The first member of the ID. family of electric vehicles has made its debut at the 2019 Frankfurt International Motor Show. Pre-bookings for the ID.3 (1st limited edition) began in May 2019, and the prices start at €30,000. The aforementioned limited edition will start at around €40,000.
Built on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB) platform, the ID.3 features a clean exterior styling with smooth surfaces. The 1st limited edition has 3 variants – 1st, 1st Plus, and 1st Max. The Plus gets tinted windows, a styling package in silver, Matrix LED headlights, brake lights, turn signals and taillight clusters as well as 19-inch light-alloy wheels. The Max gets 20-inch light-alloy wheels. With the optional ‘Keyless Advanced’ locking and starting system, the Matrix LED headlights light up briefly when the driver approaches the vehicle and says goodbye too when the journey is done.
The long wheelbase and short overhangs have enabled a roomy cabin
The interiors too have been kept minimal, with most of the controls as touch-sensitive buttons. Only the electric windows and hazard warning lights are still operated via tactile switches. Features include a digital driver’s display, a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, predictive navigation, voice command, and the optional AR Head-up Display. The AR shows the driver where to turn or which lane to take; the projection on the windscreen gives an illusion of projecting on the tarmac.
The ID.3 1st also includes DAB+ digital radio, seat and steering wheel heating, armrests at the front, and a Mode 2 charging cable. The Plus additionally features a rearview camera system, Adaptive Cruise Control, the aforementioned Kessy Advanced keyless access locking and starting system, ambient lighting, and two USB-C ports.
The top-of-the-range Max also includes the aforementioned AR Head-up Display, Beats audio system, panoramic sliding/tilting glass roof, wireless smartphone charging, comfort seats, lane keeping system with Emergency Assist, and lane change system.
The series production ID.3 will be available with three battery size options. The basic one gets a usable energy content of 45 kWh, which is claimed to enable a range of up to 330 km/206 mi (as per WLTP). Another one is a 58 kWh pack with a WLTP range of up to 420 km/260 mi, and the largest is 77 kWh with 550 km/341 mi range as per WLTP. The 1st limited edition gets a 58 kWh pack.
Thanks to its fast-charging capability, VW says that it is possible to charge the ID.3 for a range of around 290 km/180 mi (WLTP) within 30 minutes, using a charging output of 100 kW.
The electric motor at the rear axle generates 150 kW (204 hp) and a maximum torque of 310 Nm (229 lb-ft), enabling a top speed of 160 km/h (99 mph).
July 2020 update: Volkswagen ID.3 sales begin in Europe
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