Overview

The term ‘executive car’ apparently originated in the UK in the 1960s and was a marketing strategy targeting businessmen and professionals. Companies would lure in senior employees with exec vehicles while lowering tax costs for by filling it as a business expense. Traditionally they were large cars that prioritised comfort and offered fabulous driving experiences. The same rules apply today, except they have much more in common with luxury cars than they used to. Why am I explaining all this to you? Well the Volkswagen ID.7 fits into this category.

Volkswagen's flagship sedan carries that executive-car lineage into the electric age. It’s spacious, refined and built for effortless long-distance travel, prioritising comfort, tech, and efficiency over flashiness. But is it any good? We do 'business' in it for a week to find out! 

Driving

Behind the wheel, the ID.7 Pro Match feels composed. The single rear-mounted electric motor delivers 210kW and a generous 402lb-ft of torque, giving flexible performance without being excessively sporty. Acceleration is brisk enough for overtakes, though not neck-snapping, and the one-speed automatic transmission is seamless and well-calibrated.

The ride is impressively agile, and the suspension soaks up bumps and road irregularities with ease, making the car feel more like a luxury cruiser than a typical everyday EV. Noise insulation is very good, with wind and road roar well suppressed even at motorway speeds.

Handling is balanced, and because it is rear wheel drive it feels planted. So, while it's no sports saloon, it's very much capable of confident, relaxed driving on long stretches. The steering is precise and well-weighted for this kind of car, not overly sharp but more than adequate for its role.

Range and running costs

The ID.7 Pro Match has a 77kWh usable battery and based on VW’s spec sheets a WLTP combined range of around 380 miles. However, in real-world driving I found about 320 miles achievable in mixed conditions. When pushed on the motorway I measured efficiency around 3.6 mi/kWh, giving a usable cruising range in the region of 275–280 miles in that context.

In terms of charging, the ID.7 Pro has a maximum DC charging rate of 175kW. VW claims that a 10–80 per cent charge can take as little as 28 minutes. Using an 11kW AC charger (three-phase), a full 0–100 per cent charge takes around 8 hours.

Design

The ID.7 boasts sleek, aerodynamic fastback styling, low and long, with minimal drag. The 19″ Hudson alloy wheels (on Match trim) strike a good balance between visual presence and efficiency. The overall design is understated but elegant, it doesn’t shout, but it absolutely looks like a premium EV.

Inside, the cabin is spacious and thoughtfully designed. Materials feel high quality with soft-touch surfaces, well-finished plastics and a sense of solidity throughout. Standard equipment in the Pro Match includes a 15-inch touchscreen for infotainment and navigation, an augmented reality head-up display, area-view and rear-view cameras, and heated front seats.

The centre console is clean, and the air vents are subtle but effective. The ambient lighting also adds a touch of modern elegance, while keyless access makes day-to-day usability smoother.

Technology is another strong point. The ID voice assistant, advanced driver-assist systems, and a digital cockpit make the car feel very modern. My only complaint is some slider controls (e.g. for heating) lack backlighting, which can make them hard to find during night driving.

Comfort and practicality

Space-wise, the ID.7 delivers. Rear legroom is generous, and despite the fastback profile, the headroom is good too. The boot holds 532 litres with the rear seats upright, which is already generous for a saloon, and folding the rear seats increases the space up to 1586 litres. 

Seats are comfortable on long journeys and the heated front seats are a welcome inclusion in Match trim. Cabin layout is also well-considered, with controls and switches logically and intuitively placed.

For long-distance driving especially, the combination of comfort, tech and range makes the ID.7 very compelling. That said, its long wheelbase and size mean it’s not the most nimble car in narrow city streets or tight parking situations.

Verdict

The Volkswagen ID.7 Pro Match is a compelling choice for anyone who needs a practical, executive-level EV without stepping into the luxury marque segment. Its real-world range, especially on long motorway runs, is strong for its battery size. The ride is refined, the cabin is spacious and well-built, and the tech is modern and helpful.

While it doesn’t charge as fast as some newer EVs with 800-volt architectures, and the heat pump is not standard which is extremely mean for the price tag, the overall package is hard to fault for its target audience. If you're looking for a sleek, long-range EV for business or family use and want something with the feel of a premium sedan, then the ID.7 Pro Match is worthy of consideration.

Key Specs

ID.7 Pro Match 77 kWh

Price: £51,550 – £61,980 (depending on trim)
Top speed: 112mph
0-62mph: 6.5 seconds
Power: 210kW
Torque: 402lb-ft
Driving range (combined): 383 miles
AC Charging time: 8hr (11 kW, 0-100%)
DC Charging time: 28min to 80% (175 kW)
Insurance group: 38E
Vehicle warranty: 3 years / 60,000 miles
Battery warranty: 8 years / 100,000miles