver attention and drowsiness monitor

Semi-automatic vehicle control in an emergency

Lane change system, Side assist, Rear traffic alert and Exit warning system

Memory feature for park assist

Oncoming vehicle braking when turning including swerve support

Driver Information

Traffic jam assist

Discover pro navigation system with 15" centre display, media and internet package

Emergency call service

Digital instrument cluster

Augmented reality head up display

Speedo and rev counter, electronic odometer, trip, service interval display and exterior temperature gauge

Travel assist with lane assist and emergency assist

Driving Mirrors

Exterior mirrors convex on the left and aspherical on the right

Remote electrically foldable door mirrors, puddle lights and reverse activated tilting door mirror

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Gloss Black door mirrors with integrated indicators

Heated door mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Comfort dashboard in soul black

Engine

Standard electronic engine sound actuator

Entertainment

Gaming platform via car app

8+1 Speakers

DAB+ radio

Exterior Body Features

Roof aerial

AC Charging socket

Rear side wing doors

Charging flap with weather protection

Body coloured bumpers

Exterior Lights

Auto headlights

LED daytime running lights

Welcome lights

High beam assist with automatic sensing for switching between dipped and main beam

LED 3rd brake light

LED indicator lights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Allergen filter and enhanced air filter

3 zone air care climatronic with rear air conditioning control panel

Electric auxiliary air heater

Interior Features

First aid kit, warning triangle and safety vest

Front centre armrest

Matt black interior door handles

Play and Pause brake and accelerator pedals

Leatherette-wrapped multifunction heated steering wheel with touch control

Centre console with illuminated storage compartment with sliding cover and two drinks holders

Luggage compartment floor, folding with stowage area

Luggage net and storage net on sides

2 USB-C ports in the front, 2 USB-C charging sockets on the center console in the rear

Door and side trim panel in foam film, insert in leatherette

Variable boot floor, height adjustable and removable

Art Velours eco microfleece cloth upholstery with seat bolsters in Artex

Interior Lights

30 colours options interior ambient lighting

Safety

Driver and front passenger airbag with front passenger airbag deactivation

Warning signal and warning light for front and rear seat belts not fastened

3 point seat belts in front with seat belt pretensioners

Rear door child safety locks

Tyre pressure warning

3x3 point rear seatbelts

Extended safety system with proactive passenger protection system

Front curtain and side airbags with center airbag

Seats

Power adjustable lumbar support in front

Rear centre headrest

Front seats with massage programs

System optimised front head restraints

Rear seat bench unsplit, backrest split folding with center armrest including 2 cup holders

Isofix child seat preparation

Single front passenger seat

Heated front seats

12 way power seat adjustment for both front seats, with memory feature and seat depth adjustment

ErgoActive comfort seats in front

Security

Anti theft alarm

Keyless entry and start with safelock

Anti theft wheel bolts

Immobiliser

Vanity Mirrors

Sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Vehicle Charging

DC battery charging capability (Type 2-CCS)

Charging cable mode 3, Type 2: 7.2kW 1-Phase/11kW 3-Phase (32A)

Wheels - Spare

Tool kit for tyre mobility

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 540

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 26

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 200

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 10-80

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: N

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 91

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - City: 841

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 683

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEL: 683

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEH: 683

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 14.2

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 4.4

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - City: 523

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 424

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEH: 424

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEL: 424

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Right Side Rear

Usable Battery Capacity: 86

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 200

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 0

Standard Euro Emissions: N

Noise Level dB(A): N

CO: N

HC: N

NOx: N

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

CC: 1

Cylinders: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Number of Valves: N

Camshaft: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

Engine Layout: N

Compression Ratio: N

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N

EC Urban (mpg): N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Combined (mpg): N

General

Coin Series: Match

Coin Description: Pro S

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 38E

Service Interval Mileage: 999999

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 95

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 88

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 83

NCAP Safety Assist %: 80

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 286

Badge Engine CC: 0.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 6.7

Top Speed: 112

Engine Power - BHP: 286

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 210

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 402

Engine Torque - NM: 545

Engine Torque - MKG: 55.6

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 235/50 R19

Tyre Size Rear: 255/45 R19

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 19" ALLOY

Wheel Style: HUDSON

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4961

Width: 1862

Wheelbase: 2971

Width (including mirrors): 2141

Height: 1551

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 2160

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2700

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1000

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 540

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 605

No. of Seats: 5

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1948

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12.3

Exterior Body Features

Solid paint

Two tone solid paint

Two Tone Metallic paint

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Energy efficient heat pump

Packs

Exterior plus pack - ID.7

Exterior styling package Black style - ID.7

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Stonewashed blue

Metallic - Scale silver

Metallic - Grenadilla black

Metallic - Aquamarine blue

Metallic - Glacier white

Paint - Solid

Solid - Moonstone grey

Paint - Two Tone

Two tone metallic - Aquamarine blue with Black solid roof

Two tone metallic - Glacier white with Black solid roof

Two tone metallic - Stonewashed blue with Black solid roof

Two tone metallic - Scale silver with Black solid roof

Two tone solid - Moonstone grey with Black roof

Towing

Swivelling towbar

Trim - Cloth

Art Velours eco microfleece cloth upholstery with seat bolsters in Artex - Soul black

Vehicle Charging

Mode 2 (3-pin) mains charging cable (Type 2, 230V 1-phase AC, 6 metres)

Wheels - Alloy

20" Montreal black gloss turned surface alloy wheels with airstop tyres