Review: Volkswagen ID.7

A look at the shape and style of the ID.7 could leave you to believe that it is effectively the electric version of the Passat, however, in terms of dimensions it is actually closer to VW’s luxury Phaeton model at around 5 metres. This means it is a big car, however, it is also designed to slip through the air meaning it has a flatter and sleeker aerodynamic shape. The headlight designed is also shaped to reduce drag, while there are other smooth touches, such as flush door handles. 

Despite the smooth lines you would have the say the overall exterior look of the ID.7 is understated. There are some different touches such as wrap around rear LEDs and contrasting roof colours but this is not really a design that excites, but equally it does not offend. As such it will sit comfortably in the middle ground, as many Volkswagen models do, and this has proved a pretty successful formula, especially in Ireland for many years. 

Because of the shape and size of the ID.7, the interior is very generous when it comes to driver and passenger space. The rear seats almost seem limousine like and despite the “fast back” shape there is plenty of headroom. This also extends to the boot, which is accessible via a practical hatch back, which offers a generous 532 litres of luggage space and the flexibility of folding, although not totally flat, back seats.  

Space is clearly not an issue with the ID.7 interior and neither is the finish quality. One criticism of the earlier ID.3 and ID.4 models was that interior trim lacked the usual VW refinement. However, with the ID.7 interior, this seems to have been resolved. The interior feels more solid and tactile giving an air of relaxation and comfort. 

On the dash there is a dominant 15-inch touchscreen, with only a small display behind the steering wheel. One of the reasons for this is that all ID.7s come with a standard augmented-reality head-up display. While this is clear and well designed it can be a little distracting if you are not used to this technology. 

The touchscreen controls just about everything on the car, although there is a back lit touch bar along the base for volume and temperature setting.  The screen responds quickly and is easy to use. You also have customisation screen options that can save you time. The system also connects easily to Apple and Android systems.  

The rest of the interior contains all the sockets, storage and cup holders you could want, although the centre console can seem a little overpowering. 

The whole ethos of the ID.7 design appears to be based around improved aerodynamics, which should translate to less power consumption and improved range. VW suggests that with a full charge the ID.7 is capable of 625km. With a standard speed and the A/C off, careful driving might see a driver approaching 600km, however, the indications are that with normal driving, including motorway speeds, 500km may be more realistic. This is a very good range when compared to some EV offerings and makes many more return journeys possible, although not a Cork to Dublin round trip without a charge. 

As stated, the ID.7 is a very sizeable car, however, the electric motor produces a very respectable 286hp which is capable of moving the mass very easily. At 545Nm the torque is good, meaning 0-100km/h in around six and half seconds. It is not the blistering acceleration of some EVs, but it is pretty quick and also feels smoother and more refined than many EV models. 

At present the ID.7 has only one battery option, a 77kWh power unit, although a new 86kWh battery option is on the way. Find a fast DC charger and the ID.7 battery will go from 10% to 80% power in around 30 minutes. It also includes technology to heat the battery to be more receptive when you arrive at a charging station. Home or destination charging is likely to take more like, a slightly disappointing, 9 hours.

Believe it or not in November the Volkswagen ID.3 will clock up 5 years in production and in September it will be 4 years for the ID.4. This means that VW now have considerably more real world experience of EV issues than they had in the early days in these models, when teasing troubles did bring about some criticism. It means that those annoying initial glitches that can happen with new technology should have been ironed out on the ID.7 and initial feedback from the market appears to give the model a clean bill of health. Like most EVs, apart from the thermal management system, there is very little to go wrong in mechanical terms when compared to more complex upmarket internal combustion engine cars, so you can expect the ID.7 to be a very good performer when it comes to reliability.  

Choice of charging options has a massive impact on the running cost of any EV. If you can charge at home overnight, you can expect very significant savings over a petrol model. However, more expensive, fast charging, will significantly cut any cost savings made. 

Like all other EVs road tax is low, however, be prepared for a jump in insurance costs if making a switch from petrol or diesel, as insurers are currently a little nervous about EV repair times and costs. 

The ID.7 is likely to appeal to company car drivers and as an EV, it does offer some very significant tax benefits to the driver. Also the VW badge means that it will hold its value better than some of the rival models made in Asia. 

One gripe about the spec is that a heat pump is not standard, but a paid option. It is something that can significantly boost vehicle efficiency, but probably will not be top of most buyer’s options wish list. 

Smooth, quiet, refined and comfortable are words which spring to mind when you are describing the ride of the ID.7 after you have been driving it for some time. It is a large saloon car so it was never going to be sporty or nibble and indeed this was never the aim. 

There is an adaptive suspension system and different driving modes and while the sport setting does add some engagement, it is still a relaxed rather than pulse racing drive. The sound insulation of the car is excellent and for a large car it copes well with bumpy roads well, smoothing out the ride. 

The steering may be a little light for some tastes, but, overall, the VW designers have achieved exactly the type of refined ride and handling they set out to.  

The Volkswagen ID.7 was recently awarded the 2024 What Car? Safety Award and also has a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. This not only means that experts see this car as the safest in its class, but also one of the very safest on the road. 

In practical terms this means that the ID.7 offers a very high level of occupant protection (a 95% Euro NCAP rating), but also intelligently integrates Advanced Driver Assistance Technology (ADAS) to help prevent accidents. This includes automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assistance, speed assistance and sensors and monitoring around the vehicle to detect other roads users and pedestrians. There is also an active bonnet for pedestrian protection, a cyclist door opening monitor and driver fatigue and distraction detection, plus many more features designed to reduce accident risk and impact. 

The Volkswagen ID.7 starts at a price of €56,490 including government grants and rebates. This is around €10,000 more than the Hyundai Ioniq 6, or Tesla Model 3 for example and to some extent reflects how buyers will pay a premium for the VW badge. But the ID.7 is also a very substantial car, high on comfort and refinement that offers customers that premium quality saloon feel that was so much prized in previous decades. 

The ID.7 is likely to appeal to both company car drivers and certainly family buyers. For those who favour saloons over SUVs this is certainly an in interesting option when it comes to EV choice and may even tempt a few to make the electric switch. It is a very nice package of comfort and technology, all be it with conservative styling and driving dynamics that may not be to all tastes.