The all-new Volkswagen ID.3

September 1, 2023 EV Powered

Last month, Volkswagen launched its brand new, upgraded ID.3 and here is everything you need to know about it.

Volkswagen unveiled the ID. brand back in 2019 when it showcased its first fully electric MEB based vehicle, the original ID.3, at the Frankfurt Motor Show, with customer deliveries beginning early next year.

Since then, the automaker has become one of the biggest players in the electric vehicle market, with the likes of the ID.4, the ID.5 and the ID.Buzz, all of which have been reviewed on the EV Powered YouTube channel.

Volkswagen has plans to release ten new e-models by 2026, and that begins with an upgraded ID.3 model.

It is the second coming of the ID.3, which was originally named to signify the three generations of VW (the air cooled Beetle, water cooled Golf, and then the new era of electrification).

So, why has Volkswagen decided to upgrade the ID.3? And what can we expect?

Back by popular demand

Volkswagen Group has increased all-electric deliveries by 48% in H1 2023 globally, with 321,600 BEVs handed to customers in 2023 vs 217,200 in the same period in 2022.

Europe had the strongest growth, with an increase of 68% year-on-year to 217,100 BEVs. In terms of the most popular models, the ID.4 and ID.5 were the most successful Volkswagen BEV models in H1 2023 with 101,200 sales.

However, despite being the oldest model in its lineup, the ID.3 is the second most successful BEV model within the Group, selling 49,800 units.

Across the wider electric vehicle market, there is demand for smaller, more affordable electric vehicles as well, with the likes of the MG4 EV, the Fiat 500e, and a whole host of other models entering the sector.

The market had become saturated with SUVs and crossovers, as can been seen with Volkswagen’s ID.4, ID.5 and ID.7 models, but the brand seems to be adapting to the new trend in the industry with the re-release of the ID.3.

ID.3 in-depth

Volkswagen’s 2023 ID.3 will be available in Pro (58 kWh) and Pro S (77 kWh) model trims, with a few tweaks to the exterior design and a revamped interior.

The Pro S model will feature a range of 347 miles and the same motor and battery configuration as before, with a 204hp motor driving the rear wheels, delivering 310NM torque and a 0-62mph time of 7.9 seconds with the Pro S.

The cars design has been given a more ‘grown up’ feeling, with Volkswagen removing the decals on the side, with a sharper bonnet design and a new bumper with ‘air curtains’ to improve aerodynamics.

The ID.3’s interior has been revamped with a newly designed dashboard as standard, with a 10-inch infotainment display. The software for displays has also been updated, which should improve operational performance as previous ID. models had been guilty of ‘laggy’ screens.

An optional AR head-up display will also be available, along with Travel Assist with swarm data and Park Assist Plus with a memory function.

The standard ID.3 will come kitted out, however, with an adaptive cruise control system, LKED headlights with beam assist and ErgoActive design seats.

In terms of the furnishings, 71% of materials inside the car are recycled, with foam cushioned surfaces giving the car a more premium feel. There is also an option for a large glass panel that stretches over the entire width of the roof, with tinted glass and a sun blind.

The ID.3 will also be bi-directional charging ready, with a charging capacity of up to 170kW. The new ID. 3 01 also offers Plug & Charge capability. This makes charging at quick-charging stations or at home even more convenient as the vehicle registers itself at a charging station with the Plug & Charge function and activates the station – the charging process then starts automatically.

Pricing

Prices for the new Volkswagen ID.3 start from £37,115 for the Pro spec, with prices rising to £42,870 for the Pro S.

Head-to-head, the Pro S has a greater range, offering an WLTP-official 347 miles in comparison to the Pro’s 266 mile range.

Both models come with High Beam Assist, automatic sensing for switching between dipped and main beam; Wireless smartphone charger; 10 colour ambient lighting;

Remote electrically foldable door mirrors, puddle lights and reverse activated passenger’s door mirror.