Volkswagen said the limousine is an efficiency champion with a range of up to 700km (WLTP).
In addition to a new drive generation, sophisticated aerodynamics contribute to the ID.7’s long ranges.
The aerodynamically favourable basic form, low drag coefficient (Cd value) of 0.23 and frontal area of 2.46 m² are the result of close cooperation between the Design and Development departments.
With limousines like the ID.7, the body shape accounts for about 50 per cent of the Cd value.
The wheels and tyres influence about 30 per cent, the underfloor 10 per cent, and the functional openings through which air flows to the radiators in the vehicle front end, for example, also 10 per cent.
The fact that the new ID.7 is the most aerodynamic ID. model so far can be seen at first glance when looking at the silhouette of the vehicle, which is almost five metres long.
Volkswagen designer Daniel Scharfschwerdt said: “When designing the ID.7, there was a greater focus on aerodynamics than for practically any other model. This can be seen in the low front end, the flowing transition into the bonnet, and the fast windscreen. The coupé-like roof form and the tapering rear end are also designed for ideal aerodynamic performance.”
The ID.7 has an almost completely closed underbody.
This is supplemented by newly developed wheel spoilers on the front wheels. These guide the air along the wheels under the vehicle with minimum turbulence.
Air curtains at the sides of the front bumper direct the air around the vehicles front end with minimum loss. The flared side sills prevent the air from flowing into the underbody area and shield the rear tyres from air flowing onto them.
In addition, small spoilers and trim panels guide the flow of air on the underbody.
“On electric vehicles, the wheels make a greater contribution to good aerodynamics, and we therefore focused on them in particular,” said Stephan Lansmann, project engineer responsible for ID.7 aerodynamics.
“When designing the wheel rims, the primary focus was on the aerodynamics, which we also had to match to the cooling requirements of the brakes. The resultant wheel rims are more closed and therefore have especially good aerodynamic properties.”
Flow simulations were also used when designing the tyre contours.
Other areas were also taken into account in the aerodynamic development process. These include the functional openings at the front, for example, through which air flows to the radiators in the vehicle front end.
In the ID.7, the air flow is actively controlled by a radiator roller blind in order to reduce the drag.
The electrically operated roller blind opens only when targeted cooling of the power units and battery is required. At the rear, aerodynamic efficiency is ensured by the ideally shaped tailgate and the design of the diffuser and side separation edges.
The ID.7 is expected to launch in Europe and China in fall 2023, with entry into US in early 2024. A wagon version of the ID.7 is also being prepped for launch.
