World Premiere VW ID.3: Lifted to More Value

The automobile manufacturer Volkswagen has responded to criticism regarding the perceived lack of quality and moderate ergonomics of its flagship electric model, the ID.3, by introducing a facelift for the new model year, just two and a half years after its launch. This facelift features sharpened design, higher quality materials, and updated assistance systems. Along with the latest software, attention has been paid to both the exterior and interior. New colors have also been added to the palette. Additionally, the company aims to score points with contemporary, high-quality, animal-free, and sustainable materials. Inside, precise, color-contrasting seams enhance the perception of quality. For the door panels and seat covers, the manufacturer uses the significantly more attractive microfiber material Artvelours Eco, which is also made up of 71 percent recycled material. This so-called secondary raw material is obtained from the recycling of plastic waste that has been disposed of at least once before. Artvelours Eco has the same properties in terms of appearance, feel, and durability as conventional new materials. Furthermore, the interior is completely free of animal products, emphasizes the supplier. The new ID.3 is one of ten electric models that VW will bring to market by 2026. The ID.3 is built in Zwickau and the Transparent Factory in Dresden, with production also starting at the main Wolfsburg plant from fall 2023.

“With the second generation of the ID.3, we are continuing the success story of our ID. family. The design has become more mature, and the materials in the interior are significantly higher quality. The new ID.3 confirms our high standards for quality, design, and usability. We are consistently responding to the wishes of our customers," explained Imelda Labbé, Board Member for Sales, Marketing, and After Sales at Volkswagen.

Finally Golf: The ID.3 Reaches Familiar Standards

Furthermore, numerous suggestions from customers have been incorporated and implemented as product improvements and to enrich the standard equipment, assure the Wolfsburg team. For instance, soft, foam-backed surfaces in the cockpit are intended to lead to better haptics, and the newly modeled door trim panels feature softer and larger surfaces. Standard features now include functions such as Plug & Charge, where the car authenticates itself at a charging station upon connecting the charging cable and starts the charging process, as well as the intelligent e-route planner, which is already familiar from Tesla. This system calculates charging stops on a longer journey in a way that ensures the destination is reached as quickly as possible—factoring in battery status, current traffic conditions, and forecasts. The evaluation of charging stops is dynamic and based on the power of the charging stations. As a result, the route planner might suggest two short high-power charging stops instead of one long low-power charging stop, claims the manufacturer. Moreover, occupied charging stations are detected and not suggested. Special destinations can be transmitted to the car via the free We Connect ID. App.

Exterior: Sharpened Design, Improved Aerodynamics

From the outside, the front now appears sharper with optimized cooling air openings and large painted surfaces from every perspective. A new bumper makes the hood appear longer, as the black strip under the windshield is removed and recesses on the sides further elongate the front. With a better airflow around the front wheels ("Air Curtain"), VW optimizes aerodynamics. At the rear, the split taillights are now also illuminated in the tailgate for the first time.

After Criticism: More Intuitive Operation Concept

The renewed people's EV features the latest software generation. This is intended to improve system performance and is of course suitable for over-the-air updates. The compact driver display, with a screen diagonal of 13.4 centimeters (5.3 inches), is controlled via the multifunction steering wheel. In the center console, there is now a standard 30.5 centimeter (12 inches) touch display for navigation, telephony, media, assistance systems, and vehicle setup, which remains pleasantly compact despite the trend of oversized screens but is entirely sufficient. More importantly, the menu structure has also been revised based on customer feedback. Among other things, it now features a tidier structure and the charging menu is now located on the first level of the touch display. The optionally available Augmented Reality Head-up Display (AR Head-up Display) provides information about speed and dynamic navigation instructions, which are projected onto the windshield. These appear to the driver as if they are about ten meters in front of the vehicle—perceptually correct and clear, promotes the provider.