The Volkswagen ID.7 Will Offer Mega Comfortable ergoActive Seats

The upcoming Volkswagen ID.7 electric saloon will offer a new generation of comfort, thanks to the new ergoActive premium seats developed by physiotherapists.

Achieving optimal travel comfort stood as a paramount objective throughout the development phase of the ID.7, Volkswagen's inaugural electric offering within the upper mid-sized class.

A crucial contribution to this heightened comfort level comes from the novel optional ergoActive premium seats, which have garnered certification from the German Campaign for Healthier Backs (AGR).

These innovative front seats seamlessly merge comfort with cutting-edge massage programs, automatic air conditioning, and a sophisticated activation function targeting muscle groups in the spine and pelvic regions.

A new generation of comfort

In crafting the new generation of seats for the ID.7, Volkswagen's engineers collaborated closely with experts from the German Campaign for Healthier Backs (AGR).

By partnering with orthopaedic specialists, physiotherapists, and sports scientists from AGR, they successfully designed Volkswagen's maiden front seats with the ability to activate the pelvis and spine.

In addition to incorporating ten air cushions within the backrests for pressure point massage, this achievement primarily stems from the utilization of two alternating air cushions within the seat itself. These cushions work in tandem with the massage function, alleviating tension and mitigating the effects of prolonged sitting.

Ulrich Kuhnt, consultant to AGR and Chair of the German Association of Back Schools, elucidates:

"Elevating the sit bones induces a pelvic tilt, resulting in a subtle rotation of the spine, complemented by the air cushions in the back. These subtle movements extend up to the cervical spine, preventing the build-up of tension and enhancing concentration."

This long-term benefit extends to vehicle occupants, as Kuhnt points out:

"Spinal torsion stimulates metabolic processes in the spinal discs. Coupled with the stochastically controlled massage programs, this promotes back-friendly, dynamic sitting."

Premium seats with a massage function for long journeys

The ID.7 sets a new benchmark in the upper mid-sized class with its pioneering front seats. In addition to the distinctive pelvic activation feature, the ergoActive premium seats offer pneumatic pressure point massages.

This feature aids in the relaxation and activation of back muscles, achieved through two rows of five air cushions. Tailoring the massage function to individual preferences is facilitated by specific program sequences ranging from 10 to 30 minutes.

Electric 12-way seat adjustments, manual two-way seat depth adjustment with thigh support, and a memory function further empower front-seat occupants to find their ideal seating positions.

Dynamic air conditioning functions

Enhancing one's vitality and alertness during journeys, the ergoActive premium seats also introduce dynamic air conditioning.

This unique system regulates the seat cushion and backrest independently, allowing for individualized heating and ventilation. The synergy between these functions now permits the creation of a personalized seat temperature in automatic mode.

This is achieved by monitoring temperature and moisture levels within the seat-passenger contact zone and factoring in other climate-related variables and user preferences. Besides automatic mode, users can select from three intelligent climate settings: warm, dry, or cool.

This close-to-body heating and cooling feature not only promotes passenger well-being but also operates more efficiently than adjusting the temperature for the entire vehicle interior.

Easy-to-access controls

Controlling these functions is straightforward, with multiple options at your disposal.

The ergoActive premium seats can be directly operated using seat-mounted buttons, and the infotainment system display provides easy access to the seats' programs. In the second row of seats in the ID.7, three settings allow for the heating of seat cushions and backrests, controlled through console-mounted buttons.

These exceptional seats are included as part of the optional interior package Plus. The ID.7's configurability is further enhanced by a range of optional, intuitively designed equipment packages.

The ergoActive premium seats can be incorporated into the ID.7 with the optional interior package Plus, available for 4,450 euros or £3,880.

The Plus package also encompasses features like a 700-Watt Harman Kardon sound system (comprising 14 high-end loudspeakers, including a front centre speaker and subwoofer in the luggage compartment) and a 30-colour background lighting system.

The Volkswagen ID.7 luxury saloon EV (electric vehicle) is due to go on sale sometime in 2024.