Volkswagen has debuted the ID.7, the company’s first fully electric sedan based on its MEB platform, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas over the weekend.
Clad in a bright digital camouflage that is designed to create smart light effects through electroluminescence, the ID.7 is the latest model to be based on Volkswagen’s modular electric drive matrix (MEB).
“With the new ID.7, we are extending our electric model range into the upper segments,” said Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars.
“The sedan will offer top-class technology and quality. The ID.7 is one of ten new electric models that we are planning to launch by 2026. Our goal? To deliver suitable products for our customers in every single segment.”
While this is not the first time we’ve seen a version of the ID.7 – the ID. AERO concept was initially presented in China – this debut of the ID.7 heralds a world premiere of the series production version, which is due in the second quarter.
With a promised 700-kilometre range and set to be available in China, Europe, and North America, the ID.7 clearly carries on the design language of Volkswagen’s ID. model family.
Volkswagen has also responded to customer feedback and included a host of innovations as standard in the ID.7, including an augmented reality heads-up display, a 38-centimetre screen, new air conditioning controls, and illuminated touch sliders.
Of particular focus for Volkswagen’s PR department is the ID.7’s updated air conditioning controls. As the driver approaches the car, the ID.7 can detect their key and start to cool or heat the interior depending on the outside temperature. Newly designed “Smart Air Vents” control the flow of air and are able to distribute the air over larger areas.
And new voice commands allow a driver to say “Hello Volkswagen, my hands are cold!”, which causes the ID.7 to start the steering wheel heating process, while warm air is directed towards the hands.
For those who were able to attend CES in person, unique QR codes on the hood, sides, and rear of the ID.7 provide an interface between the physical and digital worlds.
Similarly, 40 layers of paint have been applied which allows for the camouflaged ID.7 to be lit interactively, including 22 areas of the vehicle which can be controlled separately and are electrified below the top layer of the paint.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.