Volkswagen has arrived at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas (CES-2023) with a pre-production version of its upcoming all-electric sedan, the ID.7. The launch is set for the second quarter of the year.
Overall, the car looks like the ID. Aero Concept it is based upon, complete with flowing outlines. Of course, there have been some simplifications: note the restyled bumpers and the more conventional-looking lights all around.
Coming in at 2.97 meters (116 inches) of wheelbase, the ID.7 has more space between the axles than the Passat. The company promises us that it will translate into more legroom inside, but this remains to be seen.
The camouflage all around serves to emphasize the “digital” aspect of the upcoming flagship EV. Volkswagen boasts that creating the livery necessitated as many as 40 paint layers, some of which are conductive. This property enables the show car to have 22 separately activated backlight areas. In addition to just looking cool, the system reacts to the sound environment and puts on a whole lightshow if it hears upbeat music.
Inside, a tiny display mounted behind the steering column and a large heads-up display replace the traditional dashboard. The 15-inch central touchscreen has sensor-based HVAC sliders built into its frame. All buttons on the wheel are also touch-sensitive.
The air vents are apparently “smart” and can auto-adjust air flow direction based on the parameters and poses of the passengers inside the car. A special key fob will enable the ID.7 to see the owner approaching and prepare the cabin – turn on heating or ventilation depending on the current weather. The climate control system recognizes not just voice commands, but also actual natural language. For example, you could say “my hands are cold”, and the car would turn on steering wheel heating and turn the air vents to target your hands.
The MEB-based saloon will be an international release with the primary markets including China, Europe and North America.