The next member of Volkswagen’s ID family of electric vehicles, the ID.7 large sedan, will make a camouflaged appearance this week at CES in Vegas.
This is ahead of a promised production world premiere of the series version during the second quarter of 2023, ahead of a rollout across the US, China and Europe.
Because it’s a sedan, it’s not such a priority for Australia, where Volkswagen plans to sell the ID.3 hatch, ID.4 and ID.5 SUVs, and ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo vans by mid-2024.
MORE: Volkswagen Australia aims for EVs to outsell ICE vehicles by 2028
It will become the production version of the mid-2022 ID. Aero concept, which measured around the same length as a Tesla Model S or Mercedes-Benz EQE.
Volkswagen is promising a driving range of around 700km thanks to a more aerodynamic shape than the ID-branded SUVs and vans.
The ID. Aero had a 77kWh battery and 0.23 drag coefficient for context.
ID. Aero concept
Like the other ‘ID’ models, the ID.7 uses Volkswagen’s modular MEB electric architecture, stretched here to house a nearly 3.0-metre wheelbase.
Given VW no longer plans to make the Passat sedan, the ID.7 will partially fill the void.
The CES show car will be clad in “smart camouflage” which uses electroluminescence and 40 paint layers, and sports QR codes linking to more info.
Inside it will have an augmented reality head-up display, a 15-inch touchscreen, and will address complaints about other ID models with new air conditioning controls integrated into the first level of the infotainment system, and illuminated touch sliders.
MORE: Volkswagen CEO says fixes coming for infotainment, touch control issues
Volkswagen adds the ID.7 can detect when the driver is approaching based on their key and will already start to cool the interior on hot summer days or heat the interior on cold days.
Requests can be activated using voice commands, so if the user says “Hello Volkswagen, my hands are cold”, the ID.7 responds by starting the steering wheel heating function.
“We are extending our electric model range into the upper segments. The sedan will offer top-class technology and quality,” says Volkswagen Passenger Cars CEO Thomas Schäfer.
It is one of 10 new EVs that Volkswagen is planning to launch by 2026.
MORE: 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 review
