Described as a symbol for a new era for Volkswagen, even carrying the brand’s new logo, the ID.3 is the first of the new ID family to hit the roads.  Launched the evening before the opening of the IAA Frankfurt Motorshow the new compact family car will be available from €30,000 with a variety of battery options available at extra cost.

Like all future ID. models, the ID.3 is based on the new modular Electric drive matrix (MEB), which has been designed for an electric drive system.  The platform is designed for use in the Volkswagen Group, so expect a crop for new models from SEAT and Skoda. Additionally, VW has sold the platform to Ford to enable them to accelerate electric vehicle development.

The ID.3 offers a newly developed design DNA that makes it immediately identifiable as a zero emission vehicle. VW describes the ID.3 as “Designed for an electrifying future, it brings a new level of design quality to the compact vehicle category.”  The design is familiar to VW drivers yet new in its approach.

The long wheelbase of the MEB layout, combined with very short overhangs, results in an expansive vehicle interior and sets new standards in the compact class. While the ID 3 is only 3mm longer and 10mm wider than the Golf, its wheelbase is 145mm longer resulting in interior space similar to a Passat. The bootspace matches the Golf at 380 litres.

Upfront the drivers has a digital, entirely newly designed display elements and controls ensure that every driver will intuitively find their way in the ID.3. Apart from the display in the cockpit, a newly developed, centrally positioned, ten-inch touch display provides drivers with all key information.

All controls – including those on the electrically adjustable multifunction steering wheel – are operated using touch functions featuring touch-sensitive buttons. Only the electric windows and hazard warning lights are still operated using tactile switches.

Battery options

At launch, the ID.3 will be available with three battery size options.

The basic variant has a usable battery size of 45 kWh offering a range of up to 205 miles (as per WLTP). The entry price for this ID.3 version is under €30,000.

Alongside this is a 58 kWh model offering up to 260 miles.

Finally a range topping model with a 77 kWh battery will provide up to 342 miles of pure electric range.

Watch Autogefuhl take us on a preview tour of the ID.3

Interested in an ID.3?

Volkswagen started pre-booking for ID.3 1^st – the limited launch edition – in May of this year. This enabled buyers in Europe to place a non-binding reservation in respect of a production slot for the ID.3 1^st for €1,000. From autumn, those who have pre-booked can advance their orders by entering the order phase with their respective dealership, and configuring their preferred version of the ID.3 1^st.

The first edition – the ID.3 1^st – has a 58 kWh battery which is driven by an electric motor at the rear axle. It generates 150 kW and delivers a maximum torque of 310 newton metres, facilitating a maximum speed of 100mph for this 5-door vehicle. The ID.3 1^st is priced at under €40,000.

The ID.3 1^st will be offered in three fixed configurations that are geared towards typical customer preferences. In addition, the paintwork colour and the vehicle interior’s colour can be selected.

The basic version of the ID.3 1^st includes a navigation system, a DAB+ digital radio, seat heating and steering wheel heating, armrests at the front, a Mode 2 charging cable and 18-inch light-alloy wheels.

The ID.3 1^st Plus additionally features a rear view camera system, ACC Adaptive Cruise Control and the Kessy Advanced keyless access locking and starting system. The vehicle interior of the ID.3 1^st Plus also includes design seats, a centre console with two USB-C connections and ambient lighting. Forming part of the exterior equipment scope are tinted windows, the exterior Style package in silver, matrix LED headlights, matrix side lights, brake lights, turn indicators and tail light clusters as well as 19-inch light-alloy wheels.

The top-of-the-range version, the ID.3 1^st Max, also includes an augmented reality (AR) head-up display, the Beats sound system, a large panorama sliding/tilting glass roof as well as 20-inch light-alloy wheels. This equipment scope is supplemented by a lane keeping system with Emergency Assist, a lane change system, telephony featuring contactless high-voltage battery charging and comfort seats.

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