The new VW ID.7 is now officially on sale in Portugal, a model that, for now (the more affordable ID.2all will arrive in 2025), completes the new generation of 100% electric cars from the German manufacturer, positioning itself at the top of its range. It joins the already known ID.3 (launched in 2020 and extensively updated last autumn), ID.4 (launched in 2021), ID.5 (launched in 2022), and ID.Buzz (launched in 2023 and sold by the commercial vehicles division of the Wolfsburg brand) – all sharing the MEB platform, specifically developed for electric propulsion vehicles.
In this launch phase, the most refined member of the ID. range is only available in the sedan variant and in the Pro version. The Pro S (battery with 86 kWh of usable capacity, 715 km of WLTP cycle range, fast charging up to 200 kW) and GTX (340 hp, all-wheel drive, battery with 77 kWh of capacity, 600 km of range, fast charging up to 175 kW) versions, as well as the ID.7 Tourer estate (which is expected to have the same engine and battery options), are scheduled to arrive in July.
With a length of almost five meters (specifically, it measures 4961 mm in length, 1862 mm in width, 1536 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2971 mm), the ID.7 promises to make its mark with its remarkable exterior size, high-quality interior, efficiency (including aerodynamics, proven by a Cd of 0.23), and strong focus on technology and innovation. Visually, notable features include the new stylistic language applied to the front, the newly designed rear lights, and, not least, the fact that its grandeur is much more evident and its aesthetic appeal is much greater in person.
In the cabin, the space offered to all occupants will undoubtedly be one of its greatest assets, along with a 532-liter capacity boot, expandable to a maximum of 1586 liters by asymmetrically folding down the rear seat. The interior quality, especially the materials used (according to VW, unparalleled in the ID. range), will be another important factor to consider, along with its extensive technological equipment.
In this regard, the first obligatory reference is the next-generation infotainment system, developed to address the criticisms made by customers of the brand in other models of the ID. family. It comes standard with a new digital instrument panel integrated into the dashboard and a 15″ central touchscreen. It is based on a completely new software version (4.0), which promises easier, faster, more intuitive, and more efficient interaction with the user.
Also worth mentioning are the head-up display with augmented reality and the fully automatic dual-zone air conditioning. Not forgetting the extensive standard safety equipment, including the multi-collision braking system, autonomous emergency braking with front collision warning and pedestrian and cyclist detection, proactive passenger protection system, lane-keeping assistant, automatic braking at intersections, traffic sign recognition, driver fatigue alert, vehicle exit warning (in case there is something obstructing the vehicle’s exit by one of its occupants), and onboard presence detector (so that no one is “forgotten” when the driver leaves the vehicle).
As for the mechanics, the ID.7 Pro (remember, the only version available for immediate delivery until next July) uses a 286 hp and 545 Nm motor powered by a 77 kWh lithium-ion battery, capable of fast charging up to 175 kW (10-80% charge in 28 minutes), and with bidirectional charging function (not available in Portugal). Weighing 2172 kg and capable of reaching a top speed of 180 km/h, it has a combined consumption of 14.2 kWh/100 km and a range of up to 624 km between charges in the WLTP cycle, which can reach 763 km in urban driving.
Electing its main rivals as the Polestar 2, the Hyundai Ioniq 6, and, especially, the BMW i4, the new electric flagship from VW is proposed in Portugal, in the launch version ID.7 Pro, for €59,911, the list price that will be subject to necessary adjustments (read: discounts…), especially in the case of corporate customers, who are expected to ensure the overwhelming majority of its sales, as is the case with practically all models of this type in our country, due to Portuguese taxation. It is also worth noting that, in addition to what has already been mentioned and considered “mandatory” at this level, the amount includes, among other things, adaptive cruise control; light + rain sensors; fully LED exterior lighting; front and rear parking sensors; rear parking camera; height-adjustable and heated front seats; sound system with eight speakers and subwoofer (optional Harman Kardon sound system with thirteen speakers and subwoofer); wireless charging for smartphones; and 19″ alloy wheels, fitted with 235/50 tires at the front and 255/45 at the rear (optional 20″ wheels with 235/45 tires at the front and 255/40 at the rear, for €537).
