
The all-electric Volkswagen ID 7 sedan — the subsequent EV within the German automaker’s lineup — was unveiled Tuesday at CES 2023 in Las Vegas.
And essentially the most thrilling a part of the debut wasn’t the car’s multi-layered explosion of yellow, orange, pink and blue camouflaged electroluminescent paint that lights up on command. (though it’s eye-catching for the near-production model of the car). As a substitute, it was a couple of options and adjustments from its earlier ID fashions that confirmed VW is attempting to up its software program and human-machine interface design recreation with an method that’s nearer to what shoppers may discover in Tesla fashions, the Porsche Taycan and the Rivian R1S and Rivian R1T.

Picture Credit: Kirsten Korosec
The ID 7 sedan, beforehand proven as an idea car in China underneath the identify ID Aero, is considered one of 10 new electrical fashions that can into manufacturing by 2026, in response to Volkswagen Passenger Automobiles CEO Thomas Schäfer. The EV will launch in China, Europe and North America.
Like its different ID siblings, the ID 7 is predicated on the MEB platform, a versatile modular system — actually a matrix of frequent elements — that VW Group manufacturers together with Audi, Seat, Skoda and Volkswagen use to enhance the effectivity and cost-effectiveness of manufacturing EVs. The Volkswagen ID.3, an electrical hatchback that’s solely bought in Europe and the Volkswagen ID.4 SUV and ID.5, together with varied variants of the Audi This autumn e-tron are constructed on the MEB platform. By 2025, the automaker expects greater than 80% shall be.
The ID 7 does have a couple of standout adjustments and options value noting, beginning with a brand new interface on the automotive’s infotainment system. The central show is bigger at 15 inches. However extra importantly, the best way customers will entry and work together with the capabilities situated on the display screen, has modified.
The local weather capabilities at the moment are prominently and completely displayed on the underside of the central infotainment display screen. Alongside the highest and higher left is the place the driving force and shortly entry info on the car and superior driver help options.

Picture Credit: Volkswagen
In what guarantees to be controversial in some automotive circles, VW has adopted a brand new air-con system that makes use of digitally managed air vents just like what Tesla automobiles are outfitted with. Which means no extra bodily air vents {that a} driver or passenger can transfer to vary the course of air circulate. As a substitute, customers can entry voice controls or the central touchscreen to vary the course of the air circulate.
The air-con system can also be designed to be extra intuitive. If a driver approaches the car with their key, the system ought to activate and start cooling the inside on scorching days or warmth it when the temperature is colder.
Volkswagen can also be attempting to step up its pure language processing recreation. The corporate stated customers will be capable to give particular verbals cues, like Hiya Volkswagen, my arms are chilly!,” and the system will reply by beginning the steering wheel heating perform and directing heat air to the driving force’s arms.
Different additions and adjustments featured within the ID 7 consists of an augmented actuality head-up show and illuminated contact sliders on the underside of the touchscreen.

Picture Credit: Volkswagen
The outside design does match inside the present EV portfolio at VW. The sedan has an aerodynamic entrance part and roof that has a coupe-like slope to the rear. The design, which might be troublesome to discern amid the illuminated multi-colored camouflage, is designed to each assist to cut back vitality consumption and improve the vary, in response to the corporate. Air intakes are situated within the entrance finish, to information the air by them and down the edges of the car to the rear, forming an air curtain, which calms the air circulate on the sides of the car.
The top result’s an estimated vary (underneath the European ELTP cycle) of round 700 kilometers, or about 434 miles of vary.