Searching
When it comes to rule-breaking new cars, the ID.3 is right up there.
It’s Volkswagen’s next-generation electric hatchback and it’s one that the manufacturer hopes will take EV ownership mainstream. As you’d imagine there’s a lot to learn about it, so let’s dive in and take a look. The Volkswagen ID.3 has recently undergone a mid-life update which brings a slightly updated look, new tech features and a higher-quality interior. The bonnet of the ID.3 has been reshaped to include sculpted lines and the sheet metal now goes all the way up to the base of the windscreen.
The front bumper has also been reshaped, with air curtains added at the edges and the rear lights have been altered to include a two-part shape - sections on the boot lid are now illuminated. Additionally, new alloy wheel designs have been included and a new colour, Dark Olivine Green, complete the visual changes. Volkswagen has also added the ability to subscribe to ‘function on demand’ allowing the driver to buy or rent features after purchasing the car. This includes the 30-color interior ambient lighting.
Interior Design
If you’ve seen the cabin of the latest, eighth-generation Golf then the ID.3’s interior will be instantly familiar. It shares much of the same architecture and design, in fact, which means the cockpit is dominated by screens, which replace the vast majority of buttons you might be used to finding.
Because it lacks a regular transmission, the centre of the car is free to be used for storage - so there are cup holders and deep storage bins where you’d usually find the arm rest. It should help to keep your ID.3 clutter-free and provide ample space for belongings.
Exterior Design
The exterior design of the ID.3 is a wonderful blend of concept-car looks and current Volkswagen vehicle styling. The front LED running lights seem to lead directly into the front ‘grille’ - the ID.3 doesn’t need a conventional grille as there’s no engine to cool - while large alloy wheels help to bring to design together as a finishing touch.
Around the back, the ID.3 looks exceptionally close in design to the Golf, but that’s no bad thing - we like the look of Volkswagen’s well-known hatch - so we’re inclined to say the same about the ID.3 too.
e-technology
If it’s technology you’re after, then the ID.3 will should check all of the boxes. It’s set to come with an augmented reality heads-up display, which allows a projection to be displayed on a large proportion of the windscreen. It’s being included to help with elements such as navigation without needing to turn your head away from the road, though launch cars in the UK won’t get it - later models will be the first to receive it. It’s something that’s definitely worth hanging on for!
Volkswagen has also included a comprehensive voice command system in the ID.3, which is capable of controlling a vast number of features in the car.
A new kind of motion
Though more motor options are due to arrive later on, the ID.3 is being launched with just one powertrain choice and that’s a 201bhp version - capable of returning a claimed 260 miles. There’s due to be a larger battery version arriving later and this will return more than 300 miles from a single charge, but even this mid-range ID.3’s range is enough for most journeys.
It’ll accept a 100kW DC fast charge too, which Volkswagen says, is enough to add 180 miles of range in just 30 minutes.
New Volkswagen ID.3 GTX
Price from £46,225
The ID.3 GTX is now open for pre-order and features dynamic styling cues reminiscent of previous GTX models. Notable styling highlights such as honeycomb grilles, high gloss black body styling elements, distinctive 20-inch alloy wheels and a sporty interior that compliments the GTX design.
Equipped with the latest MIB 4.0 infotainment hardware and software. Complete with freely customisable favourites buttons and illuminated slider controls. The system integrates with ChatGPT to offer near limitless access to online information and resources, as well as featuring Volkswagen’s new Wellness app which optimises vehicle features like ambience, music and seat massagers to enhance driver comfort during both driving and charging sessions.
What trim levels are available on the Volkswagen ID.3?
ID.3 Pro Essential
Features Include:
- Range up to 270 miles
- 18” Aero Steel Wheels
- LED headlights
- High Beam Assist
- 2 USB-C ports in the front and 2 in rear
- Car2X - intelligent vehicle networking
- Front Assist
- 10 colour ambient lighting
- Remote electrically foldable door mirrors
ID.3 Pro Match
Features Include:
- Range up to 268 miles
- 19” East Derry Alloy Wheels
- Wireless smartphone charger
- Matrix LED headlights
- Advanced dynamic light assist for LED Matrix headlights
- Discover Pro Navigation System
- Rear view camera
ID.3 Pro S Essential
Features Include:
- Range up to 356 miles
- 19” Wellington Alloy Wheels
- Art velours Comfort seat trim covers
- ergoActive seats in front with power adjustment, memory feature and adjustable thigh support
- Power-adjustable lumbar support in front seats
- Welcome light
ID.3 Pro Match
Features Include:
- Range up to 268 miles
- 19” East Derry Alloy Wheels
- Wireless smartphone charger
- Matrix LED headlights
- Advanced dynamic light assist for LED Matrix headlights
- Discover Pro Navigation System
- Rear view camera
ID.3 Pro S Essential
Features Include:
- Range up to 356 miles
- 19” Wellington Alloy Wheels
- Art velours Comfort seat trim covers
- ergoActive seats in front with power adjustment, memory feature and adjustable thigh support
- Power-adjustable lumbar support in front seats
- Welcome light
Search our current VW ID.3 offers
What is the Volkswagen ID.3?
You know Volkswagen is serious when it starts referring to a new model in the same breath as both the Beetle and the Golf. But that’s just how the company sees its first bespoke EV - the ID.3. It’s a big moment for Volkswagen as this latest car signals some real intent to move away from combustion engines towards a fully electric future.
The question is, does the ID.3 deliver? We’ve been out behind the wheel to find out.
What’s new?
Well, pretty much everything in truth. Though Volkswagen has produced electric models in the past - the e-Golf and e-Up! being two main highlights - this is the first time that it has produced an EV from the ground up, bringing a dedicated platform and a dedicated powertrain.
As such, the ID.3 brings all of the positives of an electric vehicle without the constraints of having to fit within an existing structure.
What’s under the bonnet?
‘Our’ ID.3 was powered by a 150kW electric motor combined with a 58kWh battery, producing a healthy 201bhp and 310Nm of torque. Volkswagen claims that the package should return up to 260 miles per charge, whilst rapid charging allows a 0-80% charge in as little as 30 minutes when using a 100kW charger. However, if you’re planning to charge via a home wallbox, then you’re looking at around nine and a half hours for a completely full charge. The ID.3 will also manage zero to 60mph in seven seconds and reach a top speed of 99mph.
What’s it like to drive?
As we’ve found with many other electric vehicles, the driving experience in the ID.3 has been designed to be as simple as possible. There’s no real need to use the key to get it started; all you need to do is sit in the car, click the side gear controller into ‘D’ and you’re away. It’s as simple as that - there’s not even a need to use the starter button.
There’s nippy performance to take advantage of too, with the ID.3 rear-wheel-drive setup giving the car a certain nimbleness through the bends. It’s got that trademark electric punch from a dead stop, too, though it’s got more than enough shove at higher speeds too. The only real issue resides with the forward pillars which are quite thick and can be tricky to see around.
How does it look?
Up against more ‘regular’ traffic, the ID.3 really does stand out. The full light bar across the front of the car is a genuine talking point and looks particularly futuristic at night. It’s a similarly story around the back too, where large areas of gloss black trim give the car a distinctive look.
Brighter colours is where the ID.3 really does stand out, but you can opt for a slightly more subdued shade and it does the trick of being a ‘regular’ Volkswagen remarkably well.
What’s it like inside?
As we’ve already mentioned, the ID.3 is based on a completely bespoke platform which means that it has been designed with the electric powertrain in mind. It allows the ID.3 to deliver plenty of interior space, with a back row which features a decent amount of legroom given the overall size of the car.
Our only quibble is with the location of the light controls; they’ve been placed between the main infotainment screen and the steering wheel, making them hard to access and difficult to operate when on the move. The boot even has a good amount of space, with 385 litres of room to offer.
What’s the spec like?
Initially launched with the 1st Edition trim, the ID.3 arrives with a 10.0-inch infotainment display which incorporates media and navigation functions, as well as many of the heating and ventilation systems. It’s this latter area which takes the most getting used to. During our time with the car, even making slight alterations to the cabin temperature took a few minutes of delving into the systems to do. There’s also a 5.3-inch display ahead of the driver which relays key information such as range and battery charge levels.
Verdict
Volkswagen has really pulled it out of the bag with the ID.3, producing a well-rounded EV which doesn’t feature many trade-offs against a conventionally-powered car. Though these initial versions at more than £35,000 represent a reasonably expensive proposition, Volkswagen has already announced lower-powered models with just as much range - and it’s these which we predict will prove genuinely popular.
Though it may have put the ID.3 in the same vein as the Beetle and Golf, Volkswagen has ensured that its latest EV has lived up to the hype.
If you’d like to find out more about this car and would like to take it for a test drive, get in touch with our team today and they’d be happy to talk your through all of the features this car has to offer and how it can fit into your lifestyle. With many years of experience under our belts, we’ve seen a range of cars introduced to the market, so have plenty of knowledge and experience to help you make the right choice.