MotorTrend recently reviewed Volkswagen’s new electric car, the ID.7. The ID.7 is the third vehicle set to release on Volkswagen’s MEB electric vehicle platform, along with the ID.4 and the upcoming ID.Buzz.

The ID.7 should be on sale in the U.S. in 2024 and looks to be a serious Tesla competitor. No pricing has been revealed, but competitive pricing could make or break this Model 3 fighter. 

It’s all about the range 

What is the most crucial EV stat for consumers? At this stage in the game, whether or not you find it rational: range. Indeed, most people don’t drive very far daily, but not everyone owns a home, can afford a fast charger, or lives in a region with access to good public charging infrastructure.

On top of that, if an EV is your only car, having that range or access to quick “re-fueling” is essential for mass EV adoption. The ID.7, which looks to compete with long-range EVs like the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and the Tesla Model 3, will be a bit behind in that department.

The new VW will be available in two trims to start: the Pro and Pro S. Both will be fitted with an 82 kWh battery pack that will allow for a 382-mile range on the European WLTP cycle. Remember, the EPA rating is typically 22% lower than the WLTP, so we can assume the ID.7 to get around 300 miles of range.

That beats the roughly 270 miles of range the base Model 3, and Ioniq 6 achieve but falls short of the Model 3 Long Range’s 358 miles of range and SE Long Range Ioniq 6’s 361 miles. Europe is getting the option for a 91 kWh battery that should give the ID.7 an estimated 340 miles of range.

MotorTrend reports a dual-motor GTX trim will be unveiled in Europe later this year, so we may just have to wait and see if and when other variants come to the U.S.

How fast is Volkswagen’s new electric car?

Unfortunately, we don’t have any official acceleration numbers yet, but it’s safe to say it’ll be pretty quick. The ID.7 has a permanent synchronous magnet that spins all the way to 13,000 rpm and puts out a healthy 282 hp and 429 lb-ft of torque, reports MotorTrend. That is more power and torque than the Long Range versions of the Ioniq 6 and Model 3.

More importantly, it’ll be efficient. The ID.7, despite having the same battery pack as the ID.4, is 14% more efficient. Much of that has to do with its shape, which is almost Prius-like—not a bad thing these days. Peak efficiency for the ID.7’s APP550 motor is between 5,000 and 11,000 rpm, allowing for much more efficient highway travel, which has been an issue for EVs in the past. 

What makes Volkswagen’s newest electric car so promising?

MotorTrend believes the ID7. is the best car they’ve tested on VW’s EV platform. Along with a healthy range and power numbers, the ID.7 has quite a high-tech interior. Unlike the Model 3, Volkswagen’s new electric car has an actual gauge cluster screen. Well, sort of.

It actually has a heads-up display providing the driver with most of the information you’d expect to find in a traditional gauge cluster. In the place of a gauge cluster, there is a small screen for warning lights, speed, and other crucial/legally required information. Much more Tesla-like is the center 15” touchscreen. A touchscreen MotorTrend reports to be very configurable and easy to operate.

In other great news, the climate controls have their own unchanging bar on the screen. This means you can ALWAYS access climate functions regardless of how you have the screen configured. The car is also chock-full of tech, including some fantastic self-parking abilities and seats that are not only heated and cooled but will also use a combination of ventilation and heat to keep you dry.

There is also a new voice control system named IDA that you can use to activate features and adjust settings in the car without interacting with the infotainment system. 

Affordability is the make or break for mass adoption

The ID.7’s design is inoffensive, the controls seem thoughtfully laid out and manageable for the average person, the interior is quite attractive, and it’s filled to the brim with great tech. Perhaps more importantly, it has enough range and power to be competitive.

Pricing is going to be everything for Volkswagen’s new electric car. If it costs significantly more than an equivalent Model 3 or Ioniq 6, it may not be enticing enough to be the EV sedan of the people we all hope it will be.