New 2023 Volkswagen ID.7: design, technology and range | Auto Express

New 2023 Volkswagen ID.7: design, technology and range | Auto Express

Inside, VW appears to have learned lessons from the poor reception that some of its recent products have earned. Having sat inside the new model, we can confirm that the ID.7 has a more premium feel than the ID.4 or ID.5, with plenty of soft-touch surfaces. 

There are new ‘ergoActive’ electric seats that have been certified by the German Campaign for Healthier Backs, while an optional massage function features 10 adjustable air cushions. Clever adaptive climate control uses temperature and moisture sensors to find the best setting for either heating, cooling or even drying – handy if you get caught in a deluge on your way to the car.

It’s worth noting that there are no physical air vent controls. Instead, airflow is altered via the screen, while in some modes the car changes this automatically. Alternatively, owners can use the improved ‘IDA’ voice command system, with prompts such as “My hands are cold”. The speed, direction and temperature of airflow will be adjusted to suit.

Embedded in the ID.7’s minimalist dashboard is a small digital instrument cluster, which is similar to the set-up found in the Skoda Enyaq iV. Complementing the cluster is a standard-fit, augmented-reality head-up display, which appears to project features such as sat-nav instructions onto the road ahead. The optional panoramic sunroof contains a special ‘polymer-dispersed liquid crystal’, so it becomes opaque or transparent at the touch of a button, while a 700-watt Harman Kardon sound system with 14 speakers is available. 

VW’s Travel Assist function has been upgraded for the ID.7 and uses ‘swarm data’ from other VW Group vehicles for more accurate lane guidance and speed control. There’s also an assisted lane-change feature on offer. 

The ID.7’s MEB platform makes it possible to have two deep storage compartments in the centre console, while a near-three-metre wheelbase gives plenty of legroom and a flat floor in the rear. Further back, the large boot (VW is yet to reveal the capacity) has a moveable floor with storage underneath for cables. 

Charging speeds will depend on spec. The larger Pro S battery can accept up to 200kW, while the Pro is capped at 170kW, although charge times are to be confirmed. 

There’s no word on UK pricing, but we’d expect a starting figure of around £50,000 when the ID.7 goes on sale this summer.

Which fierce rivals will the ID.7 face when it arrives? These are the best electric cars on sale right now