Volkswagen has unveiled its ID.3 pure electric vehicle that features a revolutionary expansive interior dubbed ‘Open Space’. The interior includes an entirely newly designed digital display and controls, as well as a newly developed, centrally positioned, 10in touch display, providing drivers with all key information they need.
The new ID. light supports drivers with an LED strip during navigation and can prompt them to brake in the event of any dangers. 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. This is supplemented by intelligent natural voice control. Thanks to App Connect, the ID.3 can be connected with a smartphone within seconds.
“The ID.3 is an all-rounder that is suitable for everyday use. It is compact, as such offering the maneuverability of a small car with the interior space of a mid-range vehicle. It combines exciting design with innovative technology and significant range,” said Silke Bagschik, head of sales and marketing for the ID. family.
The ID.3 is the first model from the ID. series and features carbon-neutrality, driving dynamics that are characteristic of electric cars, and full connectivity. 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 without compromise.
“With the ID.3, Volkswagen is heading toward the future,” explained Klaus Bischoff, head of design of the Volkswagen brand. “The natural style and absolutely intuitive driver experience demonstrate a new, electric way of thinking.”
At series production launch, the ID.3 will be available with three battery size options. The basic variant has a usable energy content of 45kWh and enables an electrically powered range of up to 330km (as per WLTP). The entry price for this ID.3 version is under €30,000 (US$33,000). Alongside this is a battery variant with 58kW, which enables the ID.3 to achieve a range of up to 420km (as per WLTP). The energy content of the largest battery is 77kWh, and its electric range is up to 550km (as per WLTP). Thanks to its fast-charging capability, it is possible to charge the ID.3 sufficiently for a range of around 290km (WLTP) within 30 minutes, using a charging output of 100kW.
The ID.3 1st – the limited launch edition – will be offered in three fixed configurations. The basic version includes a navigation system, a DAB+ digital radio, seat and steering wheel heating, armrests at the front, a Mode 2 charging cable and 18in light-alloy wheels.
The ID.3 1st 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 1st Plus also includes design seats, a center console with two USB-C connections, and ambient lighting.
The top-of-the-range version, the ID.3 1st Max, also includes an augmented reality head-up display, a Beats sound system, a large panorama sliding/tilting glass roof, as well as 20in 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.
