VOLKSWAGEN sold 24,408 of its all-electric ID. models in the UK last year but there's now a new kid on the block - the ID.7 - a long-distance premium cruiser with next generation technology, such as an augmented-reality (AR) head-up display.

At almost five metres long and with a huge wheelbase of almost three metres, the ID.7 delivers previously unseen levels of interior head, leg and shoulder room in an electric Volkswagen fastback.

It also boasts the most powerful electric drive motor yet fitted to an ID. model, with the newly-developed APP550 drive unit offering up to 282bhp and a thumping 545Nm of torque via the rear wheels.

The entry-level ID.7 Pro Match, with a 77kWh battery, is officially said to have a range of more than 380 miles though that is very unlikely in the real world. Expect somewhere between 280-300 miles.

At DC quick-charging stations, enough power for up to 126 miles of driving flows into the battery in just 10 minutes. A battery with a charge level as low as five per cent can be charged to 80 per cent again in less than 30 minutes.

The dominant interior future is the bright 15-inch central display, which is responsive and easier to use than some of the company's previous offerings. And, although the climate controls have unfortunately been swallowed up by the touchscreen, at least they can be permanently displayed at the bottom of the screen.

There are soft-touch materials on the doors and dash and the electric front seats are amazingly comfortable and supportive. Kneeroom in the rear is limo-like.

LED matrix headlights are standard as are wireless smartphone connectivity and a wireless charging pad, a nine-speaker audio system with DAB radio, front and rear parking sensors, plus a 360-degree camera system.

The AR display projects information relevant to the journey, as well as battery charge level and consumption, into the driver's field of vision, so eyes can be kept on the road.

The impressive boot offers 532 litres of space, or a massive 1,586 litres with the rear seats folded down. There's a compartment under the boot floor which isn't particularly deep, but it does stretch all the way back to the rear seats, and can easily accommodate charging cables.

Due to its size, the ID.7 specialises in comfort and refinement rather than outright handling prowess. It is impressively quiet when pootling around and remains so even while chewing up motorway miles. Tyre and wind noise is impressively subdued. Its inherently wide track also aids stability. It's a remarkably serene place to be, so it's good to keep checking your speed.

The ID.7 is rear-wheel drive, so handling and grip is much better than a front-wheel drive EV. Steering is precise. There are three drive modes, Eco, Comfort and Sport, and Individual but there's really no need for anything other than the first two. And, while it's never going to break any speed records, that thumping amount of torque means you can put your foot down at almost any speed and it will pick up without fuss.

The ID.7 is also a very safe space for families, receiving the maximum five-star rating from safety experts Euro NCAP. It's loaded with safety features and assistance technology such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and a rear cross-traffic alert system.

In the ID.7 Pro Match, new Park Assist Plus and the memory function for Park Assist come as standard.

Park Assist Plus enables the driver to receive help when driving into or out of parallel or bay parking spaces. When engaged, the vehicle takes over control of acceleration, braking and steering. In the ID.7, the system adds a new memory function for Park Assist, intended for use when parking on private property. Thanks to the memory function, the system always records the last 50 metres of a journey and, thus, the parking situation.

A new feature is ‘assisted lane changes'. If you're travelling on a motorway at speed and the system decides that a lane change is safe, all the driver needs to do is signal and the car will manoeuvre for you. As long as you're not gripping the wheel too tightly.

Another new development is a standard exit warning system, which, when a car door is opened, alerts its passengers to the presence of vehicles or bikes approaching from behind.

The ID.7 comes with a ‘normal' three-year/60,000 mile warranty and all Volkswagen's electric models come with an eight-year or 100,000-mile battery warranty.