Volkswagen has officially announced the pricing and availability of its new flagship electric sedan, the ID.7. The electric car, which is based on the same MEB platform as the ID.3 hatchback and the ID.4 crossover, promises to offer a spacious and comfortable interior, a long-range, and a host of advanced features. But how does it compare to its main rival, the Tesla Model 3? And is it worth the wait?
What is the Volkswagen ID.7?
The Volkswagen ID.7 is the latest addition to the ID family of electric vehicles, which aims to make zero-emission mobility accessible and affordable for everyone. The ID.7 is a large sedan that measures 195.3 inches in length, 74.8 inches in width, and 60.6 inches in height, with a wheelbase of 116.8 inches. It has a sleek and aerodynamic design, with a drag coefficient of just 0.23, which helps to improve its efficiency and range.
The ID.7 is powered by a single electric motor that produces 282 horsepower and 402 pound-feet of torque, driving the rear wheels. It has a single-speed transmission and a rear-wheel steering system, enhancing its agility and stability. The battery pack is located under the floor, lowering the center of gravity and improving the weight distribution.
The ID.7 will be available with two battery options: a 77 kWh pack that provides an estimated range of 382 miles on the WLTP cycle and an 86 kWh pack that boosts the range to 435 miles. Both batteries support fast charging up to 170 kW for the 77 kWh pack and 200 kW for the 86 kWh pack, allowing them to replenish from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes.
The ID.7 also features a new infotainment system that consists of a 15-inch touchscreen that dominates the dashboard, a head-up display with augmented reality, and a digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel. The system uses natural language processing and gesture control to allow the driver to interact with the car using voice commands or hand movements.
The car also comes with a range of safety and driver assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, and emergency braking. Additionally, the ID.7 will be capable of over-the-air updates that will keep it up to date with the latest software and features.
How much does the Volkswagen ID.7 cost?
The Volkswagen ID.7 will go on sale in Europe from around €49,900 (about $58,000) for the base Pro model with the 77 kWh battery and from €59,900 (about $69,500) for the Pro S model with the 86 kWh battery.
The Volkswagen flagship EV ID.7 will also be available in three trim levels: Pure, Style, and Max. The Pure trim will offer standard features such as LED headlights and taillights, keyless entry and start, wireless charging, ambient lighting, and a sound system with six speakers. The Style trim will add features such as matrix LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, leather seats, a heated steering wheel, and a sound system with ten speakers. The Max trim will include features such as adaptive suspension, four-zone climate control, massaging seats, a head-up display with augmented reality, and a sound system with twelve speakers.
The Volkswagen ID.7 will also be eligible for various incentives and subsidies in different markets, depending on the local regulations and policies regarding electric vehicles.
How does the Volkswagen ID.7 compare to the Tesla Model 3?
The Volkswagen ID.7 is clearly aimed at competing with the Tesla Model 3, which is currently one of the most popular and best-selling electric sedans in the world. The Tesla Model 3 offers three variants: Standard Range Plus (SR+), Long Range (LR), and Performance (P).
The SR+ variant has a rear-wheel drive configuration, a single electric motor that produces 283 horsepower and 307 pound-feet of torque, a 54 kWh battery that provides an EPA-estimated range of 263 miles, and a starting price of $39,990.
The LR variant has an all-wheel drive configuration, two electric motors that produce a combined output of 346 horsepower and 389 pound-feet of torque, a 75 kWh battery that provides an EPA-estimated range of 353 miles, and a starting price of $48,990.
The P variant has an all-wheel drive configuration, two electric motors that produce a combined output of 450 horsepower and 471 pound-feet of torque, a 75 kWh battery that provides an EPA-estimated range of 315 miles, and a starting price of $54,990.
The Model 3 also features a 15-inch touchscreen that controls most of the car’s functions, a digital instrument cluster, a wireless charging pad, and a glass roof. The car also comes with a range of safety and driver assistance systems, such as automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. Additionally, the Model 3 offers the Full Self-Driving Capability package option, which adds features such as navigating on autopilot, auto lane change, auto park, summon, and traffic light and stop sign recognition.
The Tesla Model 3 also supports fast charging up to 250 kW at Tesla’s Supercharger network, which has over 25,000 stations worldwide. The car can also receive over-the-air updates that improve its performance and functionality.
Comparing the Volkswagen ID.7 and the Tesla Model 3, it is clear that both cars have their strengths and weaknesses. The ID.7 offers a larger and more spacious interior, a longer range, and a more conventional design. The Model 3 offers a lower price, faster acceleration, and more advanced software. Ultimately, the choice between the two cars will depend on the personal preferences and needs of the buyers.
Is the Volkswagen ID.7 worth the wait?
The Volkswagen ID.7 is an impressive electric sedan that showcases the German automaker’s ambition and commitment to electrify its lineup. The car offers a compelling combination of space, comfort, range, and technology that could appeal to many customers who are looking for a premium and eco-friendly vehicle.
However, the ID.7 is not without its drawbacks. The car is still more than a year away from hitting the market, which means that it could face delays or changes in its specifications or features. The car also lacks some of the features that are offered by its competitors, such as vehicle-to-device charging, front storage, and a heat pump. The car also does not have strong brand recognition or loyalty among electric vehicle enthusiasts, unlike Tesla.
Therefore, the Volkswagen ID.7 is worth the wait for those who are willing to wait for a new and promising electric sedan that could challenge Tesla’s dominance in the segment. However, for those who are looking for an immediate and proven electric sedan that offers a lower price and a higher performance, the Tesla Model 3 might be a better option.
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