Now built in China and Germany in four different forms, Volkswagen’s ID.7 range continues to grow. Joining the FAW-VW ID.7 Vizzion and SAIC-VW 7 S – each of which has a bespoke fastback body – the European region’s ID.7 (hatchback) and new ID.7 Tourer (estate) are also off to impressive sales starts, global deliveries exceeding 40,000 units in 2024.
Will it sell better than the Arteon SB?
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It was brave thinking by Volkswagen to leverage its MEB rear- and all-wheel drive electric architecture for the Arteon’s successor. That model, which was greatly admired for its lithe looks, didn’t sell as well as had been hoped. Perhaps it was the interior, which while good, wasn’t greatly altered from that of the Passat with which it shared a platform. With pricing high, buyers expected a little more bespoke luxury.
Taking a gamble on whether or not those who it hoped were ready to go electric for a big car seems to have paid off. Now, keeping that sales momentum going is the next challenge. So far, the strategy is working though after some delays whilst VW of America considered whether or not it would or wouldn’t offer the car, it has recently been ruled out for the US market. At least for now.
GTX = no ID.7 badge
In Europe meanwhile, the original RWD hatchbacks with a single motor have been joined by GTX variants in both hatchback and estate bodies, these having dual motors and all-wheel drive. VW has even copied its badging strategy for the Golf GTI by deleting the model identifier on the cars’ rear, displaying only a simple GTX.
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By GlobalDataDuring a week with the new Tourer I was questioned by a very enthusiastic Audi estate driver who came over to ask me what model my big Volkswagen GTX was. And big it is, at almost five metres (4,961 mm) from end to end. He hadn’t heard of the ID.7 but presumed it would be electric and, naturally, wanted to know what the realistic range is.
300+ miles possible
During the worst of winter you’re looking at around 250-280 miles from the 86 kWh (net) battery but more than 300 in warmer seasons. Officially, it’s an impressive-on-paper 359 and you may change at up to 200 kW. Those two motors, by the way, produce a combined 250 kilowatts or 340 PS plus 545 Nm of torque. Top speed is 112 mph and 0-62 mph takes a claimed 5.5 seconds.
Interior space is as impressive as I remember that in the the Arteon being, hatch and Shooting Brake alike. Here though, having an electric rear axle means no transmission hump so there is even more legroom in the new Tourer, the floor being both flat and not noticeably elevated.
Almost two metres of load space
The good news continues aft of the back seat as you also get a 605-litre boot which expands to a maximum of 1,948 with no rear passengers. And while it’s similar in length to the ID. Buzz LWB, that other big electric VW has a third row and is even wider than the ID.7 Tourer.
The new variant, also available as a hatchback, has had its steering modified for a more direct feel while the ESC gains a sports mode. I managed to make the back tyres spin just the once, albeit for an instant and it should be noted that the road in question was unsalted. In summer conditions, this would be a very quick and agile car, something which the non-GTX proved itself to be the first time I had a go in an ID.7 almost exactly twelve months ago.
Volkswagen has also achieved impressive results when it comes to the comfort factor, as the two-motor estate rides just as well as existing versions. Cars for the UK have the so-called ‘DCC’ suspension specification which manages to also maintain great handling. Doubly impressive when the GTX Tourer weighs almost 2.4 tonnes.
Run-flats as standard
There is a lot of standard equipment, including AirStop tyres on special 20-inch alloy wheels, Matrix LED headlights (they are excellent), illuminated VW logos front and rear, a head-up display, four heated seats, and a Harman Kardon audio system. One especially nice touch is a charging flap which has weather protection.
Upholstery is a micro-fleece material which looks and feels like velour while the door trims are also soft and have elements which light up, the colour of which can be changed via the central screen. As with the hatchback, having the majority of controls activated by the press (or slide) of a left finger is fine though more real buttons would be better. How, for example, to keep your eyes looking ahead when there are no toggles to adjust air flow. Yes you can announce Hey ID or Hey IDA but is that really as good as better than a physical piece of plastic? I wanted to direct air away from my face and onto a misted up driver’s window – it took seemingly forever to do this.
Conclusion
Screen annoyances aside, this new and fastest of all ID.7s really is a wonderful example of the progress Volkswagen has made with its EVs. Incredibly spacious, sporty yet elegant – special bumpers, a black roof and fancy big wheels do wonders – fast, and with fantastic handling, the new GTX estate must surely be the best electric VW yet.
Pricing for the new Volkswagen ID.7 GTX Tourer starts at GBP62,700 OTR.
