2023 Volkswagen ID.7 targets Tesla Model 3

Volkswagen’s new ID.7 mid-size electric sedan shown in light camo ahead of CES debut

VW will roll out the all-new 2023 Volkswagen ID.7 sedan at the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this week ahead of its global launch later this year.

Shown in lightly camouflaged pictures ahead of the US car show, the Volkswagen ID.7 is the production version of the Passat-sized Volkswagen ID. Aero revealed in June last year.

Marking the sixth member of Volkswagen’s all-electric ID family, the latest preview reveals that VW’s rival for the Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai IONIQ 6 will have a claimed range of up to 700km.

Helping achieve its lengthy range is efficient aerodynamics and a low drag coefficient, Volkswagen says, although it’s not known if the ID.7 will share the same 77kWh battery as found on the top-shelf ID.3 and ID.4 models.

Measuring in at around 4940mm long, 1860mm wide and standing 1530mm tall, the Volkswagen ID.7 dwarfs the Tesla Model 3 (2875mm long, 1848mm wide, 1443mm high) and is set to offer much more space inside thanks to its generous 2970mm wheelbase.

As well as more room, the ID.7 sedan will also come with Volkswagen’s next-generation infotainment system that is based around a 15-inch touch-screen.

Following customer feedback, the upgraded system benefits from backlit illuminated sliders to improve ease of use in dark conditions when adjusting the temperature or pumping up the volume.

Other innovations include new augmented technology for the head-up display.

There’s also a new layout for the climate control on the home screen plus the introduction of something Volkswagen is describing as “integrated smart air vents”.

What almost certainly won’t make it to the finished product is the CES show car’s special electroluminescent livery that creates a QR code out of 22 different configurable areas of the paint.

Said to have been made up of an incredible 40 layers of paint (that also hides all the associated wiring), the special shade-shifting finish is said to weigh 70kg alone.

More technical details are expected with the CES unveiling, along with an indication of its Australian launch prospects.