Credit: Volkswagen
Volkswagen is planning to unveil a revamped ID.3 electric hatchback in the new year but has given us a tease of the new model which will include software updates and a much updated interior.
Plans are in place to unveil the new ID.3 to the public in the Northern Spring (Autumn here in Australia), which will feature a range of updates including a number suggested by customers.
Among the upgrades is a revised focus on sustainable materials, with the interior containing no animal-derived materials. And it is clearly using the new electric platform to maximise interior space, more so than it has done with earlier ID models.
The new ID.3 will be equipped with the latest generation of software, helping to improve system performance and receive over-the-air updates.
Credit: Volkswagen
The standard equipment package has also been upgraded, and now includes a Tesla-style 30.5-centimetre centre display (although it keeps the centre display behind the steeling wheel, removable luggage compartment floor, and a centre console with two cup holders.
“The new ID.3 demonstrates our commitment to quality, design and sustainability,” said Imelda Labbé, Volkswagen board member for sales, marketing, and after sales.
“The design has matured, and we’ve upgraded the materials used in the interior.”
The new ID.3 will also feature VW’s Plug & Charge – which allows a vehicle to begin charging the moment it is plugged in – and VW’s intelligent Electric Vehicle Route Planner. Together, the two new updates will make the charging and driving experience in the new ID.3 even easier to navigate.
Additional assist systems integrated in the new ID.3 will include Travel Assist with Swarm Data and the Park Assist Plus with Memory Function – two new functions which will also be appearing in the upcoming Volkswagen ID.Buzz.
Credit: Volkswagen
“Part of our mission at Volkswagen is to offer state-of-the-art technologies and innovations across all models, including compact vehicles, and the ID.3 exemplifies this,” said Kai Grünitz, member of the Volkswagen brand board of management responsible for development.
“For example when it comes to new convenience and assist systems, we are taking the next step forward on the way to highly automated driving with the use of swarm data in the latest Travel Assist.”
Credit: Volkswagen
Of particular interest to Australians is that this newly updated ID.3 may be the one we eventually see reach our shores. It was reported earlier this year that Australia might be seeing the ID.4 electric SUV and ID.5 electric crossover by the end of 2023, with the popular ID.3 likely to follow some 12 months later.
Customers in Germany are already able to order pre-configured variants of the ID.3, with the price of the ID.3 Life starting at €43,995 (around $A68,700, converted). High order volumes will likely mean, though, that anyone who places an order for the new ID.3 now won’t see their car until the fourth quarter of 2023.
Keyword: VW teases new ID.3 with focus on interior space and Tesla-style displays