Volkswagen has unveiled its latest electric car, the Volkswagen ID.7, which boasts a range of up to 373 miles on a single charge, beating some of the best-selling models from Tesla.
The Volkswagen ID.7 is the seventh model in Volkswagen's ID family of electric vehicles, including the compact Volkswagen ID.3 hatchback, the ID.4 crossover SUV, and the retro-styled ID. Buzz van.
The ID.7 is a sleek four-door sedan that combines sophisticated aerodynamics with high efficiency and performance. It is expected to go on sale in Europe in late 2023, followed by China and North America in 2024.
How does it compare to Tesla?
Tesla is widely regarded as the leader in electric car technology, with its Model 3 and Model Y dominating the global market. But Volkswagen is catching up fast, with its ambitious plan to produce 1.5 million electric vehicles per year by 2025.
The Volkswagen ID.7 claims to have a longer range than any Tesla currently available, thanks to its advanced battery and aerodynamic design. According to Volkswagen, the ID.7 can travel up to 373 miles on the WLTP cycle, which is more realistic than the EPA cycle used in the US.
By comparison, the Tesla Model 3 Long Range can go up to 360 miles on the EPA cycle, while the Model S Long Range can go up to 405 miles. However, these figures may change as Tesla updates its software and hardware.
The Volkswagen ID.7 also has a fast-charging capability that allows it to add up to 186 miles of range in just 10 minutes using a 200 kW charger. That's faster than most Tesla models, which can add up to 175 miles of range in 15 minutes using a 250 kW Supercharger.
The ID.7 is powered by two electric motors, one on each axle, that produce a combined output of 335 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. That's less than the Tesla Model 3 Performance, which has 450 horsepower and 471 pound-feet of torque.
However, Volkswagen says the ID.7 can accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 5.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 111 mph, which is comparable to the Tesla Model 3 Long Range.
What are the features and benefits?
The Volkswagen ID.7 is not just about range and speed. It also offers a spacious, comfortable interior, with a minimalist dashboard and a large touchscreen infotainment system.
The car has a digital cockpit that displays key information such as speed, battery level, navigation, and driver assistance features. It also has a head-up display that projects relevant data onto the windshield.
The car supports wireless charging for smartphones and has multiple USB-C ports for connectivity. It also has a Wi-Fi hotspot and an online service that allows users to access various functions remotely via an app.
The car has a generous trunk space of 17 cubic feet, which can be expanded by folding down the rear seats. It also has a small front trunk or "frunk" that can store small items such as charging cables.
The car comes with a range of advanced driver assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, and emergency braking.
The car also has an intelligent lighting system that can communicate with other road users through animated signals. For example, it can indicate when it is charging or when it is ready to go.
How much does it cost?
Volkswagen has not revealed the exact price of the ID.7 yet, but it is expected to be competitive with other premium electric sedans, such as the Tesla Model 3 and the Polestar 2.
According to Volkswagen's website, the Volkswagen ID.7 will be available in three trim levels: Pure Performance, Pro Performance, and Max Performance.
The Pure Performance will have a smaller battery pack of 58 kWh, which will provide a range of up to 248 miles. The Pro Performance will have a larger battery pack of 77 kWh, which will provide a range of up to 373 miles. The Max Performance will have the same battery pack as the Pro Performance but with more power and features.
The Pure Performance will start at around €40,000 ($47,000), while the Pro Performance will start at around €50,000 ($59,000). The Max Performance will start at around €60,000 ($71,000).
These prices are before any incentives or subsidies that may be available in different markets. For example, in Germany, electric car buyers can get up to €9,000 ($10,600) in rebates from the government and the manufacturer.
Why should you buy it?
The Volkswagen ID.7 is a compelling option for anyone looking for a long-range, fast-charging, and spacious electric car. It offers a sleek design, a comfortable interior, and a range of advanced features that make driving easier and safer.
The ID.7 is also part of Volkswagen's broader strategy to become an electric mobility leader and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The company has invested billions of dollars in developing new electric models, expanding its charging network, and sourcing renewable energy.
The ID.7 is not just an electric car but a statement of Volkswagen's commitment to the future of transportation. It is a car that can go farther than a Tesla and also help save the planet.
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