What is it?

Volkswagen is quickly expanding its line-up of electric ID-badged vehicles. Following on from cars like the ID.3 and ID.5 comes this, the ID.7, which aims to provide a more ‘normal’ battery-powered experience in a form which may look a little more familiar to many buyers. As we’ve come to expect from ID vehicles it’s been equipped with lots of new tech and a spacious cabin, too.

But the ID.7’s key appeal lies in its efficiency and range, which are two factors which play a big role in a car’s success in this area of the segment. We’ve been driving it to see what it’s like.

What’s new?

As with other cars within the ID range of vehicles, the ID.7 sits atop Volkswagen Group’s clever MEB platform. Designed first and foremost for electric vehicles - rather than adapted from an existing petrol or diesel car - it’s able to offer loads of interior space without making the dimensions of the vehicle overly large.

Volkswagen has also designed the ID.7 with a real focus on aerodynamic efficiency, too. A slippery car, after all, cuts through the air more effectively and this helps to make the whole car more efficient. In theory, this should help boost the number of miles you get between trips to the plug.

What’s under the bonnet?

There are three ‘flavours’ of ID.7, with the Pro Match, Pro S Match and range-topping GTX bringing respective ranges of 381, 436 and 356 miles. It means that for long-distance drivers the Pro S Match will make the most sense as it manages to squeeze the best possible distance from the 86kWh battery. The Pro Match, meanwhile, gets a smaller range due to its more compact 77kWh battery.

Acceleration is reasonably brisk for all models, too, with the Pro S Match bringing 0-60mph in 6.4 seconds. Switch to the more powerful dual-motor GTX version and you’ll find that time dropping to 5.2 seconds - though all cars in the range are suitably speedy away from the line.

What’s it like to drive?

The ID.7 exhibits the refined, comfortable driving experience that you’d expect to get from a ‘traditional’ car of this size. It’s quiet at both low and high speeds and particularly during periods of the latter it’s a car which feels very settled and easy to get along with. While the performance is usefully brisk, it’s actually the iD.7’s comfortable ride and overall refinement which makes the greatest impression.

Some models get Dynamic Chassis Control, too, which allows you to firm up or soften off the suspension. While a handy function, in its firmest setting it makes the ID.7 far too rigid - we’re bigger fans of leaving in its most comfortable mode which allows the car to easily deal with potholes and imperfections in the road.

How does it look?

The new ID.7 shares a close family tie design-wise to other cars within the line-up of vehicles. Its long, sweeping roofline gives the whole car a swept-back appeal while the ultra-large badge on the nose means that there’s no mistaking the ID.7 as a car from any other brand but Volkswagen.

At the back, there’s a full-width lightbar to add some techno funkiness. Plus, there’s also a Tourer version for those who would like some extra spaciousness along with a slightly more distinctive look.

What’s it like inside?

There are acres of space to stretch out and enjoy within the cabin of the ID.7. Particularly for those in the rear of the car, the level of roominess on offer is impressive and the completely flat floor of the ID.7’s cabin means that there’s plenty of room for your feet, while knee room is also excellent.

Our test car also came with a full panoramic sunroof and this does slightly impede headroom in the rear, so taller passengers might find their heads scraping the roof in this instance. Then, in terms of overall practicality, the ID.7 offers up a 532-litre boot which is more than large enough for most occasions. As mentioned, if you need more space then the Tourer offers up a decent alternative.

What’s the spec like?

All versions of the ID.7 get loads of equipment as standard. If you look to the ‘entry’ Pro Match, then features such as 19-inch wheels and keyless entry come included off the bat, as well as a 15-inch central infotainment system and an augmented head-up display. The mains screen itself gets Volkseagen’s latest software, too, which is far easier to operate than the ones used on older ID models.

Head in the direction of the Pro S Match and you’ll find a similar level of equipment to the Pro Match, with the main difference between the two being that larger battery. Finally, GTX models get sportier touches such as 20-inch alloy wheels and sports bumpers, as well as an upgraded sound system and heated seats for both front and rear seat occupants.

Verdict

The new ID.7 feels as though Volkswagen is finally hitting something of a stride with its electric vehicles. It’s a great ‘everyday’ EV, with enough range to keep most drivers happy and a decent amount of space to help everyone aboard get comfortable.

There’s far more polish exhibited here than with other ID models, too, and when you add in the car’s decent practicality, then you have an EV which is well worth checking out.