On March 1st, in German local time, the Volkswagen brand unveiled the fully upgraded ‘New ID.3’, featuring a fresh design, high-quality materials, and the latest generation of driving assistance systems.
The ID.3, Volkswagen’s best-selling electric vehicle, returns as a compact EV with a sleeker aesthetic and refined interior design, just two and a half years after the launch of its first model. The exterior color options have been expanded with new colors, including Dark Olivine Green. The use of high-quality sustainable materials, which do not utilize animal products, reflects Volkswagen’s strategy for its entire ID. family of electric models.
Imelda Labbé, a member of the Volkswagen brand sales, marketing, and after-sales board, stated, “We are continuing the success story of the ID. family with the 2nd generation ID.3. The design has matured, and the interior materials have been significantly upgraded. The new ID.3 demonstrates the brand’s clear commitment to quality, design, and functionality, systematically accommodating customer desires.” The New ID.3 is one of ten new electric car models Volkswagen plans to launch by 2026.
The New ID.3’s exterior captivates with its fresh and sleek design. Optimized air intakes and a wider front bumper showcase confidence from every angle. Additionally, the removal of the black strip beneath the windshield and the extended concave sections on the sides create an illusion of a longer hood. “Air curtains” enhance airflow around the front wheels, optimizing aerodynamics. The rear features two rear lights positioned at the lid that assert their presence.
The interior of the New ID.3 combines modern design with sustainable materials. Precision stitches in contrasting colors enhance quality. The door trim and seat covers use the microfibre material ‘Artvelours Eco’, which contains 71% recycled raw materials.
This material is obtained from recycled plastics that have been discarded at least once before. Artvelours Eco possesses the same aesthetic and durability characteristics as conventional new materials. Additionally, all interior components utilize non-animal materials.
Furthermore, to improve the product, numerous suggestions were collected from customers, resulting in a more robust standard equipment package. The soft, body-hugging seats in the driver’s position offer a new tactile experience, and the surface of the remodeled interior door trim is also larger and smoother.
The New ID.3 standardizes features such as the ‘Plug and Charge’ function, which allows the vehicle to authenticate itself and start the charging process automatically when the charging cable is connected. It also includes the ‘Intelligent EV Route Planner’, simplifying and enhancing the charging experience.
The EV Route Planner uses current traffic data and predictive information to calculate optimal charging locations to reach the destination as quickly as possible during long-distance travel, considering the battery charge level. This is evaluated based on the individual charging station’s capacity, suggesting two shorter high-power charges instead of one long low-power charge. The system recognizes charging stations in use and does not recommend them. Points of interest for charging stations can be sent to the vehicle via the free WeConnect ID. app.
The New ID.3 is capable of receiving wireless updates (OTA services) with enhanced system performance through the latest software. The 5.3-inch driver display can be operated via the multifunction steering wheel, and centrally positioned in the console is a 12-inch touchscreen display for navigation, phone, media functions, vehicle and system auxiliary settings.
The menu structure of the ID.3 has been designed considering the needs of many customers. The layout has become clearer, with charging-related menus prominently placed for more convenient access.
An optional augmented reality head-up display projects information such as vehicle speed and dynamic navigation instructions onto the windshield. This information is displayed as if it were 10 meters ahead of the vehicle, accurately presenting data to enhance the driver’s recognition.
From the New ID.3 onwards, a ‘Travel Assist’ utilizing crowd data is available. This innovative driver assistance system operates with adaptive cruise control for longitudinal vehicle control and a lane assist system for lateral control, now completely integrated with these two validated systems. When crowd data is accessible, Travel Assist can provide assistance with just one identifiable road marking for lane maintenance.
Kai Grünitz, a member of the Volkswagen brand development board, stated, “In line with Volkswagen’s goal to continuously offer innovation across the model range, we are introducing premium technology to the compact segment through the new ID.3.”
This is also reflected in the latest functionality and assistance systems of the ID.3. By utilizing crowd data in Travel Assist, we are taking the next step toward highly sophisticated autonomous driving technologies,” he added.
Volkswagen has reached another milestone in its ambition to become a zero-emission, software-based mobility service provider. Since the launch of the ID. family models, over 600,000 ID. models based on the MEB platform have been delivered to customers worldwide.
The Volkswagen product lineup currently consists of six ID. models. The new ID.3 is set to be produced starting this fall at the Wolfsburg plant in addition to the Zwickau and Dresden production facilities.
Jin Lee, daedusj@autodiary.kr