On the road to the world premiere: first appearance of the new ID.7¹ saloon with digital camouflage

The stage is set for the ID.7! Volkswagen will showcase its first fully electric saloon based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB) at CES in Las Vegas this week. Clad in smart camouflage, using multi-layered paintwork to create light effects, the flagship model of the ID. family is the next step in Volkswagen’s journey towards sustainable mobility.

The ID. AERO³ concept vehicle, initially presented in China, already provided a preview of the new model, which embodies an aerodynamic design concept and is able to achieve ranges of up to 700 kilometers² (WLTP).

After a six-year break, Volkswagen is returning to the CES – the world’s largest trade show for electronics – with a very special product.

“With the new ID.7, we are extending our electric model range into the upper segments. The saloon will offer top-class technology and quality. The ID.7 is one of ten new electric models that we are planning to launch by 2026. Our goal? To deliver suitable products for our customers in every single segment,” says Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars.

The ID.7 offers an innovative climate and comfort experience

With its latest model based on the MEB, VW has responded to customer feedback and improved the user experience in the relevant areas. A host of innovations come as standard in the ID.7:

• the new display concept
• the augmented reality head-up display
• a 15-inch screen
• new air conditioning controls integrated into the first level of the infotainment system
• illuminated touch sliders

The new air conditioning concept with intelligent vents offers a number of functions. For instance, the ID.7 can detect when the driver is approaching based on their key and will start to cool the interior on hot summer days or heat the interior on cold days before the driver gets into the vehicle.

Newly designed “Smart Air Vents” control the flow of air and move dynamically to distribute the air over large areas as quickly as possible. If there are passengers in the car, the air can be directed straight to the body or ventilate the interior indirectly. These functions are visible at all times on the new large display and can be activated and saved individually for each user. Special requests can be activated using voice commands. If the user says “Hello Volkswagen, my hands are cold!”, the ID.7 responds by starting the steering wheel heating function and directing warm air towards the hands.

Unusual camouflage concept is interactive

After a six-year hiatus at CES (the Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas, VW was keen to make its mark. The camouflaged saloon features a unique, digital paintwork that lights up interactively. Forty layers of paint have been applied; some of which are conductive while others have insulating properties. A total of 22 areas of the vehicle can be controlled separately and are electrified so they light up individually or in time with the connected sound system. QR codes on the bonnet and sides of the vehicle provide an interface between the physical and digital worlds while disguising the contours of the final production vehicle.

MEB permits realization of an aerodynamic design and a generous interior concept

In terms of style, the ID.7 follows the design language of the fully electric ID. model family. Features include an aerodynamic front section and roof that help to reduce energy consumption and increase range. Air intakes located in the front end guide the air flowing through them down the sides of the vehicle, creating an excellent drag coefficient and range of up to 700 kilometers² (WLTP).

Like all other models in the ID. family, the ID.7 is based on the MEB of the Volkswagen Group. With short overhangs and a long wheelbase (2.97 meters), occupants ride around in the height of luxury and comfort.

Volkswagen’s electric mobility campaign: 500,000 vehicles based on the MEB already delivered

With its ID.7 saloon, Volkswagen is expanding its successful fully electric ID. family into the upper middle class of the high-volume segment and advancing its electric mobility campaign with the ACCELERATE strategy. VW has already reached a first milestone: Since the first ID.3 models were handed over to customers in September 2020, Volkswagen has delivered 500,000 vehicles from its ID. family worldwide through its subsidiaries – around one year earlier than planned and despite ongoing difficulties in the supply chain.

 After the ID.3⁴, ID.4⁵, ID.5 and ID.6⁶ (only in China) models and the new ID. Buzz⁷, the ID.7 will be the sixth model from the ID. family and is Volkswagen’s second global car to be based on the MEB after the ID.4. It is planned to launch the electric saloon in the three primary markets of China, Europe and North America. The ID.7 for the European market will be produced at the Volkswagen Emden plant. After the ID.4, it will be the second model based on the modular electric drive matrix to be built in Emden.

Volkswagen’s EV success story continues to grow in Ireland

Volkswagen Ireland is the country’s leading electric vehicle brand for two years running with a total market share of 26.4% in 2022. The ID.4 was Ireland’s best-selling electric vehicle last year, accounting for nearly one in five (19%) of EVs sold, helping Volkswagen Ireland break the record for all-time EV sales in the process. Meanwhile, the new ID. Buzz made history by becoming the first vehicle to win Irish Car of the Year and Irish Van of the Year, as well as Irish MPV of the Year.

Rodolfo Calixto, Volkswagen Brand Director for Ireland said: “The ID. family has been a resounding success, particularly here in Ireland where motorists have been quick to see the benefits of electric vehicles. 2022 was another phenomenally successful year for the brand with the ID.4 leading the way and Volkswagen breaking the record for all-time EV sales. However, we are not resting on our laurels in 2023. The addition of the ID.7 towards the end of the year will strengthen our position as Ireland’s leader in electrification and convince even more people to make the switch to Volkswagen’s electric power.”