Volkswagen ID.7: flagship EV enters production

VW’s sizeable electric sedan, the ID.7, has entered production in the Emden plant, where the ID.4 is also produced. The ID.7 brings the MEB platform to the next level with a new, more efficient powertrain and a range of up to 700 km. The first deliveries are expected before the end of the year.

It’s been a long time, but the Volkswagen ID.7 is finally coming to the market. The Emden plant has kicked off production after a $1,1 billion investment, which also included converting and retooling for the ID.4 electric SUV. The ID.7 is an important addition, as there have been reports of the plant slowing down due to weak sales earlier this year.

Coming this year

With production now officially kicked off just over a month later than expected, customers can expect pricing and the configurator to become public by mid-September in Europe. The first deliveries are scheduled before the end of 2023, with other regions getting the model in 2024.

To recall: the ID.7 brings a suite of new-generation technology to the MEB platform and is the latest flagship EV model for Volkswagen. It’s the first VW to get the new APP550 drivetrain, with a 210 kW (286 hp) electric motor that’s more efficient than its 150 kW (204 hp) predecessor.

Up to 700 km

That efficiency, combined with the slippery body (drag coefficient of just 0.23) and a new, bigger 85 kWh battery (91 kWh gross), allows the ID.7 to achieve an impressive 700 km range. However, customers will have to wait for this version, as the 77 kWh version (82 kWh gross) with a 615 km range will be the first to launch.

Later, the range will grow with a sporty GTX variant with 340 hp, four-wheel-drive, and a Variant station wagon, with more practicality but likely a little less range.

The ID.7 sedan is 4,96 meters long and rests on a nearly 3 meters wheelbase. Passengers can enjoy a lot of interior space, massage seats, and a panoramic roof that darkens at the touch of a button.