From one single model, the ID.3 hatch, launched in 2019, VW’s electric car range has mushroomed into an entire family of models, each of a different size and shape. So far we’ve had SUVs, minivans and a Tesla Model 3-rivalling sedan, and very soon that will be joined by the ID.7 Tourer you see here doing a bad job of disguising itself from our spy photographers.
Essentially a production version of 2019’s ID. Space Vizzion concept wagon, you can think of the ID.7 Tourer as a sexier, electric alternative to the new Passat. The new-for-2024 Passat is only sold as a wagon, and only with combustion and plug-in hybrid powertrains, so the two cars should complement (rather than cannibalize) each other.
They even look more than a little alike, with low rooflines and curvy rear quarter panels, though they’re entirely different under the skin. While the Passat rides on the latest MQB evo platform like the new Tiguan whose powertrains it share, the ID.7 Tourer uses the same MEB electric car platform used on the ID.3, ID.4, ID.Buzz, Audi Q4, Skoda Enyaq and more.
Related: VW ID.7 Tourer Is An Electric Wagon Coming To Europe In 2024
Though more versions will inevitably follow, VW has so far only confirmed one powertrain configuration for the ID.7, that being a single motor setup that sends 282 hp (210 kW / 286 PS) to the rear wheels, and is hooked up to the buyer’s choice of 77 or 86 kWh batteries offering a WLTP range of 382 miles (615 km) and 435 miles (700 km).
The Tourer’s range won’t be quite that impressive because the wagon body will be slightly heavier and less aerodynamic, though not be much in the case of the latter. VW quotes a drag factor of 0.23 Cd for the liftback sedan and a still-slippery 0.24 for the Tourer. The wagon gets it own back when it comes to trunk space, anyway. VW has already confirmed that the Tourer will swallow 545 liters (19.2 cu-ft) with the seats up and 1,714 lt (60.5 cu-ft) with them folded down, compared with 532 liters (18.8 cu-ft) and 1,586 liters (56 cu-ft) for the sedan.
But for all EVs’ supposed packaging advantages, the ID.7 wagon still can’t match the ICE Passat wagon for cargo capacity: the trad-tourer can accommodate 1,920 liters (67.8 cu-ft) of fridge-freezer, wardrobe and grandfather clock with its seats dropped forward.
Pricing and availability
One factor that might influence the buying decision of any drivers considering both the Passat and ID.7 is the likely gulf in price. If, as expected, VW places a couple of grand premium on the Tourer body, the base price of an ID.7 in Germany will swell from €56,995 ($61,363) to almost €60,000 ($64,600). The (far less powerful) entry-level Passat, however, costs just €44,495 ($47,905), and even the top-spec R-Line diesel only comes in at €53,470 ($57,600). That’s something only Europeans will have to worry about because neither model is coming to North America, but the ID.7 sedan will arrive in U.S. dealers next year.
