Volkswagen Group unveiled the camouflaged model of its first fully electric sedan, the ID.7, at the “CES 2023” held in Las Vegas, USA. The ID.7 is built on the electric vehicle-exclusive platform, MEB, just like other models in Volkswagen’s electric lineup, the ID. family.
The ID.7, showcased at CES 2023, will be revealed covered in a camouflage made of a special technology that creates lighting effects on the vehicle’s surface, completed with multiple layers of paint. This interactive camouflage symbolically represents the next stage of digitization that will be applied to the future flagship models of the ID. family.
Volkswagen has already hinted at the new electric sedan through its “ID. Aero” concept in China, featuring an aerodynamic design and a driving range of up to 700 km (WLTP standard).
Volkswagen brand CEO Thomas Schäfer stated, “With the ID.7, we have been able to expand Volkswagen’s fully electric vehicle lineup into the upper segment. This new electric sedan will offer the highest levels of technology and quality,” adding, “The ID.7 will be one of the 10 fully electric models that Volkswagen plans to launch by 2026, with our goal being to present products that cater to customers in every segment.”
As the latest model based on the MEB platform, the ID.7 incorporates close attention to user feedback to enhance the customer experience across all dimensions.
The ID.7 comes equipped with innovative technologies such as a new concept display, augmented reality head-up display, a 15-inch screen, an integrated infotainment system with the new air conditioning control, and touch sliders with lighting effects as standard features.
The new air conditioning system with intelligent air vents offers various functions. For instance, the ID.7 can detect when the driver is approaching the vehicle via the smart key. Additionally, the driver can pre-activate the air conditioning or heater before entering the vehicle.
The newly designed “smart air vent” controls the airflow within the interior, actively dispersing air as quickly as possible throughout the spacious cabin. When passengers are inside the vehicle, it can either disperse air directly towards them or ventilate the interior indirectly. These functions can be monitored continuously from the new large display and can be saved and activated according to each driver’s preference. Special requests can also be activated via voice commands.
If the driver says, “Hello Volkswagen, my hands are cold,” the ID.7 will immediately activate the heated steering wheel function and direct warm air towards the driver’s hands.
At this CES, Volkswagen introduces the ID.7’s intelligent concept in a special way. The ID.7, wrapped in a digital-format camouflage, features unique paintwork that interactively lights up the vehicle. The paintwork, completed in 40 layers, incorporates both conductive and insulating properties. The paintwork is divided into 22 individual zones throughout the vehicle, all controllable separately, with electricity supplied to the paint layer closest to the outermost layer to illuminate the ID.7. When connected to the sound system, the sound rhythm is visually represented differently across the 22 individual lighting zones.
The QR codes located on the hood and both sides provide an interface between the physical and digital realms. Additionally, the overall camouflage integrates a QR code theme, effectively concealing the contours of the final production model.
The ID.7 inherits the design language of the ID. family of fully electric cars. With aerodynamic sedan design characteristics in the front section and roof, it reduces energy consumption while enhancing efficiency. The air intake located at the front end guides airflow down along the vehicle’s side lines towards the rear, creating an air curtain that facilitates smooth airflow around the vehicle’s sides. The smoothly sloping roof contributes to achieving an excellent aerodynamic drag coefficient. As a result, the ID.7 has a maximum driving range of approximately 700 km based on the WLTP standard when fully charged.
Like other models in the ID. family, the ID.7 utilizes Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform. With short overhangs and a long wheelbase of 2.97 meters, it offers advantages in interior space, particularly embodying the characteristics of a premium sedan that provides a spacious and comfortable feel.
Through the sedan model ID.7, Volkswagen is expanding the ID. family lineup into the premium compact segment for mass production models, further developing its electrification mobility campaign based on its “acceleration strategy.” Volkswagen has already reached its first milestone despite ongoing supply constraints, having delivered over 500,000 models of the ID. family worldwide, about a year ahead of plan, since the first ID.3 was handed over to customers in September 2020.
The ID.7 is the sixth model in the ID. family, following the ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, and ID.6 (China-only model), and ID. Buzz (ID. BUZZ). It will become Volkswagen’s second global strategic model utilizing the MEB platform, after the ID.4.
The ID.7 is set to launch in European, Chinese, and North American markets, with the European market model produced at Volkswagen’s Emden plant. The ID.7 will be the second model based on the MEB platform manufactured at the Emden factory, following the ID.4.
In conclusion, this article was prepared by Lee Sang-jin at daedusj@autodiary.kr