2023 Volkswagen ID.3 Test Drive

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【Summary】The 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 receives a mid-life refresh, with small design changes to the exterior and interior. The new model offers improved interior quality and finishes, but still features some fiddly interior tech. The ID.3 comes with two battery options and offers a range of up to 347 miles. It also supports faster charging and bi-directional charging. However, the ID.3's price is considered relatively high compared to competitors like the Cupra Born. Overall, the ID.

FutureCar Staff Aug 21, 2023 4:25 PM PT

Volkswagen's electric revolution began with the ID.3, the first model designed to be purely electric. It has become a top seller in the UK, symbolizing the third generation for VW. This size of car has always been designed for the mass market, striking a balance between affordability and practicality. While it may not be as popular in North America, the ID.3 has received a mid-life refresh on VW Group's MEB platform.

The new VW ID.3 (2023) has made some improvements to the interior, enhancing the quality of the finishes. It still offers a good range and faster charging, but it may be considered expensive for what it offers. Pros of the ID.3 include its great appearance, practical size for city driving, and good battery economy. However, there have been few changes from the older model and the interior tech can still be a bit fiddly.

The exterior of the new ID.3 has seen some minor changes. The nose has been made sportier with additional openings for airflow, which also aids in cooling. The removal of the black bar under the windscreen gives the front a more appealing appearance. The model badging and decals on the rear quarter have been removed, resulting in cleaner lines overall. The ID.3 maintains its sleek aesthetic, with small updates to keep it contemporary.

The focus on the interior of the ID.3 has been on boosting the quality. VW wants to differentiate the ID.3 from upcoming more affordable models, such as the ID.2, by offering a higher level of interior quality. While there have been some improvements, such as the introduction of soft-touch finishes and stitching, the ID.3 still features a significant amount of harder plastics. However, the interior does provide ample space, thanks to the MEB platform, and comfortable seating.

The ID.3's infotainment system has received some updates, but it still falls short compared to smartphone-based systems like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The user interface can be a bit cumbersome to navigate, requiring multiple clicks to access different features. The smaller driver display and drive selector placement behind the steering wheel may also be inconvenient for some drivers. VW has introduced a heads-up display (HUD) to provide additional information in the driver's eyeline, but it may not be visible with polarized sunglasses.

The ID.3 offers two battery options: a smaller 58kWh battery and a larger 77kWh battery. The larger battery provides a range of 347 miles, which is considered usable. The ID.3 feels nippy and responsive, especially in the 0-30mph range. It also benefits from a boost in charging rate, supporting up to 170kW charging. The ID.3 is a comfortable and efficient car to drive, with the option for bi-directional charging.

In conclusion, the VW ID.3 is an important car for VW in its pursuit to dominate the electric vehicle segment. While it may not present a significant change from its predecessor, it offers an easy, efficient, and comfortable driving experience. The new model features some improvements, such as the heads-up display and faster charging, but the rising price may make it less appealing compared to other options in the market.