Presentation VW ID.7: Finally a fleet electric vehicle for long distances

It is the ultimate anti-SUV that Volkswagen is launching in Berlin: With an aerodynamic line and a cW value of only 0.23 with a frontal area of 2.45 m², the first classic, fully electric fleet and company car from Wolfsburg, called ID.7, is set to hug the wind tightly. And in combination with the newly offered 86 kWh lithium-ion battery in the Pro-S version, it is predicted to reach a range of up to 700 kilometers. With the slightly smaller, well-known 77 kWh battery, it would still achieve 615 kilometers in the "Pro" version. This would make the first electric vehicle from Wolfsburg also relevant for long-distance drivers and more demanding fleet operations and could give the brand a substantial electric boost in fleets.

The proportions and appearance are reminiscent of a "lowered" and stretched 4.96-meter ID.4, although at 1.54 meters it is not nearly as flat as, say, a Tesla Model S, but remains fairly slim at 1.86 meters. Nevertheless, such an electric Volkswagen would have been wished for before all the SUVs, trends notwithstanding. But from the summer, the production of the sedan for Europe and North America will start in Emden, and later also for China. Starting in the fall, the ID.7 will be launched, albeit with much delay, but with the tailwind of the new MEB drive package APP550, which is said to be significantly more efficient than the previous one. Additionally, the 210 kW synchronous rear motor boasts more torque: 550 Nm ensure more than brisk acceleration values.

The E-machine is said to run much more efficiently

The newly developed system consists of the E-machine (permanent magnet synchronous machine), the 2-stage 1-speed transmission, and the pulse inverter (power and control electronics). Details such as a rotor with stronger and thermally more resilient permanent magnets, a further developed stator with a larger effective number of turns at maximum wire cross-section, as well as a water-cooling jacket for the outer stator and a new combined oil and water cooling for even higher thermal stability, are expected to positively influence the performance and efficiency of the E-machine, with a new pulse inverter ensuring thermal stability rounding it off.

"With the ID.7, we have further exploited the potential of the MEB: A new, more powerful and efficient E-machine is being used. Furthermore, we have developed the control quality of the chassis further and have thus been able to increase driving comfort in particular. The combination of a confident drive, comfortable chassis, and high range makes the ID.7 the ideal travel sedan," enthuses Kai Grünitz, board member for Technical Development.

Everything the 400-volt technology offers

The two versions, which have battery capacities that are quite close to each other, are also differentiated by their continued use of 400-volt charging technology: The "Pro" is said to draw up to 170 kW in DC, while the "Pro S" aims for up to 200 kW. This could be a significant argument for business travelers, provided the respective charging station supports it. A new thermal management system is designed to pre-condition the battery before the charging stop, which automatically starts when active navigation is directed towards the charging station.

However, the ID.7 is not only expected to represent a significant step forward for the brand in terms of drive technology: One of the highlights in the tidy interior is the debut of the augmented reality head-up display, which is intended to take over essential information tasks and help further simplify the instruments. It projects details such as speed in the near field in front of the driver and interactive cues like turn arrows virtually into the real world far ahead of the vehicle. Assistance systems such as “Travel Assist” with swarm data take over lateral and longitudinal guidance on the highway from 90 km/h if needed. Upon request, the ID.7 also supports assisted lane changes on the highway with “Travel Assist.” When the driver then taps the turn signal, the system performs the assisted lane change within its operating limits as long as the driver touches the steering wheel.

Proactive driving for advanced users

The Wolfsburg electric flagship also registers speed limits via camera and navigation data and integrates them into the assisted longitudinal guidance of “Travel Assist” to independently comply with limits. Additionally, the system can also detect upcoming parameters such as curves, roundabouts, and intersections, and incorporate them predictively into the control. The ID.7 receives these advance speed notifications through map data and swarm data from preceding cars. This is intended to result in a harmonious and predictive driving experience.

New is also the parking memory function over a distance of up to 50 meters. The driver can sit in the ID.7 or monitor the parking process via a smartphone app. Lessons have also been learned from manifold criticism regarding infotainment: The 15-inch, visually freestanding touch display of the next-generation infotainment system has been largely revamped in terms of graphical interface and menu navigation. The top bar of the display features a new direct access on the left, allowing the user to access the main menu with an overview of all apps at any time with just one click. To the right of the Car Control Center, there are additional direct access points that can be freely assigned to the available apps.