AN electric car with a range claimed to be in excess of 430 miles has been unveiled by Volkswagen in the shape of its new ID.7 - the brand's first global electric model for the upper mid-size class.

Almost five metres long, the ID.7 launch is planned for this year in Europe and China, and from 2024 in North America.

Prices and full data are still to be revealed but the ID.7 is expected to come in at around £50,000 making it the flagship of the VW's electric ID. family.

Thomas Schäfer, chief executive of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, said: "With the ID.7 we are taking the next step in our electric offensive.

"The limousine offers a high level of comfort and long ranges. Already by 2026, we will offer the widest electric range of all manufacturers in Europe - from the entry-level model for less than 25,000 euros up to the ID.7 as the new top model within the ID. family.

"Our goal is to achieve an electric car share of 80 per cent in Europe by 2030. As from 2033, Volkswagen will produce only electric vehicles in Europe."

With streamlined looks the ID.7 appears more as a fastback than saloon and has a long wheelbase and short overhangs to maximise interior space.

It is the first Volkswagen with a new operating and display system and features a 15-inch display screen, an augmented reality head-up display and a new air conditioning operating concept integrated on the top level of the infotainment system with freely assignable favourites buttons.

A new panoramic sunroof with smart glass can be switched between opaque and transparent settings by touch control and can also be operated by means of natural voice commands using VW's new IDA voice assistant.

The front seats are also a new development and for the first time in a Volkswagen, they optionally offer adaptive seat Climatronic - with cooling or heating as required and also a drying function.

The vehicle is also fitted with a Travel Assist system with swarm data which can take over lateral and longitudinal control of the ID.7 as needed. Volkswagen developed this feature together with CARIAD, the software company of the VW Group.

If desired VW says the ID.7 can also use Travel Assistto support assisted lane changing on the multi-lane motorway at speeds above 55mph. The driver monitors this, but the strain of driving is significantly reduced.

When it comes to parking, the electric Volkswagen can independently perform assisted manoeuvres in different ways including using a memory functionover a distance of up to 50 metres. For this, the driver either remains sitting in the ID.7 or monitors the parking procedure from outside the vehicle using a smartphone app.