MOTOR1.COM TEST CAR HAPPY HOUR #37: VOLKSWAGEN ID.7, LEXUS RX, & AUDI RS3

EV Channels Review

The Volkswagen ID.7 is presented as a bold, flagship EV, aiming to offer significant utility within a sedan form factor, featuring a long liftback for cargo versatility. The prototype driven was a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive model with a 77 kWh usable battery, producing an impressive 282 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque, offering surprisingly quick acceleration. The interior design, while still under embargo, is expected to be advanced, though the removal of a traditional gauge cluster in favor of a large HUD and a small steering-wheel-mounted display is a controversial move, potentially hindered by polarized sunglasses. The vehicle is slated for a US release in the second half of 2024 as a 2025 model, with an estimated starting price around $40,000-$45,000. Key questions remain regarding its EPA range and why the US market will only receive the smaller battery pack. Overall, the ID.7 is seen as a significant, albeit unconventional, step forward for Volkswagen's EV platform.