As A Former Passat Owner, I Am Very Excited About The VW ID.7
VW has a big following in South Africa and has a strong connection to the country due to its manufacturing presence as well as its large retail footprint in the country. VW has a factory in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, where it has the capacity to produce 162,000 vehicles per year. VW produces the ICE VW Polo and the Polo Vivo in South Africa. All right-hand drive Polos are made in South Africa. The plant also builds left-hand drive Polos for the export market. The South African plant is also the sole producer of the VW Polo GTI in the world for the global export market. VW South Africa employs about 3600 people across all divisions.
The VW Gold GTI and R vehicles have a cult following in the country. I remember during my college days in Pretoria, the dream for a lot of students was to finish their university studies, get a job, and then get a Golf GTI. Quite a few of my friends owned VW Golf and Polos. A few of them also had the Scirocco R too. My first car had been an old two-door, bright yellow Renault Megane. I then got a used Honda Ballade, and thereafter, a VW Passat sedan. I loved the Passat. It had nice leather seats, was very spacious, and was just a beautiful driving experience. It was very comfortable. It reminded me of my late brother’s old Audi 500 in a way.
I now drive electric, a Nissan Leaf for now, but I still have a lot of fond memories of the Passat, which is why I was very excited to find out about the upcoming VW ID.7. Last week, VW announced that testing of near-production version of the Volkswagen ID.7 is almost complete. The future ID. flagship model will be launched in the upper mid-size class vehicle segment. The world premiere of the new all-electric ID. flagship model will take place on Monday, 17 April, which is just a few days away now. VW says the saloon has been designed for long-distance driving. The new ID.7 will enhance the upper mid-size class in Europe, China, and North America, says VW, and it has plans to increase the share of electric models in its stable to 80% in Europe by 2030. The new ID.7 is an important milestone on this path, as it is scheduled to be launched in Europe before the end of 2023.
The ID.7 has been undergoing its final test drives in Alicante, Spain. Kai Grünitz, Member of the Board of Management responsible for Development, explains: “With the ID.7 we have exploited the potential of the MEB even further. We have also used a new, more powerful and more efficient electric drive motor. In addition, we have enhanced the control quality of the running gear and were thus able to further increase driving comfort. The combination of a superior drive system, comfortable running gear and long range make the ID.7 the perfect limousine for long distance travel.”
The ID.7 is the first model based on the modular electric drive (MEB) platform that has a newly developed and highly efficient drive by Volkswagen. It is the most powerful and highest-torque electric drive motor in a Volkswagen ID. model so far.
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VW says the new electric drive has been optimized above all in terms of energy consumption, and depending on the battery size, will have WLTP ranges of up to 700 kilometers and charging capacities of up to 200 kW are forecast. VW says the ID.7 thus underlines its long-distance suitability, especially for frequent drivers and fleet customers.
Thanks to reports from China based on publication of data from China’s Ministry of Information and Technology (MIIT), we have more insights into more specs from for the ID.7 model that will be offered in China. The ID.7 will have a 150 kW single motor, 700 km range, NMC ternary 77 kWh battery, and will be assembled by FAW-Volkswagen. The report also says the ID.7 dimensions are 4956mm, 1862mm, and 1537mm, with a wheelbase of 2965mm.
What I really liked about my old Passat was the ride quality, comfort, and steering. VW says the ID.7 will have a high level of comfort and precise steering. They add that the optional adaptive chassis control (DCC) and the driving dynamics manager for long distance travel have been fundamentally enhanced. Thanks to the driving mode selection options, they offer a large spread between comfort and sportiness. Together with the newly applied progressive steering, the systems ensure precise driving behavior and a maximum of stability.
SUVs and large crossover vehicles are dominating these days, but a good old sedan is still a favorite for some. I am really looking forward to experiencing the ID.7 when it comes out. Based on the announcements from VW, the ID.7 will be introduced in in Europe, China, and North America. No word on South Africa or other markets in the region yet. Hopefully it will be added in the near future.
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