New Volkswagen ID.7 preparing to take on Tesla Model 3

Volkswagen is readying the next addition to its ‘ID.’ range of electric cars: a zero-emissions saloon to rival the Tesla Model 3, Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Polestar 2. The new ID.7 will be fully unveiled later this year, but Volkswagen has shared some details for us to chew on in the meantime.

The biggest is the ID.7’s target range of 435 miles – 60 miles further than a Model 3 Long Range can cover on a charge. If VW pulls it off, the ID.7’s 435-mile range would be one of the longest offered by a production car available today. The brand says that “efficient aerodynamics help to reduce the drag coefficient” and boost range, but key technical details on battery size, number of electric motors and power output are still under wraps for now.

VW’s first electric saloon will sit on the same MEB platform as the ID.3 hatchback, ID.4 SUV and ID. Buzz minibus, and should offer a maximum charging speed of at least 170kW (the same as the ID. Buzz).

The ID.7 measures 4.94 metres long, 1.86 metres wide and 1.53 metres tall, making it larger than its chief rival, the Model 3, though the two should compete on price. The ID.7's 2.97-metre wheelbase is also longer than the Model 3, which should pay dividends when it comes to cabin space.

18

Based on the camouflaged model Volkswagen revealed at the Consumer Electronics Show 2023 in Las Vegas, the ID.7’s styling has been heavily influenced by the ID. Aero concept from last year. Inside the ID.7 features a 15-inch central touchscreen, an augmented reality head-up display and a new digital driver's display, plus back-lit illuminated sliders for the climate controls following ID customers’ feedback. The latter are expected to be added to the ID.3 hatchback as well when the facelifted version is launched later this year.

We expect more technical details and specs to be revealed when the ID.7 makes its world debut – the exact date of which has yet to be announced. 

An EV of this type from Volkswagen has been a long time coming. The original ID.Vizzion concept was revealed at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show before the ID. Aero broke cover in 2022. An estate version of the ID.7 may also be on the cards after Volkswagen unveiled the ID. Space Vizzion concept at the 2019 Los Angeles Motor Show. 

7

Volkswagen ID. Aero concept

The ID. Aero concept previewed the ID.7, which is effectively an electric successor to Volkswagen’s Passat and Arteon saloons. It manages to stand out from Volkswagen’s other electric cars thanks to its sharper, more aggressive front end design, but the ID. Aero’s honeycomb pattern on the front bumper and LED headlights connected by a thin light bar are elements shared with VW’s other ID. models.

The front bumper design itself is very similar to the ID.5’s, but the saloon adds three slim fog lights into its uplifts on either side. At the rear, there’s a set of patterned taillights paired with a full-width rear light bar and illuminated VW badge.

Aerodynamic touches around the car include flush door handles, a rear diffuser and sloping roofline, which help the car achieve its 0.23 drag coefficient figure – the same as the Tesla Model 3’s. The Volkswagen concept also gets extremely short overhangs at the front and rear, a set of 22-inch alloy wheels and Polar Light Blue metallic paint.

It features a 77kWh battery – the largest unit currently offered in Volkswagen’s EVs – and could cover up to 385 miles on a single charge.