The Sleek and Comfortable All-electric Hatchback: The Volkswagen ID.3

Introduction to Volkswagen ID.3

Successor to the e-Golf, the Volkswagen ID.3 was expected to be an all-star. Not quite impressive in its early years, but Volkswagen made a strong comeback in EV class by giving a facelift to the ID.3, making fans more satisfied. In 2023, Volkswagen released a refreshed version of the ID.3, which had the spotlight. Based on the MEB platform, this new All-electric hatchback was given a more flashy design, and the interior was made more comfortable and roomy. Although the EV market proliferates, the Volkswagen ID.3 is a strong competitor for being a practical and comfortable family car.

What’s an MEB platform?

The MEB car platform is a platform by the Volkswagen Group on which electric cars are developed. This platform is used in Audi, Cupra, Škoda, and Volkswagen models. Ford also uses this platform through partnerships. The main aim of this architecture is to combine electronic controls and reduce the complexity and the number of microprocessors. Advanced driver-assistance technology is also one of this platform’s aims.

What’s new in the Volkswagen ID.3?

Not as conventional as its predecessor, the VW e-Golf, the facelift was a much-needed change in the Volkswagen ID.3, making it flashier, and the option of bigger alloy wheels made it sportier. Still, of course, they have their drawback. A new bumper bonnet and fins on both sides to direct airflow were also included in its reinforced design. Software is also upgraded in the facelift as the owners highly disliked it in the last version.

A trip to Volkswagen ID.3’s history

It was first told about at the Paris Motor Show in 2016

The initial name of the all-electric model was the Volkswagen ID

In 2019, Volkswagen confirmed its first All-electric family hatchback as Volkswagen ID.3, which was rumored by the name Volkswagen Neo.

The production version was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany in September 2019, and sales began in mid-2020.

In 2023, Volkswagen gave the ID.3 a facelift in which a couple of exteriors were made, including front bumpers, a new bonnet, and fins. Richer interior quality and upgraded software were also made sure.

Generational analysis on Volkswagen ID.3

Conventionally, the Volkswagen is believed to have two generations.

1st Gen

The first generation spans from the production years 2020-2023. This generation of the Volkswagen ID.3 was rear-wheel drive and fed 201 horsepower to the wheels by choice of three battery packs:

• 45 kWh with 201 hp

• 58 kWh with 145 hp

• 58 kWh with 201 hp

• 77 kWh with 201 hp

The ranges of these battery packs were:

• 205 miles (45 kWh)

• 260 miles (58 kWh)

• 340 miles (77 kWh)

The top speed of this small electric hatchback was 99 mph with a single-speed gearbox.

2nd Gen

The second generation is from 2023 till the present. In March 2023, this version with a facelift was unveiled. This facelift included new bumpers, bonnet, and intakes and improved interior quality.

The specifications of this new generation will be discussed in the next section.

Specifications of the acute Volkswagen ID.3

Being the critical element in the all-electric line-up of Volkswagen, the ID.3 had to be one to praise, and the new version is definitely. The 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 is commendable, with a revised interior and exterior.

The new Volkswagen has the following trims with their specifications.

Trims	ID.3 Pure Performance	ID.3 PRO	ID.3 Pro Performance	ID.3 Pro S
Drivetrain	RWD	RWD	RWD	RWD
Transmission	Single speed	Single speed	Single speed	Single speed
Power	148 hp	143 hp	201 hp	201 hp
Torque	310 Nm	310 Nm	310 Nm	310 Nm
Battery capacity	45 kWh	58 kWh	58 kWh	77 kWh
Range	216 miles	264 miles	264 miles	341 miles
0-60 time	8.9 s	9.6 s	7.3 s	7.9 s

The electric motor in the Volkswagen ID.3

The Volkswagen ID.3 uses a 201-horsepower electric motor to drive its rear wheels. The Pro version can boost the car from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 7.4 seconds. The Pro S with the larger brakes increases that time to 7.9 seconds.

With a top speed of 99 miles per hour. This cute car does pack a punch. The power delivery is also smooth, but unlike Tesla, this hatchback cannot pull you back into the seat after 50 miles per hour.

It is said that maybe in the future, Volkswagen will introduce the ID.3 GTX version with a more potent motor capable of 400+ horsepower. They’ll also give the ID.3 a dual-motor setup. But for now, we’re happy with what we have.

The driver of the Volkswagen ID.3

Regarding the drive and looks, the Volkswagen ID.3 has some serious competitors, such as the MG4, Renault Megane E-Tech, and Citroen e-C4. Some of them are even better than the ID.3, but the Volkswagen ID.3 has its charm. The Pro S model on the highway is very sound and comforting, but with the 20-inch alloys, the ID.3 feels lumpy while driving around town. But the steering has been improved a lot.

Even with the 20-inch alloys, the accuracy and softness make it easy to maneuver, but the wide A-pillars also serve as a blindspot. On a curvy road and at high speeds, the Volkswagen ID.3 feels relatively stable around tight corners, but punchy acceleration can be judged because of that rear motor. Front disc and rear drum brakes are installed.

Inside the cabin of Volkswagen ID.3

The owners did not praise the interior of the previous Volkswagen ID.3. Flaw full infotainment software, mediocre quality of the interior, and less trunk space had to be upgraded, and so did Volkswagen.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 has been given an overhaul from the inside.

Large panoramic sunroof and windscreen give a sense of spaciousness inside the ID.3.

The panoramic sunroof is optional on the Pro but standard in the Pro S version.

Many plastic works are removed in the facelift versions, and the build quality is highly improved. Black and grey are the only interior color schemes with ambient lighting. Lighter color schemes would have been appreciated.

Infotainment and connectivity

The infotainment software is pretty much upgraded, but the infotainment setup is still a pain to use. The controls are touch-sensitive, which is difficult as the owner may brush something up while driving. A 10.0-inch touchscreen with a 5.3-inch driver’s display is standard, paired with an optional augmented reality heads-up display.

Practicality

The room is adequate for a midsized family, but the knee and headroom fall short for taller people.

Trunk space is a little limited compared to its competitors in the market.

Talking about the exterior of Volkswagen ID.3

The redesigned ID.3 comprises a new front face with an enhanced lower bumper that improves the car's aerodynamics.

Two slats channel the airflow from the front to the sides of the vehicle are also included in the facelift.

Headlights with Matrix-LED technology were also a significant upgrade.

Attributes of the Volkswagen ID.3

Pros	Cons
✔ Comfortable and spacious ✔ Good for traveling long distances ✔ Good range and charging speeds ✔ Smooth maneuvering ✔ Sportier look ✔ ISOFIX seat	✗ Annoying infotainment functionality ✗ Most market alternatives are cheaper and well-equipped ✗ Large alloys affect the ride in town ✗ Lesser trunk space compared to competitors ✗ Less roomy for tall persons ✗ Reliability problems

New Features of Volkswagen ID.3

The car comes with loads of new features the main ones include:

• Augmented reality heads-up display

• Memory function on the Park Assist Plus.

• 3D area view on infotainment

• IQ light (matrix LED headlights at the front)

Safety and Security of Volkswagen ID.3

The ID3 got a five-star rating, scoring high in all four categories when crash-tested by Euro NCAP. It got high scores in both occupant protection and the safety assist sections.

Safety features of the Volkswagen ID.3 include

• Autonomous emergency braking

• Lane assist

• Driver alert detection

• Dynamic road sign detection

• Adaptive cruise control

• Front disc brakes

What’s the expert’s take on the Volkswagen ID.3?

“While the Pro S is more expensive, the additional range and nicer feeling cabin do make the experience of the ID3 better - but you've only got space for four.”-Matt Watson.

“More fun than a crossover, roomy, comfortable, efficient and importantly, it's got character and is likable”-TopGear

Verdict

The Volkswagen ID.3 feels like thriving equally toward practicality, sportiness, and glam. Though some of its competitors are a lot better than it in the perspectives of price, design, layout, experience, and practicality, the ID.3 has an aura of its own. It is exciting but not too much, it is reliable but not too much, showing it’s a well-balanced combination of everything.

FAQs

Is the ID.3 a good choice for an electric vehicle?

Yes, the ID.3 is a solid choice for an electric vehicle, especially for those looking for a practical, comfortable, and stylish option. Its impressive range, charging capabilities, and advanced features make it a competitive contender in the electric car market.

What's the price for the Volkswagen ID.3?

However, ID.3 is not yet for sale in the US market. The facelifted Volkswagen ID.3 Pro base model costs $42,800 in Germany. The CEO suggests that there wouldn’t be enough demand customers have been asking for years.

Instead, VW planned to build in the US an all-electric crossover, a small electric hatchback, despite it being something used I.D. CROZZ Concept in 2022, and then the I.D. BUZZ electric microbus was to follow later.

Is the ID.3 spacious and practical for families?

The ID.3 offers a comfortable and spacious interior, making it suitable for families. However, taller individuals might find the head and knee room slightly limited. The car also has a decent trunk space, although it is relatively minor compared to some competitors.