VW ID.7 GTX driving report: top model only slightly faster

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With a little distance, things sometimes become more visible. Volkswagen's ID family got off to a bad start, and the Group cannot blame this on circumstances. After all, without the substantial subsidies from the taxpayer, the sales figures would have been nowhere near as high. One reason why the ID.3 (test), for example, has not succeeded the Golf is certainly due to its design. With the ID.7, VW has brought two rather conventionally designed models onto the market, which at first glance could also pass as the latest edition of a Passat. As GTXs, they are supposed to be particularly fast. However, a first drive shows that things are changing rapidly.

Driving performance does not stand out

The inflationary development of performance in electric cars is taking on alarming proportions. A current Smart has at least 200 kW, and in the mid-range, many models are now easily available with significantly more than 300 kW. VW is not participating in this kind of arms race, at least for the time being. At 250, the ID.7 GTX has exactly 40 kW more than the standard model. The gap is too small to make a huge leap in performance. Instead of 6.7, the GTX accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds, which will also be due in part to its all-wheel drive. VW limits the top speed of both models to 180 km/h. Even as a GTX, the ID.7 lags behind some of its competitors, which is not to say that it is slow. In everyday driving, it also offers superior performance. The all-wheel drive does a good job with distribution. An asynchronous motor with 80 kW is installed on the front axle in the GTX.

Battery and consumption

The battery has a net capacity of 86 kWh and can be charged with up to 200 kW at peak times. Targeted preconditioning of the battery cells is standard, and VW also charges 990 euros for a heat pump in the GTX. The consumption in the cycle should be between 16.6 and 18.8 kWh, on this first short trip it was closer to 20. So if you start with a full battery, you can expect 400 km plus X, provided you are satisfied with a maximum of 130 km/h. The route planning is now usable, which is by no means a matter of course. In any case, VW now offers a level of infotainment that is acceptable. Almost everything is clearly laid out, the working speed is brisk and the range of functions includes everything you absolutely need. This may not be enough for the absolute top class in this area, but in everyday use, what is there is largely easy on the nerves.

Tighter tuning

If the top model is difficult to set itself apart in terms of perceived driving performance, other details have to make a difference. Among other things, a firmer suspension design should make this clear. To this end, VW has installed stiffer bushings, thicker front and rear stabilizers and dampers with a different characteristic curve in the GTX. In addition, 235/45 R20 tires are fitted as standard at the front and 255/40 R20 at the rear. If you prefer, you can also order the GTX ex works with all-season tires and 19-inch rims. What remains is far more than just passable residual comfort. The dampers skillfully absorb minor bumps. The feedback from the road is more noticeable than in the ID.7 Pro, but VW has refrained from excessive harshness. It is remarkable how well damped the ID.7 is. Even at speeds of well over 120 km/h, you can have a conversation without raising your voice. In the city, the interior of the estate is barely audible.

Substantial surcharge

Models with the best price-performance ratio are rarely found at the top, and this is also the case with the ID.7. The ID.7 GTX Tourer costs at least 63,955 euros. Compared to an ID.7 Pro with a 77 kWh battery, this is a surcharge of around 9,000 euros. A proud sum, considering that the top model can only be slightly differentiated in terms of driving performance. However, the battery is larger and can be charged a little faster at the top end.

The standard equipment of the GTX is not bad, but additional options can drive up the price considerably. The non-opening glass roof is only available as a package – 2730 Euro. The very comfortable, electrically adjustable massage seats are only available together with a sound system from harman/kardon and a few little things – 3780 euros. The top model is also clearly aimed at a target group for whom the price-performance ratio is secondary. On the other hand, the Passat configurator on the VW website quickly dispels the illusion that a comparably sized model with a combustion engine would be significantly cheaper. After all, a Passat estate with a 142 kW diesel engine and "R Line" equipment costs almost 59,000 euros – without any other extras. The ID.7 GTX costs less than 10 percent more, offers more power and, in addition to a better environmental balance, a level of driving comfort that the Passat TDI doesn't stand a chance against.

(vat)