Air-conditioning systems are an integral part of modern cars and ensure pleasant temperatures in all seasons. Volkswagen has gone one step further in its new all-electric ID.7 and for the first time uses an air-conditioning system that performs faster cooling or heating of the vehicle interior before the start of a journey.

Among other things, this is made possible by electronically controlled air vents that distribute the air throughout the vehicle interior as soon as the driver approaches with the key. The new, smart automated air-conditioning system also reacts to voice commands and takes into account the position of the sun as well as individual user preferences. The result is an increase in comfort with which the new electric saloon will set standards in its class.

With a camouflaged concept vehicle, Volkswagen provided a first glimpse of the new ID.7 at the world’s largest consumer electronics show, the CES in Las Vegas earlier this month.

Kai Grunitz, Member of the Brand Board of Management responsible for Development, said: “With the ID.7, we are underlining our goal to offer intelligent technologies and customer-oriented innovations in the high-volume premium midsize segment.”

Quick-reacting smart air vents 

The ID.7 can activate the air-conditioning before passengers get into the vehicle. The vehicle interior is cooled on hot days and heated when it is cold. If the door is opened in conditions with high outside temperatures, smart air vents in the cockpit distribute the air quickly over a large area by means of dynamic horizontal movements.

When the passengers are seated in the car, the air flow can be redirected straight at the body or used for indirect ventilation of the interior space, according to the preference. The ID.7 is the first Volkswagen model with such an intelligent control system.

The ID.7 is the first Volkswagen model with such an intelligent control system.

The climate control function is located on the uppermost operating level of the new 38-centimetre (15-inch) infotainment display of the ID.7. This means that it is always visible and can be activated by simple tap of a finger. Using the clear air-conditioning context menu, all smart air vents can be digitally controlled at the outlets. The strength and direction of air movements can be adjusted intuitively and saved individually. The temperature can be controlled by means of backlit touch sliders.

Digitally controlled system reacts to voice commands
The digitally controlled air-conditioning system can be activated by voice control. Special wishes are stored as ‘Smart Climates’. For example, a program is selected that activates the steering wheel heating if the command “Hello Volkswagen, my hands are cold” is spoken. This will initiate warm air directed at the hands on the steering wheel for around five minutes.

The individual user preferences are saved as ‘Personalisations’ in the ID.7. This includes the settings made for the automatic air conditioning system. This is especially practical if the vehicle will be used by multiple drivers.

When the automatic function is activated, the smart system reacts to its climatic surroundings. For example, a sensor in the area of the windscreen detects the incident angle of the sunlight in conditions with high outside temperatures and high solar intensity. If the sun is shining strongly onto one side of the vehicle, the ID.7 adapts the air-conditioning to an even greater extent for the warmer zones: first towards the respective area of the vehicle interior, and then in a second step specifically towards the vehicle occupants.

ID.7 market launch in Q2 this year
Following the ID.3, ID.4, ID.5 and ID.62 (only in China) and the ID. Buzz3, the ID.7 will be the sixth model of the all-electric ID. family. After the ID.4, it will be the second global vehicle from Volkswagen based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB). The world premiere of the ID.7 is scheduled for the second quarter of 2023. The market launch of the electric saloon in China and Europe is planned for this year. North America will follow in 2024.