VW ID.7 GTX – long-distance athlete with sprinter qualities

Top electric model in driving report
VW ID.7 GTX – long-distance athlete with sprinter qualities

With the ID.7 GTX, Volkswagen is launching its most powerful electric sedan to date. This is made possible by a second engine. This may reduce fuel consumption and range, but it does significantly increase driving pleasure.

GTX, this performance abbreviation is usually attached to the top model of an ID series at VW. The two SUVs ID.4 and ID.5 were the first. The ID.3 has also recently been available in the GTX version, but it does not have all-wheel drive. The reason: the space on the front axle does not allow the installation of an electric motor. So the GTX version of the ID.3 remains the only one with rear-wheel drive.

The situation is different with the ID.7 GTX, which costs a good 63,000 euros. The series is based on a larger variant of the MEB architecture. There is space here to accommodate an additional 80 kW/109 hp electric motor at the front. The engineers opted for an asynchronous motor (ASM). When not needed and switched off, it can run with almost no resistance, which has a positive effect on consumption and thus on the range.

Top model of the series

As with the other GTX models, there is a so-called PSM, a permanent magnet electric motor, at the rear. Its output is 210 kW/285 hp. Although both values ​​can theoretically be added together, VW states a total output of 250 kW/340 hp. This is for control reasons. But even with this, the ID.7 GTX is more than adequately equipped and at the same time becomes the top model in the series. No other sedan or station wagon from VW currently offers higher performance.

This is naturally reflected in the driving performance, although the usual sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (5.4 seconds) is of little relevance here. It is more the manner of acceleration and the impressive elasticity that only electric motors can deliver. Absolutely impressive and a guarantee for maximum driving pleasure. In addition, the response of electric motors – unlike a combustion engine – can be varied almost infinitely. Full power and maximum torque are available within milliseconds. Only high-performance sports cars can bring such a “punch” to the road, if at all.

However, some passengers may find this electric kick in the GTX uncomfortable, especially if the person behind the wheel overdoes it with short sprints. It literally presses you into the seat, your head hits the support every time.

Power consumption within tolerable limits

Interestingly, despite the high engine power, the power consumption remains within tolerable limits. On our test drive around Stockholm, the on-board computer showed only 17.6 kWh/100 km. This is almost in the middle of the WLTP value specified by VW (16.2 and 18.4 kWh/100 km).

However, the rear-wheel drive version Pro S only consumes between 13.6 and 16.2 kWh/100 km and shows what influence the larger and wider wheels (20 instead of 19 inches) and the additional weight of the second motor have on consumption in the GTX. Logically, this also affects the range. At 595 kilometers, it is around 100 kilometers lower than the Pro S.

The floor of the ID.7 GTX contains the same size battery and at the same time the largest that the MEB currently has: 86 kWh. It can be charged at DC columns with up to 200 kW (previously the maximum charging power was 175 kW). Under ideal conditions (preconditioning either via activated navigation or manually), the battery could be charged from ten to 80 percent of its capacity in just 26 minutes. In other words: according to VW, 205 “fresh” kilometers should be “refueled” in ten minutes.

Best long-distance qualities

The ID.7 GTX delivers a convincing performance in terms of driving comfort – despite its deliberately sporty design. Those who treat themselves to the optional DCC chassis (adaptive control) in particular will experience a level of precision and comfort at a premium level in conjunction with the standard progressive steering. VW's ID top sedan thus offers the best long-distance qualities.

Externally, the GTX is easily recognizable by the newly styled front bumper with its honeycomb grille. The daytime running lights (two LED triangles placed on top of each other) look like arrowheads. From now on, they will be a feature of all GTX models. At the rear, a honeycomb grille and a diffuser make the difference to the other ID.7 models.

Red almost everywhere

Of course, the body colors also have to be a little individual. VW highlights the “Kings Red Metallic” as an iconic color. The red is meant to be a homage to the previous paintwork of the Golf GTI. In addition, all GTX models have a black roof.

Of course, the color red is also present in the interior. The seats are not only covered with a new microfiber material (called ArtVelorus Eco), but they also have red contrast stitching, red piping (edge ​​reinforcement) and red GTX lettering. The stitching in the leather steering wheel is also red.

VW is paying quite well for the performance increase for the ID.7, including the electric all-wheel drive. The GTX starts at 63,155 euros. However, the Wolfsburg-based company continues to pay the former state environmental premium of 3,570 euros, regardless of the purchase price, so that the ID.7 GTX ultimately costs 59,585.

Technical data

• Five-door, five-seat sedan
• Length: 4.96 meters, width: 1.86 meters (with exterior mirrors 2.14 meters, height: 1.54 meters, wheelbase: 2.97 meters, trunk volume: 532-1586 liters
• Two electric motors; rear PSM 210 kW/285 hp, front ASM 80 kW/109 hp, system output: 250 kW/340 hp, maximum torque: 565 Nm, all-wheel drive, single-speed automatic
• 0-100 km/h: 5.4 s, Vmax: 180 km/h, battery capacity: 86 kWh, range: 595 kilometers, max. DC charging power 200 kW, standard consumption: 18.4-16.2 kWh/100 km, CO2 emissions: 0 g/km, efficiency class: A
• Price: 63,155 euros, less manufacturer environmental premium of 3,570 euros