SUVs have seen the market for saloons like the Passat shrink in recent years, but that hasn’t put VW off from reprising the Passat/Arteon format for its latest ID model. Expect a low but biggish car, near-5m long and almost 3m long in wheelbase, promising lots of cabin room. It’s a layout still popular in the US and China especially, but VW confirms the ID7 will also be sold in Europe.
The combustion-engined Passat and more coupe-like liftback Arteon will continue, but ultimately the ID7 can be viewed as their replacement. Different versions are likely, including a twin-motor, all-wheel drive sporty GTX and, what has been a Passat favourite in this country in the past, an estate.
Like its concept forerunner, the ID Aero, the ID7 majors on a low-drag body in order to maximise range. VW says with the largest batteries available, a fully charged up ID7 will be able to drive up to 700km (430 miles) according to the WLTP test. No Cd is quoted (the Aero concept was credited with 0.23), just that its sloping roofline and assortment of targeted aerodynamic devices to manage airflow make it “very good”.