reviews October 15, 2025

Volkswagen ID.7 GTX Review: The Electric Passat That Aims Higher

Volkswagen's ID.7 GTX brings performance intent to the brand's flagship electric sedan. We review the dual-motor GTX variant with 395 hp and 400 miles of range.

By Marcus Holloway

Volkswagen’s ID.7 has had an unusual journey. The brand’s first truly dedicated electric mid-size sedan arrived with high expectations—the spiritual successor to the combustion-engine Passat, positioned as the technology flagship for VW’s electric future. But the initial ID.7 launch was hampered by software bugs, build quality concerns, and a price that put it within striking distance of the Tesla Model 3 Performance and BMW i4. For 2025, VW has addressed many of those concerns with a comprehensive refresh and the addition of the sporty GTX variant.

The ID.7 GTX uses the same 86 kWh battery pack as the standard ID.7 but adds a second motor on the front axle, creating an all-wheel-drive system that produces 395 hp and 402 lb-ft of torque—up from the single-motor RWD’s 282 hp. The result is a 0-60 time of 4.9 seconds, meaningfully quicker than the base model and competitive with the Model 3 Performance.

On the Road

The ID.7 GTX drives with the quiet confidence that good electric sedans have perfected. There’s no engine note to mask the road noise—the cabin is remarkably hushed at highway speeds, with wind noise well suppressed thanks to the car’s slippery 0.23 coefficient of drag. The steering is light but communicates adequately, and the adaptive dampers (standard on GTX) offer three modes: Comfort, Sport, and Individual.

In Sport mode, the ID.7 GTX feels more buttoned-down than the bulk of its kerb weight (4,806 pounds) would suggest. Body roll is controlled, the AWD system puts power down cleanly, and the regen braking in its strongest setting enables genuine one-pedal driving. The suspension does transmit some impacts from sharp road imperfections—the passive set-up lacks the sophistication of the air suspension available on competitors—but the ride remains comfortable enough for daily driving.

The interior is a clear step forward from earlier ID. models. The 15-inch central touchscreen runs VW’s latest MIB4 software, which is significantly more responsive and intuitive than earlier versions. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. The ID.7’s augmented reality head-up display projects navigation prompts onto the windshield, making it easy to follow complex highway interchanges without looking away from the road.

Range and Charging

The ID.7 GTX’s 86 kWh battery is rated at 400 miles of EPA range for the RWD model; the AWD GTX drops to 375 miles—still an impressive figure that puts it among the longest-range non-Tesla EVs available in the US. DC fast charging supports up to 200 kW, allowing a 10-80% charge in approximately 28 minutes.

Verdict

The Volkswagen ID.7 GTX is a compelling alternative to the Tesla Model 3 and BMW i4 for buyers who want a larger, more traditionally styled electric sedan. Its 375-mile range, fast charging, and premium interior make it practical, while the dual-motor powertrain adds genuine performance appeal. At $66,995, it’s priced competitively and represents VW’s best effort yet at a truly competitive electric vehicle.

Score: 8/10