Volkswagen payments its just-debuted iD.7 Tourer because the “electrical all-rounder of a brand new period.” The identical press launch acknowledges that, surprisingly, the electrical property automotive phase is in some way burgeoning. The brand new VW product joins the i5 Touring, Taycan Cross Turismo, and extra as “one of many world’s first electrical property automobiles within the higher mid-sized class.” It’s not unfaithful, nevertheless it’s positively somewhat little bit of a stretch. Both method, right here’s how the brand new VW iD.7 Tourer compares to the i5 Touring, the latest EV wagon from BMW.

Exterior Design

First up: is the i5 Touring bigger or smaller than the latest Touring from VW? Properly, most exterior particulars of the iD.7 Tourer carry over from the sedan/fastback model. So, it stands to cause that the i5 Touring is barely longer, measuring 5,060 mm in comparison with the VW’s 4,961 mm. It’s a bit wider, too – 1,900 mm in comparison with 1,862 mm. Regardless of being shorter and narrower, the ID.7 Tourer sits 21 mm greater, at 1,536 mm excessive.

Each autos have wheels starting from 18 to 21 inches. They’ll each supply enough curb enchantment, too, with fashionable options like LED lights and huge, apparent air intakes. The BMW includes a considerably conventional grille, however the iD.7 Tourer will get only a gentle bar throughout the entrance. What does all of it imply? The i5 appears somewhat sportier than the VW. That may doubtless come by means of in how the automobile drives, too. Particularly in probably the most aggressive trim, the i5 M60 xDrive Touring.

Inside Design and Expertise

Inside, the wagons are surprisingly related. Each prominently show a touchscreen within the heart and use a completely digital instrument cluster. The VW’s is barely much less apparent, shrinking into the sprint as an alternative of being positioned upon it like within the BMW.

Each wagons supply options like an augmented actuality head-up show, app connectivity, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. Maybe the most important distinction is the middle console. The place BMW locations conventional iDrive controls, the iD.7 Tourer merely has a big storage bin and armrest. Every additionally provides some unique tech. Within the i5, it’s video video games through the AirConsole platform; the VW provides on-board ChatGPT.

The iD.7 Tourer provides barely extra cupboard space than the BMW i5 Touring while you fold the seats down; you’ll get 1,700 liters within the i5 and 1,714 within the VW. With the seats upright, you’ll nonetheless have extra room to play within the iD.7 Tourer. It grants 605 liters in comparison with 570 within the BMW i5 Touring. Each supply luxurious options like a pano sunroof. The 2 are so related it’s truly exhausting to inform them aside with out the badge on the steering wheel. In the end, I want the i5 for its bodily iDrive controls, a useful redundancy.

Efficiency

Each the i5 and VW can be found at two completely different efficiency ranges. The i5 eDrive40 DC fees at as much as 205 kW, replenishing 150 km of vary in round 10 minutes. The iD.7 Tourer, when geared up with its 86 kWh battery, can cost at as much as 200 kW. So, little real-world distinction. There will probably be a shorter-range, doubtless extra inexpensive model of the iD.7 Tourer, however there’s no official vary or battery dimension given.

Up to now, solely the 282-horsepower variant of the iD.7 Tourer is confirmed for manufacturing. That’s down in comparison with the i5 eDrive40, which ought to make 340 horsepower (doubtlessly extra with xDrive). A 551-horsepower idea exists, however we’ll have to attend and see whether or not or not that’s one thing that comes anyplace close to manufacturing. Nonetheless, there in all probability gained’t be a lot competitors for the i5 M60 xDrive because of its RWD-biased xDrive system, 601 horsepower (442 kW), and an electronically-limited high velocity of 230 km/h.

Closing Ideas

The iD.7 Tourer, whereas apparently a aggressive entry into the premium property phase, doesn’t fairly have the fashion – or punch – to maintain up with BMW. Granted, it can additionally boast a extra approachable price ticket – round €60,000 in Germany, in comparison with the €72,000 i5 Touring. Sadly, neither will make it to America. Both method, it’s good to know that longroof lovers worldwide can have selections – even when deciding to embrace the EV revolution. Which might you select?