Volkswagen is gearing up to unveil its next all-electric model, the ID.7, and has announced the new model will be the first to receive next-generation electric motors that will be more powerful, hopefully elevating the ID.7 to the same level as rivals like the Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Ioniq 6. VW claims the motors, which carry the internal designation APP550, are the most powerful and highest-torque motors of any VW ID. model yet. Last month, VW announced it would develop next-gen electric drive systems in-house, and this will be the first visible fruit thereof.

The ID.7 will officially debut on April 17 and has now entered its final phase of testing, sporting its unique multi-color digi-camo garb as final prep work takes place in the Spanish countryside.

Like the ID.4 and ID. Buzz, the ID.7 rides on VW's MEB platform but will be the first sedan on the platform and one of the largest vehicles on it - roughly the same size as the now-defunct Passat.

Depending on the battery size, the ID.7 will supposedly achieve a range of about 435 miles (700 kilometers) on the WLTP testing cycle, which is less stringent than EPA testing. It's not official just yet, but VW claims a charging capacity of up to 200 kW will be possible. That would mean even a 100 kWh battery could be charged fully in under half an hour.

Aside from the goals of maximum range and charging capabilities, VW designed the ID. 7 to be comfortable with "limousine driving dynamics" courtesy of the available adaptive chassis control system. Owners will have several driving mode options at their disposal, which VW describes as "a large spread between comfort and sportiness."

VW will rely upon variable-ratio steering (dubbed Progressive Steering by the Germans), optional adaptive chassis control, and a new driving dynamics manager to help tailor driving modes to conditions ranging from long-distance trips to spirited canyon carving.

Volkswagen has now divulged a bit more information about the interior too, which is headlined by the ergoActive seats with up to 14 adjustments, built-in climate control, and a new massage function. The climate control functions automatically detect occupant temperature and moisture and adjust the heating and/or ventilation properties of the seats to maintain ideal comfort levels. In tandem with the ID.7's innovative new climate control system, we're expecting premium levels of comfort from what will be considered a mainstream EV.

The size of the instrument cluster has been reduced, and vital pieces of driving information are located behind the steering wheel. There's also an augmented reality head-up display. One area where the ID.4 could notably use some improvement is the infotainment system, and it sounds like VW has taken some constructive criticism to heart.

The ID. 7's unit measures 15 inches diagonally, and its "operating concept has been fundamentally redesigned." Freely configurable direct access buttons have also been added. However, the touch slider volume controls remain, suggesting the ID.7 will not benefit from the physical volume dial from the ID. 2all concept that will roll out into other VW models later this year.

We'll learn a lot more about the ID.7 later this month and whether or not it'll have what it takes to be a serious rival to the segment-leading Tesla Model 3.