Volkswagen ID.7 unveiled: A stylish sedan sporting smart camouflage

Volkswagen has revealed the next model in its ID. Family, the Volkswagen ID.7, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The world premiere of VW’s first fully electric sedan, based on the modular driving matrix (MEB), promises to be nothing less than a showstopper.

“With the new ID.7, we are extending our electric model range into the upper segments. The sedan will offer top-class technology and quality. The ID.7 is one of ten new electric models that we are planning to launch by 2026. Our goal? To deliver suitable products for our customers in every single segment,” says Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars.

A novel interactive camouflage concept

The ID.7 concept car currently on show at the CEM is clad in digital camouflage – an effect achieved using unique technology and multi-layered paintwork that lights up the car interactively. Some of these 40 layers of paint are conductive in nature, whilst others exhibit insulating properties. In total, 22 areas of the vehicle exhibit the optical and electrical phenomenon known as electroluminescence – an effect that causes these sections to illuminate. This extraordinary spectacle can be connected to the sedan’s sound system, which in turn visualises the rhythm of the music by lighting up individual areas.

Furthermore, an interface between the digital and physical realms is provided through QR codes. These are located on both sides of the vehicle as well as on the hood. The integrated QR code theme has been taken a step further with the camouflage effect concealing the contours of the soon to be released production vehicle – scheduled to be premiered in the second quarter of 2023, and to be released into the market of three different continents.

An aerodynamic exterior design

The stylish ID.7 exhibits the design language of the all-electric ID. model family. The aerodynamic nature of the exterior is especially obvious at the front and the roof sections of the vehicle. The design of these areas minimises drag and wind resistance, thereby reducing energy consumption and maximising the car’s all-electric range up to around 700 kilometres (WLTP).

Greatly assisting the air flow are air intakes located at the front end of the car – guiding the air down the flanks of the sedan, towards the rear. Through this process an air curtain is formed that moderates the air flow at the vehicle’s sides. Further adding to the aerodynamic nature of the ID.7 is the sloping roofline that helps to create an impressive drag coefficient.

An innovative and comfortable interior experience

All members of the ID family are based on The Volkswagen Group’s (VW) MEB – the ID.7 being no exception. The benefits of this approach are that a roomier and more luxurious interior is achieved through the inclusion of the modular matrix with a long wheelbase (2.97 meters) and short overhangs.

Adding to this spacious and premium feel of the sedan’s interior is the inclusion of several new innovations, equipped as standard in the new ID.7. These include but are not limited to – a new display concept, an augmented reality head-up display, a 38-centimeter (15-inch) display screen, along with illuminated touch sliders.

Furthermore, new air conditioning controls have been integrated into the first level of the impressive infotainment system. This new concept not only features intelligent vents but provides access to several functions. For example, when the driver approaches the ID.7, the proximity of the smart key is detected by the vehicle, which will then immediately begin to either cool or warm its interior, depending on the external weather conditions.

The internal flow of air is dynamically and rapidly distributed throughout the vehicle via the newly designed “Smart Air Vents”.  Passengers have the option of either ventilating the entire interior indirectly, or by directing the air straight at themselves. The large new screen of the infotainment system permanently displays these options and functions. Settings can be saved and activated for several users individually.

Another novel feature of this setup is that voice commands can be used to activate specific special requests. For instance, when a user says, “Hello Volkswagen, my hands are cold.”, the car will immediately respond by activating the heating function of the steering wheel. Warm air will simultaneously be directed towards the driver’s hands.

VW’s drive towards electric mobility has delivered 500,000 MEB based vehicles

VW have expanded its already successful ID. family to include the ID.7 sedan., a move that hopes to propel the range into the upper middle class of the high-volume segment. It plans to further enhance its electric mobility campaign via the ACCELERATE strategy.

The Group has already achieved its first important milestone on this journey, having delivered 500,000 vehicles from its ID. family to customers worldwide, since the ID.3 was released to the public in September 2020. This has been accomplished almost a year earlier than originally planned, despite continuing challenges with their supply chain.

The ID.7 is the sixth model from the ID. family, and is the brand’s second global vehicle to be based on the MEB – the ID.4 being its first. The Group is planning to launch their latest electric sedan in three main markets, namely North America, Europe, and China.

Unfortunately, the camouflaged, near-production version of the ID.7 will not be available for purchase. However, the ID.7 will be available to buy in 2026.