Are New Electric Cars About To Break The Traditional Top Brand Models?
Thursday, 20. April 2023
I’ve spoken about this a lot recently having had a test drive in a Ford Mustang Mach-E. Whilst it’s not perfect the build quality, materials and technology were easily a match for any prestige brand. As soon as people migrated from Mercedes and BMW to an unknown brand like Tesla the die was set.
Looking at the spec. and design of the VW ID7 I can’t see any traditional prestige car driver not being tempted by this amazing car. What do you think?
Volkswagen’s sleek electric ID7 upper-medium car will be almost five metres long and have a range of up to 438 miles, the manufacturer has announced.
The model, which is planned for launch this year in Europe, is one of 10 new electric models that will be launched by Volkswagen by 2026.
This year sees the introduction of a new ID3, the ID Buzz with long wheelbase and the ID7. An electric compact SUV and the production version of the ID2all are planned for 2026.
Thomas Schafer, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, said: “With the ID7, we are taking the next step in our electric offensive.
“Already by 2026 we will offer the widest electric range of all manufacturers in Europe – from the entry-level (ID2all) model for less than 25,000 Euros up to the ID7 as the new top model within the ID family.
“Our goal is to achieve an electric car share of 80% in Europe by 2030. As from 2033, Volkswagen will produce only electric vehicles in Europe.”
The ID7 is almost five metres long and the manufacturer says the powertrain has been designed to maximise range.
Depending on battery size it predicts WLTP ranges up to 700km and charging capacities of up to about 200kW.
The ID7’s cabin features a 15-inch infotainment system screen, an augmented reality head-up display, and a new air conditioning operating concept integrated on the top level of the infotainment system.
Other technologies available in the ID7 include a panoramic sunroof with smart glass which can be switched between opaque and transparent settings by touch control, as well as Climatronic front seats which offer cooling and heating as well as a drying function.
Travel Assist technology can support assisted lane changing on the multi-lane motorway at speeds above 56mph.
The ID7 can also independently perform assisted parking manoeuvres in different ways, including parking with memory function over a distance of up to 50m.
For this, the driver either remains sitting in the ID7 or monitors the parking procedure from outside the vehicle using the smartphone app. By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News.
