The all-electric Volkswagen ID.3 hatch is getting a mid-life refresh and it'll arrive later this year
Volkswagen is looking to update its very first all-electric ID model – the ID.3 – for 2023. Our first spy shots of the facelifted VW ID.3 confirm the design details previewed by an official teaser are likely to reach production.
Launched in 2019, the ID.3 provided a Golf-sized rival to the likes of the Nissan Leaf and Kia Niro EV, coming with a step-change in VW design inside and out. The upcoming facelift won’t change the ID.3 formula too much, but we can already spot some differences over the existing model.
Just like the official teaser images posted by VW in late 2022, the front end will offer up a revised bumper with new air intakes to the side. The redesigned headlights aren’t visible on this prototype, however. We expect to see some new alloy wheel options for the updated ID.3 and to the rear, there will be a slightly altered bumper – conveniently covered up by some snow here. The rear lights may also receive a tweaked LED signature.
There will be some pretty significant changes to the interior of the ID.3 in 2023. Although the general layout will be the same, from this teaser image we can see a new design for the air vents in the dash as well as an update for the onboard technology.
The current car’s 10-inch central infotainment touchscreen will be swapped out for a 12-inch screen (the same one offered in the ID.4) with a new control system. VW says the latest infotainment technology is more convenient and straightforward for users. Features such as Travel Assist and Park Assist Plus will be made available as optional extras and judging by the teaser images, we can expect a new HUD display. The centre console will also be restyled and feature two cup holders.
Volkswagen says the new ID.3 is “equipped with the latest software generation, which improves system performance and is able to receive over-the-air updates”. It’s not clear if the new car will offer improved range and performance figures, although the revised exterior design should affect efficiency in some way.
Volkswagen produces the ID.3 at its Zwickau and Dresden plants in Germany, but with the updated model this will be expanded to its factory in Wolfsburg to cope with demand.
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Keyword: New 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 facelift spotted for the first time