New 2023 Volkswagen ID.7 to debut smart climate control
VW’s latest air-con can start when it detects owner on way, and also knows where the sun isThe incoming 2023 Volkswagen ID.7 will debut VW’s next-generation climate-control system that’s not only faster to cool and heat but will fire up when it detects the owner is approaching and even takes into account the sun’s position when operating.
The new smart air-conditioning system can also be operated by voice commands.
Volkswagen says that key to the climate control’s newfound abilities are ‘smart air vents’ that react far quicker and function more like a desk fan.
For example, if a door is opened in hot conditions, the air vents in the cockpit distribute higher volumes of air quickly over a larger area using a sweeping horizontal action.
Once the driver and passengers are seated, the air flow is then directed straight at the body or switches over to indirect ventilation of the cabin, according to the occupants’ preference.
Operated via a shortcut on the new ID.7’s large 15-inch infotainment system, the smart vents can be controlled individually if desired, while the temperature can be raised or lowered using new backlit touch sliders.
The enhanced sophistication of the voice control, meanwhile, should prevent distraction on the move.
If you’re extremities feel a little chilly, all you need to say is: “Hello Volkswagen, my hands are cold” and the smart climate control will direct warm air at your hands on the steering wheel for around five minutes.
Perhaps its neatest trick is the smart vents’ ability to react to sunlight.
If the sun shines strongly on one side of the vehicle, the system adapts the air-con to a greater intensity to cool the warmer zones first.
Volkswagen is still to confirm when the smart climate-control system will be rolled out to other ID models after debuting with the Volkswagen ID.7 that hits the road in Europe and China later this year.
Related: 2023 Volkswagen ID.7 targets Tesla Model 3
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