Volkswagen reported that its vehicle sales in the U.S. rose more than 4% year-over-year to 67,853 units in the first quarter of 2023. At the same time, the company’s pure electric vehicle sales increased significantly to a record high.
In the first quarter, the VW ID.4 sold 9,758 units in the U.S., up 254% from a year ago. That’s also up slightly from the fourth quarter (9,439). Of course, this is also much more than the Ford Mustang Mach-E (5,407).
VW also announced that testing of the new VW ID.7 is nearly complete and will make its world debut on Monday, April 17 local time (it will also be unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show on April 18).
The future flagship of the ID. The family will be the electrified successor to the Passat, the sixth model in the ID family and the second global model based on VW’s MEB platform, mainly for sales in North America, Europe and China.
According to the report, it has a WLTP range of up to 700 km and is equipped with a specially developed new electric drive system, thus significantly increasing the efficiency and power of the new car. It also features eco-friendly materials, seat massage, a 15-inch centre screen, ambient lighting, Harman Kardon audio and more.
It is worth mentioning that VW has also announced the interior design of this model.
As you can see from the picture, its cockpit has been completely redesigned, with the original ID. series’ small LCD instrument cluster integrated into the steering column and the electronic gearshift mechanism integrated on one side, being re-divided into an LCD screen (smaller in size) inside the instrument cluster and an electronic pocket gear on the right side behind the steering wheel, where the driver will receive other important information via the AR-HUD head-up display.
The infotainment display standard in the ID.7 has been further expanded in size to 15 inches and its operating concept has been fundamentally redesigned, VW says, while below the center screen remains the touch strip that controls the air conditioning temperature and volume.
We can also see from the diagram exposed by the foreign media that VW has made a comprehensive update to the car system, which is expected to sweep away the gloom of the past in terms of software experience. It is worth mentioning that the car system can monitor the ambient temperature in real-time, when the driver approaches the vehicle with the key in his pocket can turn on the air conditioning preheating/cooling in advance.
It is worth mentioning that VW has developed a new generation of driver and passenger seats for it. Depending on the model, these new seats offer users up to 14 electric adjustment options. In addition to the Adaptive Seat Climatronic, they also introduce a newly designed massage function.
In addition to individual settings, the driver and front passenger have the option to activate the automatic mode of the in-seat air conditioning; here, temperature and humidity sensors on the seat detect cooling and/or heating requirements and control the cabin temperature and humidity accordingly.
The ergoActive premium seats are available for the driver and front passenger. VW claims that in the ID.7 segment, the new seats bring a high standard previously available only in luxury models.
The car has a length, width and height of 4940/1860/1530mm, a wheelbase of 2970mm and a trunk volume of 530L; low wind resistance wheels with 255/40 R20 Pirelli tires and a wind resistance of 0.228.
The version tested by the media is equipped with a single rear-mounted electric motor with a peak output of 207kW and 544N・m, paired with an 82kWh ternary lithium battery (available capacity 77kWh) and a WLTP pure electric range of 483km. 7.5 hours for slow charging and 30 minutes for fast charging to 80%.
According to VW officials, the car is powered by their newly developed electric motor (codenamed APP550), which is the most powerful and torque-intensive model of the motor equipped in the ID series, with the power unit developed and produced by Volkswagen Group Components in Kassel.
The new car’s electric drive system has been optimized above all in terms of energy consumption: depending on the battery size, a WLTP range of up to 700 km is expected, with a charging power of up to 200 kW. the ID.7 is therefore better suited for long-distance trips, especially for users who drive frequently.
The optional Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC) and the Driving Dynamics Manager for long-distance touring limousines have been radically enhanced in the new vehicle, further ensuring precise driving behaviour and stability.
