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Coming soon: Volkswagen ID3
It’s not overstating the case to say that the launch of Volkswagen’s all-new electric car could be as historically significant to the brand as the launch of the Beetle or Golf.
Words by: Ivan Aistrop
Published on 10 September 2019 | 0 min read
- Golf-sized electric car
- Basis for all VW Group’s forthcoming electric products
- Five doors, five seats and a range of up to 342 miles
The all-new Volkswagen ID3 has just been unveiled in Frankfurt, heralding a new electric era for the brand.
Electric offerings are nothing new to Volkswagen (the e-Up and e-Golf being previous examples), but up until now, these have been modified versions of combustion-engined cars. The difference with the ID3 is that it’s the first car to be built on VW’s all new bespoke electric platform (known as MEB), that will also underpin dozens of future all-electric model from not only Volkswagen, but also from other brands in the VW Group including Audi, Seat and Skoda. Indeed, such is the significance of the ID3 to the future of the brand, it’s the first car to wear the newly redesigned Volkswagen badge.
Electric offerings are nothing new to Volkswagen (the e-Up and e-Golf being previous examples), but up until now, these have been modified versions of combustion-engined cars. The difference with the ID3 is that it’s the first car to be built on VW’s all new bespoke electric platform (known as MEB), that will also underpin dozens of future all-electric model from not only Volkswagen, but also from other brands in the VW Group including Audi, Seat and Skoda. Indeed, such is the significance of the ID3 to the future of the brand, it’s the first car to wear the newly redesigned Volkswagen badge.
What’s immediately noticeable about this Golf-sized electric car is its comparatively long wheelbase and short overhangs. This allows surprisingly generous space in the five-seat cabin. Unsurprisingly, though, technology and connectivity are right at the forefront of the ID3’s appeal, which is characterised by the huge centrally-mounted 10.0-inch touchscreen information system. All the other controls come in the form of touch-sensitive panels, with the exception of the electric windows and hazard lights, which are the only functions to have physical switches.
The car will be available with three different battery sizes. The basic one has a 45 kWh capacity and delivers a range of up to 205 miles (as per WLTP). The entry price for this version is under €30,000 in Europe, but UK prices are yet to be confirmed. The mid-range 58 kWh version gives a range of up to 260 miles, while the top-of-the-range 77 kWh version gives up to 342 miles. With the ID3’s fast charging capability, a 100 kW charger can give the car 180 miles worth of range in just 30 minutes.
The car will be available with three different battery sizes. The basic one has a 45 kWh capacity and delivers a range of up to 205 miles (as per WLTP). The entry price for this version is under €30,000 in Europe, but UK prices are yet to be confirmed. The mid-range 58 kWh version gives a range of up to 260 miles, while the top-of-the-range 77 kWh version gives up to 342 miles. With the ID3’s fast charging capability, a 100 kW charger can give the car 180 miles worth of range in just 30 minutes.