Refreshed Volkswagen ID 3 electric car gets revised looks, a longer range and new technology. Here’s everything you need to know, including the price, specs and release date...
On sale Autumn 2023 | Price from £39,000 (est.)
As the saying goes, “small changes can make a big difference,” and the updated Volkswagen ID 3 electric car follows that wisdom, because it’s been given a series of subtle tweaks to boost its appeal.
One big change is that the new ID 3 has a choice of two battery sizes, rather than the three available in the current car. No matter which battery option you go for, you get a 201bhp electric motor driving the rear wheels.
The entry-level model, badged ID 3 Pro, has a 58kWh battery, with an official range of 264 miles, a 0-62mph time of 7.3sec and a top speed of 99mph. That gives it quicker acceleration than the MG4 but not the Cupra Born or the Tesla Model 3.
The current ID 3 in 58kWh guise covered 226 miles in our real range test and we expect the updated version to achieve a similar figure in real-world conditions.
The other battery option is a 77kWh version called the ID 3 Pro S, which has an official range of up to 339 miles. That’s further than any version of the Renault Zoe but not as far as the 77kWh version of the Born can officially manage.
The ID 3 Pro can be charged at rates of up to 120kW while the Pro S can manage up to 170kW. That means that if you use a powerful enough charging point, a 5-80% charge in the Pro could take as little as 35 minutes – and even less in the Pro S.
Visually, there’s not a lot to differentiate the next ID 3 from the current model, but small touches include a newly designed front end that features larger air intakes for a more angular look. There will also be optional LED headlights designed to look like human eyes and interact with the driver by swivelling from side to side when the car is locked or unlocked.
Inside, the ID 3 features a minimalist interior and sustainably sourced materials. The dashboard is dominated by a 12.9in touchscreen infotainment system, and a 5.3in driver’s display screen is placed behind the steering wheel.
The absence of buttons means that all functions are carried out through the touchscreen or by giving voice commands. The current ID 3’s infotainment system is not one of the best – we found the software laggy and confusing to use when we tested it. We also prefer more physical controls because they are less distracting to use when you’re driving.
Also available is a new smart Electric Vehicle Route Planner, which schedules charging stops on long journeys depending on the current traffic situation. For example, it might suggest two shorter stops at fast chargers, rather than one much longer one at a slower unit.
The latest ID 3 is the same size as its predecessor, so space in the front and rear is plentiful, even for taller passengers. And there’s enough space in the boot for transporting a buggy as well as your weekly shopping.
Safety and assistance features include driver alerts for hazards and accidents, as well as Travel Assist and Park Assist Plus, which can carry out lane changes and provide steering support when manoeuvring in and out of tight parking spaces.
In terms of cost, the ID 3 makes an appealing option for private buyers thanks to slow predicted depreciation and strong resale values, while company car drivers benefit from fairly low benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax rates.
There’s no word on pricing yet, but we expect the ID 3 to cost around £39,000. That’s in a similar bracket to the Born – which is based on the current ID 3 – but is quite a lot more expensive than the Nissan Leaf and MG4, which start at £28,995 and £26,995.
Keyword: 2024 Volkswagen ID 3 revealed