VW ID.7 Tourer and BMW i5 Touring: A modern take on a classic model
In recent years, we've seen a significant increase in the availability of electric SUVs on the market, and they have been well-received by consumers. In 2023, SUVs dominated among the most popular company cars, and this trend is expected to continue into 2024. However, the family favorite, the station wagon, has been slow to make its entrance into the electric market.
It now appears that this classic model has received a modern interpretation in 2024 with the launches of the VW ID.7 Tourer and the BMW i5 Touring, and it seems to appeal both to families and business customers.
The ideal family car
The station wagon has long been a favorite among families, and it's easy to see why. With its spacious trunk and extra room for passengers, it is ideal for both daily commutes and longer trips. There's also ample space for a stroller, making it a perfect choice for families with children.
BMW i5 Touring
The BMW i5 Touring is BMW's first fully electric station wagon, offering both space and range. Compared to the BMW i5, which won the 2024 Car of the Year award, it has a larger trunk with 570 liters compared to the sedan's 490 liters. Since trunk capacity is measured below the headrests, the Touring's trunk will seem larger than the 570 liters, and it will also be easier to utilize the space. When the rear seats are folded down, there's room for up to 1700 liters of luggage. However, the backrest cannot be completely flattened, resulting in a trunk that is not entirely flat when extended.
The Touring measures 5,060 mm in length, and its maximum output is 340 hp (250 kW). The range is up to 560 km (WLTP), making it ideal for both family outings and business use. Charging times are also reasonable, with the possibility of fast charging from 10 % to 80 % in just 30 minutes at 205 kW.
VW ID.7 Tourer
The ID.7 Tourer, the latest addition to VW's electric lineup, combines space, performance, and style. It builds on the success of its predecessor, the ID.7, which was named Company Car of the Year 2024. Both models are identical from the outside, measuring 4,961 mm in length with a wheelbase of 2,971 mm, characterized by short overhangs.
The two models differ in the rear section of the roof, where the design of the electric station wagon features a longer curved roofline. This extends far back, increasing height in this area. The combination of the longer roof and the steeper tailgate makes the ID.7 Tourer's trunk capacity even larger.
The trunk can hold 605 liters when the car is loaded to the top of the rear seat backrest, 73 liters more than the fastback version. Folding down the rear seat backrest increases the luggage volume to 1,714 liters.
The ID.7 Pro has a 77 kWh battery pack that can be fast-charged up to 175 kW and recharged from 10 to 80% in 28 minutes. Its range is 604 km. The new VW ID.7 Tourer will be available in summer 2024, with later versions featuring a larger 86 kWh battery and a GTX variant with more horsepower and all-wheel drive.
With the launch of these electric station wagons, it looks like the market has finally taken the next step towards an electric future. Whether for family use or business driving, there are now more options than ever for those who want to drive electric without compromising on space or style.
Is an electric station wagon your next company car?
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