Can you remember when one could purchase a new family car for a mere €30,000? This was the reality just four years ago, in 2020, as the VW Passat saloon would have set you back just €27,245 for the basic 1.6-litre TDI diesel. If you were willing to fork out a little extra for the top of the range Highline model, featuring a 2-litre 177hp diesel alongside a dual-clutch DSG automatic, you were parting ways with €40,980 at your local dealership.
Fast-track to the present day, a loyal VW family car enthusiast is tasked with making a decision between the sophisticated Arteon priced at €50,350, or the brand-new electric-powered ID.7 with a hefty €56,490 price tag. Granted, we have witnessed price inflation over the last quadrennial period, but the current pace surpasses that of the average wage increase.
It is a fact that saloon car sales have succumbed slightly to the higher riding SUV, but even they have seen a price lift. An owner thinking of exchanging their four-year-old Passat might consider following market trends, perhaps considering the Tiguan, but even here the starting price would be €49,820.
However, it is important to note that this increasing trend in pricing isn’t exclusive to Volkswagen: nearly all automobile manufacturers have experienced similar substantial price surges during the recent years. To lessen the financial impact somewhat, there are certain features of the ID.7 that are worth pointing out. Firstly, its size is considerable.
The ID.7 offers substantial space, easily surpassing the roomy Passat Estate. It is indeed longer than the spacious Skoda Superb Estate, and that’s only considering the fastback model. The total size of the vehicle becomes apparent when parking in urban areas, taking up nearly as much room as an Audi A8. This limousine-like car serves as the perfect five-seater electric vehicle taxi. The rear cabin offers adequate legroom for taller passengers, and the boot space is considerable – in our test, we successfully loaded three long fence posts without bothering the passengers at the front.
Volkswagen has advanced its technology, introducing a large 15-inch display at the heart of its infotainment system. This substantial development has eradicated most of the software issues inherent in the initial ID.3 versions. Whilst the huge display is a step forward in terms of controls, the ID.7 still suffers from the same issue – devoid of conventional buttons and instead, fitted with sliders across the board.
Another noteworthy tech feature is the innovative glass roof, equipped with an electro-chromatic panel that can switch from clear to opaque at a simple button press. Though it may not rival the smartness of Renault Scenic’s feature, it is certainly more than a transient gimmick to wow the neighbours.
However, what will catch the attention of family buyers is not the tech, but the space. The abundant rear-seat legroom remains the primary conversation starter for this vehicle. It’s not only the interior that benefits from the vehicle’s size. The additional length means there’s space for more battery components, yielding a 77kWh battery pack, equal to what the other ID models have. However, the sleek, lozenge-shaped sedan proffers superior energy efficiency compared to its bulkier counterparts. For EV drivers, considering consumption rates in kWh/100km is as important as considering mpg or l/100km for petrol and diesel vehicles.
Generally, anything over 20kWh/100km is considered high consumption. Therefore, achieving as low as 16kW/h in the ID.7 demonstrates its efficiency when handled with a delicate accelerator application.
VW boasts a range of up to 600km on full charge, though 450km-plus appears to be a practical achievable range. For those whose decision hinges on range, a 700km official-range 83kWh battery pack version is anticipated soon.
In summary, the ID.7 is a package full of advantages, including ample space, decent range, sophisticated design, and refined tech additions. It’s also an incredibly comfortable ride, with the substantial battery pack and large cabin effortlessly handling the uneven surfaces of UK’s roads.
A significant aspect of the ID.7 disadvantage is its detached nature rather than an interactive experience. With most Electric Vehicles (EVs), there’s an overarching feeling of riding on the car, not within it, similar to the ID.7. This vehicle’s imposing size becomes evident when navigating the winding, narrow country lanes of Ireland.
Should you find most of your driving done on highways and city roads, this won’t pose any problems, as these are the environments in which the ID.7 naturally thrives. Yet, for Passat drivers who frequently tackle difficult secondary roads, a contrast in experience will be apparent. The less reactive brake pedal also detracts from the overall driving experience, though it’s something you can grow accustomed to.
The electric motor, which powers the rear wheels, delivers an impressive 286bhp. For such a large vehicle, it displays reasonable acceleration, reaching 100km/h from static in fewer than seven seconds. However, its velocity isn’t excessive. The predominant characteristic of the vehicle instils the impression of a relaxed cruiser.
Despite any aforementioned shortcomings, the ID.7 has much to offer, granting considerable value for its overbearing cost. Passat owners will undoubtedly experience a jolt when confronted with the tag price.
Considering the competition such as Tesla Model 3, Hyundai’s Ioniq 6, or BYD’s Seal, none of them rival the ID.7 in terms of roominess and arguably comfort of a larger vehicle, but their price points render them more attractive.
The past four years have witnessed monumental transformations in the auto industry, which is evident in our car showrooms. This has also seen familiar models, such as the Passat, discontinued for Irish customers.
Many Irish family motorists might have fallen behind these rapid changes over the past four years, pulled away by distractions such as the Covid pandemic and the living cost surge. This could lead to a rude awakening when they venture into the showrooms, and it won’t just be the myriad of plug-in options presenting a shock.
Yes, the ID.7 will be a delightful revelation, particularly in terms of space, but it’s challenging to ignore the steep price for a brand aiming for a mainstream market position.
The basics: VW ID.7
Strength: Supported by a 77kWh battery pack, an electric motor delivers 286 brake horsepower and produces 550Nm of torque.
Acceleration: The car can reach 100km/h from a standstill in 6.5 seconds.
Distance: On a fully charged battery, the car can cover a remarkable 615km, as per WLTP.
Review: We gave it a 3 out of 5 rating.
Cost: The car’s base price is €56,490 and the test model costed €63,725.
Conclusion: This stylish sedan offers a lot of room and an impressive range. However, its steep price can be a deterrent.