Volkswagen has big aspirations with this all-electric luxury ID.7. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

The ID.7 is Volkswagen's most sophisticated and luxurious full-electric ID model yet. It showcases a different level of drive and battery technology to anything previously seen from the brand. And manages to do so with a polished presentation that for some will make this smart Fastback-style five-door a really credible alternative to similarly-sized offerings from the premium makers.

Background

In the combustion era, Volkswagen's brand equity couldn't quite be stretched far enough to sell large luxury saloons. As a company found with the ill-fated Phaeton, produced between 2003 and 2014. But might this new EV era be different? A time when customers are supposed to be more interested in battery technology than badge work. We're going to find out because here in the ID.7, we have one of the most upwardly premium-orientated Volkswagen models to be launched in a decade. And a flagship for the company's fast-growing ID all-electric range. This, if you like, is beginning of a second wave of ID models, learning from the design lessons of the ID.3, the ID.4 and the ID.5 and incorporating more of the cabin sustainability from the ID.Buzz. Not all of these are sold worldwide, but the ID.7 will be, sized and shaped similarly to the combustion Arteon Fastback five-door model, which aimed to be the next step up for Passat people, but never quite was. Volkswagen is confident that the ID.7 will be and to that end has gone to town on technology here. Not least with the brand's biggest, fastest-charging, longest-range battery to date. Sounds promising. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experience

Predictably, this ID.7 delivers a very tranquil driving experience. Not really because of the subdued levels of wind and road noise, though they're very well suppressed. More because there's such a measured, predictable feel to everything this Volkswagen does. A sports saloon it isn't, but what two-tonne EV of this kind can never really be that? There's lots of fresh drive technology here, principally with the new 210kW e-motor known in VW circles as the APP550. 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). This ID 7 was launched in single motor rear-driven form - that's what we tried. A dual motor AWD GTX performance version is also available, which offers a combined output of 340PS, allowing 62mph in 5.4s. You'll want to know about drive range on the mainstream models. The familiar 77kWh 'Pro' battery will take the car up to 381 miles. A larger 'Pro S' battery (at 86kWh the VW Group's biggest to date) improves that to 437 miles in the Fastback or 425 miles for the Tourer. The GTX manages up to 366 miles in Fastback form (359 miles as a Tourer). To get anywhere near these figures, you'll need to almost permanently progress in the most frugal of the available drive modes - 'Eco'. The others are 'Comfort' and 'Sport', the latter needed to release the powertrain's full 545Nm of torque and replicate the claimed 6.5s sprint time to 62mph, en route to the usual ID limited top speed of 112mph. Thanks to the standard fitment of the latest version of Volkswagen's DCC adaptive damping system, these settings are able to influence ride quality as well as throttle response and steering feel. The brand doesn't though, offer the driver any opportunity to alter brake regeneratiion; there's just the 'B' setting on the drive selector if you want to more greatly energise the battery off-throttle.

Design and Build

After its experience with the Phaeton, Volkswagen seems reluctant to create another super-sized saloon, so like its combustion counterpart the Arteon, this ID.7 adopts two five-door body shapes, the Fastback five-door hatch and an alternative 'Tourer' estate. Both are slippery, particularly the Fastback with its sloping black roof, raked windscreen, floating flush pillars and short overhangs delivering a super-sleek 0.23Cd drag coefficient. There's 4,961mm of length, with 1,538mm of roof height which, to give you some perspective, makes it 44mm longer than a Passat. The front continues with the familiar ID series look, a stubby bonnet flowing into flush headlamps fitted out with IQ.Light tech. The rear is more of an ID styling departure, with a full-width light bar that appears white until illuminated. Much has been learnt by the VW designers in creating the cabin. For a start, it feels of much higher quality than any ID model to date, with plush materials and plenty of soft-touch surfaces. The other thing you'll notice is 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 now improved 'IDA' voice control system. On that subject, media tech is much improved over earlier ID models, with a completely re-designed 15-inch central infotainment touchscreen featuring permanently-displaying climate controls. There's a new direct access bar at the top of the touchscreen for quick access to frequently used functions; and the home screen can be customised with icons for commonly used apps. Plus the lower slide bar for volume and temperature has (at last) been back-lit so you can use it properly at night. Out back, thanks to the lengthy 2,966mm wheelbase (125mm longer than a Passat), there's generous space for two adults. And you get an enormous 532-litre boot.

Market and Model

Price-wise, the ID.7 slots in just above the ID.5, which means a price span of between £55,000 and £70,000. The initial version, the ID.7 Pro Match model we tried, cost around £53,000 at the time of this test in early 2024. That entry-level variant is a 77kWh rear-driven Pro model; the brand has also engineered a bigger-battery 86kWh Long Range Pro S AWD version. And Volkswagen will be offering an AWD GTX performance variant too, with a combined output of around 395PS. If you don't want this Fastback body shape, there's an alternative Tourer estate body style. 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 the 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 381 mile range); and up to 200kW in 86kWh 'Pro S' guise (with a 437 mile range for the Fastback and 425 miles for the Tourer). The more powerful GTX manages 366 miles in Fastback form or 359 miles as a Tourer. The ID.7 was the first Volkswagen model to get 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

The VW Group's all-electric MEB platform wasn't really developed for luxury cars. But on this evidence, it does a pretty good job in underpinning one. Basically, what's on offer here is just about everything you get from a Mercedes EQE for an awful lot less. The ID.7 will significantly under-cut closer market players like the BMW i5 and the Audi A6 e-tron too. But then, the combustion-powered Volkswagen Arteon significantly under-cuts similarly sized rivals from Mercedes, BMW and Audi on price too, yet that's a rare sight, even in its home market. Will the ID.7 fare better? We think so. It's a more polished, premium-feeling package being sold to an EV segment that's become far less badge-conscious. You might not be blown away by the looks and we're unconvinced about the cabin's trumpeted 'Smart Air Vent' tech, but overall, this is a big step forward from the engineering seen in Volkswagen's first EV global player, the ID.4. The '7' is a fitting ID flagship. And a sign to rivals that the VW Group's EV technology is really getting into its stride.

Body Glass

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

Heated windscreen washer jets

Rain sensor

Rear wiper

Front and rear electric windows

Brakes

Electric parking brake

Autonomous emergency braking front assist with pedestrian and cyclist monitoring

Brake energy recuperation

Electronic Stability Programme

Rear drum brakes

Front disc brakes

Anti-lock brake system

Carpets/Rugs

Black carpet mats

Communication

Wireless App-Connect

Wireless Smartphone charger

Preparation for Volkswagen connect

Car2X intelligent vehicle networking

Voice activation for navigation and phone

Driver Aids

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

Dynamic road sign display

Area view including rear view camera

Oncoming vehicle braking when turning including swerve support

Engine start button

Park Assist Plus with Park Distance Control

Memory feature for park assist

Adaptive cruise control

Advanced driver attention and drowsiness monitor

Semi-automatic vehicle control in an emergency

Driver Information

Travel assist with lane assist and emergency assist

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

Emergency call service

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

Augmented reality head up display

Digital instrument cluster

Traffic jam assist

Driving Mirrors

Heated door mirrors

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Exterior mirrors convex on the left and aspherical on the right

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

Gloss Black door mirrors with integrated indicators

Embellishment Trims

Comfort dashboard in soul black

Engine

Standard electronic engine sound actuator

Entertainment

8+1 Speakers

Gaming platform via car app

DAB+ radio

Exterior Body Features

Body coloured bumpers

Charging flap with weather protection

Rear side wing doors

Roof aerial

AC Charging socket

Exterior Lights

LED 3rd brake light

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

Welcome lights

LED daytime running lights

LED indicator lights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

3 zone air care climatronic with rear air conditioning control panel

Allergen filter and enhanced air filter

Electric auxiliary air heater

Interior Features

Leatherette-wrapped multifunction heated steering wheel with touch control

Art Velours eco microfleece cloth upholstery with seat bolsters in Artex

Matt black interior door handles

Play and Pause brake and accelerator pedals

Front centre armrest

Luggage net and storage net on sides

Luggage compartment floor, folding with stowage area

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

First aid kit, warning triangle and safety vest

Interior Lights

30 colours options interior ambient lighting

Packs

Exterior plus pack with electronic darkening panoramic sunroof - ID.7

Safety

Tyre pressure warning

3 point seat belts in front with seat belt pretensioners

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

Rear door child safety locks

Driver and front passenger airbag with front passenger airbag deactivation

3x3 point rear seatbelts

Extended safety system with proactive passenger protection system

Front curtain and side airbags with center airbag

Seats

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

System optimised front head restraints

ErgoActive comfort seats in front

Isofix child seat preparation

Heated front seats

Front seats with massage programs

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

Single front passenger seat

Power adjustable lumbar support in front

Rear centre headrest

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

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: 853

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 702

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEL: 702

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEH: 702

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 13.7

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 4.5

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - City: 530

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 436

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEH: 436

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEL: 436

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 Exterior+ Pan

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: 39E

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): 6.6

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: 1536

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 2151

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2690

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1000

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 539

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 532

No. of Seats: 5

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1948

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12.3

Exterior Body Features

Two Tone Metallic paint

Two tone solid paint

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Energy efficient heat pump

Packs

Exterior styling package Black style - ID.7

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Grenadilla black

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