On electrical performance close together
With the ID.7, Volkswagen introduces the best EV it ever built. With the facelift of the Model 3, Tesla claims to have built the best car it ever delivered. Have the Tesla Model 3 and the Volkswagen ID.7 really become closer?
The Volkswagen ID.7 is a size larger than the Tesla Model 3, right?
Sure, but both cars actually play between the lines a bit. The Volkswagen ID.7 is the size of a Mercedes EQE, but a lot cheaper. A Tesla Model 3 costs as much as an Astra Electric, but is larger and more powerful. In terms of electrical performance, the Tesla Model 3 RWD and the Volkswagen ID.7 are also close to each other. Reason enough to put them side by side.
What are the specifications of the Tesla Model 3 RWD and Volkswagen ID.7?
Specifications are always difficult with Tesla, because you do not get an answer to the question of power or battery capacity. Based on various sources, we assume 281 hp of power at the rear wheels and an LFP battery of approximately 57 kWh net capacity. Volkswagen does provide specifications for the ID.7. The electric motor is located on the rear axle, just like in the Tesla, and delivers 286 hp and 545 Nm. The battery is 77 kWh. On paper, the Volkswagen has more capacity, but because the battery is of the NMC type, it is recommended to charge it to 80 percent instead of 100 percent. In practice you can get further with the ID.7, but if you want to keep the battery in the best condition, the practical range is around 400 kilometers in winter, just like in the Tesla. This is also because the Tesla still works unsurpassedly efficiently.
Any other differences in driving?
Certainly, the Tesla is smaller and lighter and drives a lot sportier. Volkswagen focuses emphatically on comfort with the large, heavy ID.7 and that works very well. It all feels a bit more refined, although Tesla has made progress in this area. And it is considerably cheaper, so it may also have less refinement.
Speaking of refinement, what are the interiors of the Volkswagen ID.7 and Tesla Model 3 like?
As expected. The Volkswagen is a lot nicer and has better seats, Tesla still has the fastest touchscreen on the market. That works fantastic, but at Volkswagen you can personalize it more. At Tesla you always do it the way Tesla wants. Also look at the way you operate the turn signal: with buttons on the steering wheel. That may work in the US, but in a country with many roundabouts it is certainly not a good solution. It fits with the image of a headstrong brand.
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl