© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Global Debut
In simultaneous events in Shanghai, Berlin and New York, Volkswagen recently took the wraps off its next new electric vehicle, the ID.7. The 2025 Volkswagen ID.7 is the Germany-based automaker’s second EV for America, following the ID.4 that came to market a few years ago.
© Volkswagen of America
New Flagship
When the ID.7 arrives next year, it will take its place as Volkswagen’s flagship EV. The ID.7 has a sleek look with a long wheelbase, short overhangs, a raked windshield and a coupelike silhouette. And in keeping with American architect Louis Henry Sullivan’s axiom that form follows function, this elegant shape achieves a low 0.23 drag coefficient for excellent efficiency.
© Volkswagen of America
Wide Stance
The ID. 7’s premium styling is enhanced with a low, wide stance, large side air intakes, slim LED headlights and a narrow LED strip that spans the width of the car, bisecting a lighted VW logo. A similar LED strip and lit VW logo adorns the rear, giving the ID.7 a unique appearance from behind.
© Volkswagen of America
MEB Platform
The 2025 Volkswagen ID.7 will be built on the company’s MEB platform, which forms the foundation for all of VW’s ID cars, including the current ID.4 and upcoming ID.Buzz van. This platform is designed to be adaptable to multiple wheelbase lengths, different battery sizes and motors driving the front, rear or all four wheels.
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New Motor
A new electric motor producing 282 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque powers the 2025 Volkswagen ID.7. This EV drivetrain is the first developed in-house by Volkswagen, and it is the most powerful motor the company has ever used. The previous ID models employed an electric motor that made 201 horsepower.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Rear Drive
Volkswagen’s current plans are to launch the ID.7 with the motor integrated into the rear axle with a two-stage one-speed gearbox. And even though the ID.7 will arrive with rear-wheel drive, the MEB platform is capable of handling a second electric motor, so we expect a high-performance all-wheel-drive version coming at some point.
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Battery and Range
Volkswagen plans to offer the ID.7 with two different battery pack options in Europe and China, yet the North American version will launch with a single battery option — a 77 kWh lithium-ion pack integrated with the chassis. The ID.7 should have a range of more than 300 miles with this power source. Volkswagen hasn’t said how long it will take to charge the battery, but it will draw the charge at 170 kW from a DC fast charger.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Roomy Interior
The long wheelbase and flat floor of the 2025 Volkswagen ID.7 creates a roomy interior for both front- and rear-seat occupants. The attractive front seats are extremely comfortable, offering 14-way power adjustments and featuring a new massage system with 10 air cushions embedded in the seatback and two more in the seat bottom. We had a chance to try this new system and can report that it is quite impressed — easily one of the best seat massagers we’ve ever experienced.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
New Display
An all-new 15-inch touchscreen display running an updated operating system is integrated into the center dash of the 2025 Volkswagen ID.7. The new system features a more intuitive menu structure and it responds more quickly to touch commands.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
No Buttons
The 2025 Volkswagen ID.7 has no physical buttons anywhere in the cabin; however, soft-touch controls that reside permanently at the base of the display allow for interaction with the climate systems. The controls have no haptic feedback, which will likely make them challenging to use while operating the vehicle. A slider in this location replaces the traditional volume knob; we prefer a knob since the slider is difficult to use accurately.
© Volkswagen of America
Driver Display
Volkswagen has equipped the ID.7 with a simple driver display that shows speed, range and driver-assist features on a small, integrated screen. Additional information such as navigation and communications are projected on the standard augmented-reality head-up display.
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Rear Seat
The spacious rear seat of the 2025 Volkswagen ID.7 possesses plenty of legroom and headroom. Seats offer decent support and would certainly be a comfortable location during long drives. The middle seat has ample legroom thanks to the EV’s flat floor; however, fitting three adults in the seat is rather tight.
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Glass Roof
The 2025 Volkswagen ID.7 is available with a glass roof that features a layer of polymer-dispersed liquid crystal. The PDLC allows the roof to change from transparent to opaque via an overhead touch control. The glass also reflects infrared radiation to keep the cabin cool on sunny, hot days.
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Cargo Space
The large hatchback of the ID.7 creates a wide opening, making it easy to fill up the ample cargo space. The floor can be adjusted to different levels creating a shelf system for better cargo management. Split rear seats fold flat for even more cargo-carrying ability.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Coming Next Year
The 2025 Volkswagen ID.7 will be produced at Volkswagen’s Emden plant in Germany. The new EV will arrive in China and Europe later this year, with sales expected to begin in North America sometime in 2024. Pricing and more details about the America-spec ID.7 will be released closer to the on-sale date; however, we estimate prices should start around $60,000.
