New Volkswagen ID.3
Prices from £35,700 - Manufacturer's Direct Price
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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 firm hopes will take EV ownership right to the heart of the 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. For 2023 the bonnet of the ID.3 has been reshaped to include sculpted lines and 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 charged to a two-part shape with sections on the boot lid now being 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 ambient lighting which would be a great feature to add as and when you would prefer!
Interior
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 the ID 3 clutter-free.
Exterior
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 give it a lot of presence.
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 more than tick the boxes. It’s set to come with an augmented reality head-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, though launch cars in the UK won’t get it - later models will be the first to receive it. It’s worth hanging in for, however.
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 which is 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 - Manufacturer's Direct Price
The ID.3 GTX is now open for ordering 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 ambient, music and seat massage 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 S Match
Features Include:
- Range up to 349 miles
- 20” Sanya Black diamond- turned surface Alloy Wheels
- Heated front seats
- Matrix LED headlights
- Wireless smartphone charger
- Proactive passenger protection system in combination with Front Assist
- Rear tinted glass
ID.3 GTX Performance
Features Include:
- Range up to 369 miles
- 20” Skagen Black Alloy Wheels
- Heated front seats
- 30 colour ambient lighting
- Progressive steering
- “Harmon Kardon” sound system with a total output of 480 watts.
- Augmented Reality head-up display.
- Power-adjustable lumbar support in front seats.
- Inserts of front seats and outer rear seats in ArtVelours Eco microfleece.
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, that’s for sure, 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, while thanks to rapid charging a 0-80 per cent charge could take 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 top out at 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 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 cutting-edge story around the back, too, where large areas of gloss black trim give the car a distinctive look.
And whereas in brighter colours the ID.3 really does stand out, 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 genuinely useable amount of space, with 385 litres of room on offer.
What’s the spec like?
Initially launched in 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 back to the driver.
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.
How Can We Help?
- At the end of the agreement there are three options: i) pay the optional final payment and own the vehicle; ii) return the vehicle: subject to excess mileage and fair wear and tear, charges may apply; or iii) replace: part exchange the vehicle.With Solutions Personal Contract Plan. 18s+. Subject to availability and status. T&Cs apply. Ordered by 06 January 2025 from participating Retailers who act as Agents on behalf of Volkswagen UK. Maximum 36 month contract. Indemnities may be required. Subject to changes in vehicle or equipment prices. Not available in conjunction with any other finance offer and may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Accurate at time of publication 10/2024. Freepost Volkswagen Financial Services. Vehicle is Sold by Volkswagen UK, a trading division of Volkswagen Group, United Kingdom Limited. When financed with Volkswagen Financial Services, Volkswagen UK will sell the vehicle to Volkswagen Financial Services who will enter into a finance agreement with the customer. On The Road Price stated is the On The Road Cash Price of the vehicle.
- UK residents. £1,000 (incl. VAT) discount off the on the road (OTR) price (appearing as the MDP or Manufacturer Direct Price on the retail invoice). Order by 18/11/24 and taking delivery by 31/12/24. Retail cash and PCP customers only. Cannot be claimed retrospectively against previous orders. Please note that you will need to visit an authorised Volkswagen Retailer (acting as agent for Volkswagen UK) to order, purchase and take delivery of your vehicle. Available in addition to existing offers. Promoter: Volkswagen Group United Kingdom Limited of Yeoman's Drive, Blakelands, Milton Keynes MK14 5AN trading as Volkswagen UK.
- Offer open to private retail customers in UK, aged 18+. Receive one of: a 7kW Ohme Home Pro home EV charger (5m tethered cable), 7kW ePod home EV charger (untethered) or a Volkswagen We Charge by Elli voucher with £500 credit when ordering a new Volkswagen ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, ID.7 or ID.7 Tourer vehicle by 06/01/2025 & take delivery within 3 months. Home EV charger option: available to homeowners or renters with landlord's permission with off-street parking & sufficient electrical capacity. App download & compatible equipment required. Standard installation subject to T&Cs. Must take place between 1 month prior to and 3 months after vehicle handover. Not for commercial use. Upgrade, non-standard installation and cancellation costs may apply. Volkswagen We Charge by Elli Charging option: app download, account creation, subscription, tariff selection & payment details required to activate the credit, credit valid for 3 years & cannot be extended. Incentive must be requested at the point of order & cannot be claimed retrospectively. Not available to fleet customers or customers who purchase a vehicle on Contract Hire with Volkswagen Financial Services. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply.