Actually, this facelift shouldn’t come until next year, but the feedback from the market was clear: The Volkswagen ID 3 has to be of higher quality. The compact electric car, which was originally intended to compete in the 30,000 euro class, simply didn’t look sophisticated enough on the inside – and from the outside, one or the other customer had problems with the modern, decidedly friendly design.
The designers and developers listened. The result is a thoroughly renewed model that not only looks more dignified, but also boasts improvements in the electronics.
The visual appearance has become sportier, but also a little more conventional. While the ID 3 previously played with the element of an optically extended windscreen and visualized the possibilities of an electric drive with this at least hinted one-box appearance, the hood is now emphasized: A more powerful appearance, although there is no engine installed at all at the front.
Flow-through air inlets in the wider front apron bring minimal aerodynamic improvements, and the range of rims has been redesigned. The rear lights are now illuminated over their entire width. A changed, quite attractive color scheme completes the changes to the exterior, the somewhat playful stickers on the C-pillar are no longer there.
The interior now meets the expectations of the previously spoiled Volkswagen clientele. While the quality of plastic used in the ID 3 met with criticism from the start, softer materials on the top of the doors and dashboard, artificial leather applications with decorative stitching and silver stripes on the air vents underscore what is expected of a premium product in the 40,000 euro class . In fact, the qualities even surpass the current level in the larger and more expensive ID 4 and ID 5 models.
However, the previously available leather steering wheel is no longer available and the interesting color combinations available so far are giving way to different shades of gray, which are cleverly combined depending on the equipment and sometimes also show contrasts.
From now on, all ID 3 have a twelve-inch screen on board, and you will also be able to book various functions for a limited time or for an unlimited period. Other things remain because there was no need for improvement – for example the three-dimensional head-up display with augmented reality function, in which the arrows visually overlay what is happening on the road.
The model, which currently costs 43,995 euros, can already be ordered now, the exact configuration options and prices will be announced in April. Incidentally, the portfolio will be expanded both upwards and downwards this year: There will be an entry-level version with a smaller battery, which should start at just under 40,000 euros, and at the upper end of the scale there is a GTX variant with a significantly more powerful electric motor.
One thing is certain: In view of the strong competition, the early facelift of the ID 3 is by no means too early. (cen/Jens Meiners)