Release Date: Out now (U.K.)
Price: From £36,900
Power: 1 motor, RWD
Battery Range: 265 miles
0 to 60 mph: 7.1 seconds
Smarts: AR HUD, ID voice assistant
While it isn't coming to the United States, according to Volkswagen, the VW ID.3 is one of the more affordable electric cars currently driving the roads of the U.K. Though that doesn't mean much, considering it costs almost $40,000 to buy new. Still you get a fair bit for your money.
265 miles of range, up to 125 kW charging speeds, a 99mph top speed and a 0-60 time of 7.3 seconds — which isn't quick, but it's about right for this class of car. If you're considering picking up an electric car, you may want the ID.3 on your radar — and here's everything you need to know.
VW ID.3 price and release date
The Pure Performance Volkswagen ID.3 is available now with that starting price from £36,900 (around $39,000). While previously available in two trim options, it's now only available in the one.
VW has confirmed that the ID.3 will not be coming to the U.S. While tech from the VW MEB is still likely to make it to that side of the Atlantic in some future EV, American Volkswagen fans will have to make do with the ID.4 for the time being.
VW ID.3 design
The VW ID.3 is an all-electric five-door family hatchback and has the potential to offer mainstream appeal. Now that it’s cheaper, the car might be able to improve its chances. The design is certainly practical; it’s slightly bigger than a VW Golf and has looks that easily take on close rivals like the Nissan Leaf or more compact Renault Zoe.
VW produces the ID.3 in a range of six different metallic finishes, with all of them featuring a neat black roof and trunk lid, which offers an interesting element of contrast.
The dramatic design ethos carries on inside the VW ID.3, which features a slick edge that keeps buttons to a minimum. Touch-sensitive controls and the digital dash makes the VW ID.3 feel like it’s ahead of the game, although less tech-savvy drivers might find it presents them with a bit of a steep learning curve.
VW ID.3 specs
Despite its cheaper price tag the entry-level VW ID.3 City comes with a pretty good collection of on-board kit, including adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors as well as rain-sensing wipers. Adding to the appeal are LED headlights and tail-lights, plus electric door mirrors along with heated front seats and steering wheel.
An auto-dimming rear view mirror adds to the respectable level of driver comfort. Safety features include lane keeping assist, forward collision warning and pedestrian protection.
Up front there’s a 10-inch infotainment screen with voice control and wireless app connectivity while in the rear passengers get two USB-C ports. Occupants also get to enjoy the 10-colour ambient lighting that comes as part of the more budget-friendly package.
The most obvious addition is 18-inch ‘East Derry’ alloy wheels, IQ.Light LED matrix headlights and an illuminated light band that sits between the headlights and the VW logo. Meanwhile, illuminated door handles, animated LED taillights plus tinted windows complete the exterior picture.
Inside, the ambient lighting count is boosted to 30-colours and there’s a variable boot floor for more dynamic storage options. The car also benefits from ‘Kessy Advance’ keyless entry and two-zone climate control, all of which goes some way to justifying the extra outlay, though at the cost of losing a couple of miles off the range.
VW ID.3 charging
U.K. owners can expect a full charge to take around nine hours using a 7.2kW home charger. But if you’ve got access to a 100kW CCS charging point, a 50% top-up will take just over thirty minutes.
Using the more commonplace 50kW public charging points the VW ID.3 needs about an hour to get from 10 to 80%.
VW ID.3 outlook
VW is facing something of an uphill struggle to regain credibility following the its huge emissions scandal and the dispatch of Volkswagen Group chairman Herbert Diess in 2020.
What’s more, VW’s plan to build a range of no less than 50 electric cars has already been hampered by production issues, software problems and delivery delays for the ID.3.
Perhaps the lure of cheaper models like the VW ID.3 City and Style models might help redress the balance somewhat, although whether it can replace the enduring appeal of iconic models like the Beetle or Golf remains to be seen. Nevertheless, more keenly priced eclectic cars with solid range and performance are certainly welcome, and further drive us donw the road to the electrification of the automotive world.
