Volkswagen launches second generation ID.3 electric car complete with fresh new design

Two and a half years after the launch of the first generation, Volkswagen has announced the update of its ID.3. This new electric car features a fresh design, higher-quality materials and the latest-generation assist systems.

The all-electric Volkswagen ID.3 is coming to the market with comprehensive upgrades. In addition to the latest software, the compact electric vehicle (EV) comes with a sleek and sharpened exterior and refined interior design. 

The range of colours has also been extended and is now offered in Dark Olivine Green. High-quality, animal-free and sustainable materials have been used and reflect Volkswagen’s strategy for the all-electric ID. family. 

To date, more than 600,000 ID. models, including the ID.4, ID.5 and ID. Buzz, built on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB), have been delivered to customers around the world. The new ID.3 is one of ten electric models that VW will launch by 2026. Further details of the new ID.3 are outlined below.

Imelda Labbé, Member of the Board of Management for Sales, Marketing and After Sales at Volkswagen: “With the second generation of the ID.3, we are continuing the success story of our ID. family. The design has matured and the materials in the interior have been significantly upgraded. 

“The new ID.3 demonstrates our clear commitment to quality, design and operability, and we have systematically taken on board the wishes of our customers.” 

Exterior: Sharpened design, improved aerodynamics

The exterior of the compact all-electric model comes with a fresh and sharpened look. It has optimised air-cooling openings and large painted surfaces that VW says make the front appear confident and friendly from every angle. 

One reason for this is the new bumper. The bonnet now appears longer because the black strip under the windscreen has been removed and recessed sections at the sides additionally extend the front. 

Volkswagen has optimised the aerodynamics with improved airflow around the front wheels, known as the ‘air curtain, to improve efficiency. At the rear, the two-part tail lights also shine in the rear lid for the first time.

Interior: Superior quality, sustainable and animal-free

The interior of the new ID.3 combines modern design and sustainable materials. Precise seams in a contrasting colours additionally enhance the feeling of quality. VW uses the microfibre material Artvelours Eco for the door trims and seat covers, a fabric that contains 71 per cent recyclate. 

This is a secondary raw material that is obtained by recycling plastic that has previously been disposed of as waste at least once. Artvelours Eco has the same characteristics in terms of look and feel and durability as conventional new materials. The interior equipment is also completely animal-free.

In addition, numerous suggestions from customers were collected and implemented as product improvements and to enhance the standard equipment package. Soft, foam-backed surfaces in the cockpit create a new haptic experience. The remodelled interior door trims also have softer and larger surfaces.

Intelligently connected as standard

Charging is easier and even more convenient with the new ID.3, thanks to standard functions such as Plug & Charge. This is where the vehicle authenticates itself and starts the charging process when the charging cable is plugged in at a charging station – and the intelligent Electric Vehicle Route Planner. 

On longer journeys, the Electric Vehicle Route Planner calculates charging stops so that the destination can be reached as quickly as possible. This is done by using current traffic information and forecasts in addition to the battery charge level. The charging stops are evaluated dynamically on the basis of the capacity of the individual charging stations. 

This means that the route planning function may suggest two short charging operations with high power instead of a single long charging stop with low power. In addition, the system detects charging stations that are occupied and does not suggest them in the first place. Points of interest can be transferred to the car using the free We Connect ID. app.

Software: Modern and intuitive operating concept

The new ID.3 comes with the latest software generation. This improves system performance and is able to receive over-the-air updates. The compact driver display with a screen diagonal of 13.4 centimetres (5.3 inches) is operated on the multifunction steering wheel. 

The middle of the console accommodates the now standard 30.5-centimetre (12-inch) touch display for the navigation system, telephone functions, media, assist systems and vehicle settings. Many customer wishes were also taken into account when designing the menu structure. Among other things, the layout has become clearer, and the charging menu is now located on the first level of the touch display.

The optional augmented reality head-up display (AR head-up display) projects information such as the vehicle speed and dynamic navigation instructions onto the windscreen. For the driver, this information appears to be 10 metres in front of the vehicle and are displayed with the correct perspective and clearly recognisable.

Latest-generation assist systems 

The optional Travel Assist with swarm data3 is now also available in the ID.3. In combination with the adaptive cruise control (ACC) for longitudinal vehicle control from 0 km/h up to the top speed and Lane Assist for lateral control, this driver assist system can make use of two proven systems that are fully integrated with one another in the new ID.3. If swarm data is available, Travel Assist needs just one identified road lane marking to keep the vehicle in lane when driving on country roads.

Kai Grünitz, Volkswagen Member of the Brand Board of Management responsible for Development: “With the new ID.3 we are bringing premium technologies into the compact class – in line with our Volkswagen goal of successively offering innovations in the whole model range. 

“This is also reflected in the latest-generation convenience and assist systems in the ID.3. By using swarm data in the Travel Assist system, we are taking the next step on the path to highly automated driving.”

Volkswagen on the Way to ZERO

VW has reached a further milestone on its way to becoming a zero-emission, software-based mobility services provider. Since the launch of the ID. family, more than 600,000 ID. models based on the modular electric drive (MEB) platform have already been delivered to customers around the world so far. 

The Volkswagen product range now comprises six ID. models. In addition to production in Zwickau and Dresden, the new ID.3 will also be built in the parent plant in Wolfsburg from autumn 2023.