Volkswagen has thrown down the gauntlet in the electric wagon segment by introducing the Volkswagen ID.7 GTX Tourer. This high-performance variant of the ID.7 Tourer pledges an exhilarating driving experience while maintaining the functionality and spaciousness that wagons are known for. Let's investigate if this electric wagon lives up to its promise.
Electrifying Performance
The Volkswagen ID.7 GTX Tourer boasts a dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) powertrain with a combined output of 335 horsepower (250 kW). This potent electric setup promises exhilarating acceleration, with estimates suggesting a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time in the low six-second or even high five-second range, rivaling some gasoline-powered performance cars.
While official figures are yet to be revealed, the Volkswagen ID.7 GTX Tourer will deliver a satisfying power surge when you press the pedal. The punch comes courtesy of a rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor generating 281 horsepower (210 kW) and a front-mounted asynchronous motor kicking out an additional 107 horsepower (80 kW). This dual-motor setup also translates to superior handling and improved traction in all weather conditions, thanks to Volkswagen's advanced all-wheel-drive system.
Spacious and Practical
Volkswagen hasn't compromised on practicality with the ID.7 GTX Tourer. It retains the impressive cargo capacity of the standard ID.7 Tourer, offering a maximum of 1,714 liters (60.5 cubic feet) of space with the rear seats folded down. This cavernous cargo hold makes the ID.7 GTX Tourer a perfect choice for families with active lifestyles or those who need to haul gear for hobbies or work. The spacious rear seats offer ample legroom and headroom for passengers, ensuring a comfortable ride for everyone on board.
Additionally, the ID.7 GTX Tourer retains the standard ID.7's versatility with its folding rear seats and a convenient under-floor storage compartment – perfect for stowing away smaller items or groceries.
Sporty Design Cues with a Hint of Refinement
The ID.7 GTX Tourer gets a sporty makeover compared to its standard sibling. Distinguishing features include redesigned bumpers with a honeycomb grille element on the front, adding a touch of aggression. Glossy black accents adorn various exterior elements, including the window trim, mirror caps, and roof rails, providing a sophisticated contrast to the car's body paint.
Standard 20-inch alloy wheels with a sporty design fill the wheel wells and hint at the ID.7 GTX Tourer's performance capabilities. An optional 21-inch wheel size caters to those who prefer a more aggressive look and a truly head-turning presence on the road. The sporty theme continues inside the cabin with red accents and GTX logos adorning the comfortable and supportive front seats. High-quality materials throughout the interior elevate the overall ambiance, creating a driver-focused cockpit that feels sporty and refined.
Tech-laden Interior Designed for the Modern Driver
The ID.7 GTX Tourer boasts a driver-centric cockpit equipped with an array of advanced technologies designed to enhance the driving experience and passenger comfort. A highlight is the enhanced augmented reality head-up display that projects relevant information such as navigation instructions, speed, and lane departure warnings directly onto the windshield, keeping your eyes on the road ahead.
The infotainment system features a large touchscreen display with cutting-edge software offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration. Passengers can stay connected and entertained on the go with built-in Wi-Fi and USB charging ports throughout the cabin. Other amenities include dual-zone automatic climate control for personalized comfort and the advanced "IDA" voice assistant with ChatGPT integration, allowing for natural language voice commands to control various vehicle functions.
Charging and Range: Balancing Performance with Efficiency
Volkswagen hasn't disclosed the official range of the ID.7 GTX Tourer yet. However, considering the standard ID.7 with a rear-wheel-drive configuration and a larger battery can achieve a WLTP range of 426 miles, we expect the ID.7 GTX Tourer's range to be slightly lower due to its performance-oriented dual-motor setup and potentially heavier weight. While the exact range figures remain, educated guesses suggest a WLTP range in the ballpark of 370 to 400 miles – still an impressive figure that should handle most daily commutes and weekend getaways without range anxiety.
The ID.7 GTX Tourer has an 86.0-kilowatt-hour battery pack, offering a good balance between performance and range. Additionally, it supports DC fast charging up to 200 kilowatts, enabling a 10-to-80% charge in under 30 minutes – ideal for topping up the battery during long road trips or quick errands. This makes the ID.7 GTX Tourer a compelling choice for those prioritizing performance and practicality.