Wolverhampton and South Staffs Scene Magazine Early Summer 2024

Car Review
Volkswagen ID7 All Electric
Fastback By Sue Cooke
If you are considering buying an all
electric powered car, Volkswagen has
provided an easier choice with three
new e-mobility tools on the VW
website. The tools provide
information on the range, charging
times and running costs, model by
model and according to each person’s
own driving profile. Visitors to the
site, select their model, trim and
battery size, then use on-screen
sliders to adjust factors such as
weather, driving style and charging
locations to see instantly how owning
an electric vehicle compares with
petrol and diesel alternatives.
The Volkswagen ID7 which I road tested this week is
one of the best all electric cars I have driven this
year. Volkswagen’s first all electric upper mid sized
car is the brand’s top of the range ID model, offering
outstanding efficiency. The 77kW battery has fast
DC charging and a projected driving range of about
383 miles.
The exterior of the fastback has an aerodynamic
design with an elegantly sloping roof and coupe
profile. Interior space is exceptional but the five
metres body length means the ID7 will overhang a
regular parking space.
Doors, which open where they are put, close with a
soft muted quality note. Once inside the luxurious
cabin the ID.7 is really impressive. The last radio
station played and the last destination visited are
shown on start up, waiting for instructions.
High quality materials and the smooth ultra quiet
cabin give a very relaxing journey. Slide behind the
steering wheel into the remembered seat position
and the front dash instantly lights up. No bothering
with inserting an ignition key, pressing a start button
or flipping the manual brake off. It has already
happened, automatically. Drive or reverse is
engaged with the gear stick behind the steering wheel
and the front seat belts slightly tug on the shoulders
to let the driver and passenger know the car is ready
to go. A line of blue light sequentially moves across
the dash as you indicate left or right.
The front seat is very comfortable and there is an
option if the ergoActive premium seats are chosen to
have a massage function, other relaxation
programmes and automatic air conditioning.
The very large 15 inch infotainment screen, centre
dash, gives very clear and easy to use instructions for
the sat nav or media. I like the head up display in
the windscreen which shows the approach to a
roundabout and a number which states which exit
you leave at. As you get nearer to the exit, two
arrows appear in the head up display indicating an
immediate turn.
Under the screen the centre console has a large
storage area, wireless charging and good size bottle
holders.
Best in class assistance systems include Travel Assist
which helps change lanes at speed and automatic
parking with memory function. I like the new
panoramic sunroof with Smart glass which changes
from opaque to transparent using touch control.
Voice commands will also operate the roof and other
functions.
The Volkswagen ID7 has a beautifully smooth ride,
accelerates quickly, and is so quiet. The all electric
Fastback would be my car of choice but to find your
own preference you can visit the VW website and try
out the three e-mobility tools online
https://www.volkswagen.co.uk/en/electric-andhybrid/should-you-go-electric/simulator-tools.html
Facts at a Glance
Model: VW ID.7 fully electric Fastback
Price on the road: from £51,550
Power: 77Wh battery Range: up to 383 miles
Performance: 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds and on to a
top speed of 112 mph
CO2 emissions: Zero g/km