Volkswagen’s next global EV is an electric successor to the Arteon sedan

Whereas most automakers have deserted the family-size sedan in favor of bigger, higher-riding SUVs and vehicles, Volkswagen is renewing its dedication with its subsequent international EV, the ID.7, which was (partially) unveiled at CES as we speak. The all-electric sedan, which is being positioned as a successor to the Arteon, would be the second mannequin from VW’s ID household of electrical autos to go on sale within the US.

As a sedan, the ID.7 has loads going for it, together with a roomy inside, spectacular aerodynamics, and a wholesome quantity of vary. An 88kWh battery is anticipated to propel the ID.7 to roughly 700 kilometers (434 miles) of vary primarily based on the WLTP commonplace. (The EPA-based vary will doubtless be much less.)

However extra so than its specs, the ID.7 has the potential to make a splash as the primary non-luxury electrical sedan to hit the US market because the launch of the Tesla Mannequin 3 in 2017. The ID.7, which remains to be hiding beneath a particular “digital” camouflage that may change shade, will get a correct reveal within the second quarter of 2023 and can then go on sale within the US, Europe, and China someday in 2024.

The ID.7 is predicated on the ID Aero idea, which was revealed final yr as a mannequin destined for manufacturing in China. Just like the idea, the brand new EV shall be constructed on VW’s modular electrical drive matrix (MEB), which additionally undergirds different ID fashions, just like the ID.4 and ID Buzz. And it’ll function an ultra-low drag coefficient of 0.235, which places it on par with the posh electrical German autos, just like the BMW i4 and Mercedes-Benz EQS.

The ID.7 additionally has the potential to select up the mantle from the Passat, which has struggled to maintain up with the bigger, heavier autos in VW’s lineup. The Arteon presents as a souped-up Passat, which may open the door for sportier intentions from the ID.7. Maybe we’ll get an R-Line model someplace down the road.

“With the brand new ID.7, we’re extending our electrical mannequin vary into the higher segments,” stated Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Automobiles, in a press release. “The sedan will supply top-class know-how and high quality. The ID.7 is certainly one of 10 new electrical fashions that we’re planning to launch by 2026. Our purpose? To ship appropriate merchandise for our clients in each single phase.”

The ID.7 will function a launchpad for a bunch of latest tech options, together with a newly designed cockpit, an augmented actuality heads-up show, and illuminated contact sliders. A few of these options might show polarizing with shoppers like HVAC controls built-in into the infotainment touchscreen. (Surveys present that almost all automotive house owners favor bodily buttons.)

VW is hoping to take a number of the sting out of eradicating these bodily buttons by making the HVAC controls as good as attainable. The ID.7 will be capable to detect when the key-carrying driver is approaching by prepping the cabin to be as comfortable as attainable. Meaning blasting the AC or cranking up the warmth, relying on the temperature outdoors, earlier than you get within the automotive.

“Sensible air vents” will direct the airflow in a (hopefully) clever method, with the purpose to distribute the air as judiciously as attainable. VW is hoping to reduce the quantity of swiping and tapping wanted to manage the HVAC by putting these controls on the principle display screen always. Drivers may save their preferences for straightforward entry. And a voice assistant will be activated for any tweaks which may be wanted. For instance, uttering “good day Volkswagen, my arms are chilly!” will activate the steering wheel hotter.

The ID.7’s modern form is designed to cut back drag, enhance vitality consumption, and provides the automobile an extended stride than others in its class. “Air intakes situated within the entrance finish information the air flowing by way of them down the perimeters of the automobile to the rear, forming an air curtain, which calms the air circulate on the sides of the automobile,” VW says. “The roof has a dramatic coupe-like slope to the rear and thus contributes to the excellent drag coefficient.”

The ID.7’s form is exclusive in one other vital method: it’s a sedan. Whereas most American automakers have eradicated sedans from their lineup in favor of heavier, higher-riding vehicles and SUVs, European and Asian auto firms are persevering with to churn out new variations within the hopes of successful over clients who nonetheless favor a smaller automobile.

There have been a modest variety of electrical sedans launched in recent times, together with the Mercedes-Benz EQS and BMW i4. However all of them are priced for premium clients. VW didn’t reveal the ID.7’s beginning worth, however figuring out that the 2022 Arteon begins at $43,100, it stands to cause that it received’t be an excessive amount of greater than that.

An inexpensive electrical sedan within the US? Now that’s a welcome thought.