Volkswagen ID.3: information, range, andprice of the compact electric car

The ID. 3 is an important model for Volkswagen. Here are the key details to remember about the compact electric vehicle.

Like its competitors, Volkswagen has significantly accelerated its electric development in recent years. The German company took this turn to try and restore an image that had been considerably damaged by the Dieselgate scandal.

Although it is not Volkswagen’s first electric model, the ID.3 is an important milestone in the history of the German firm as it inaugurated the ID lineup. Since its launch in 2020, it has been joined by the ID.4, the ID.5, and more recently by the ID. Buzz.

The Volkswagen ID.3 isn’t alone in the compact electric market. It faces competition from the Nissan Leaf, the Renault Mégane e-Tech, and the MG 4. The Peugeot 308 Electric and other new models will soon expand this list of competitors. The Cupra Born has a somewhat special status: it is almost identical to the ID.3 and sold by the same automobile group, so it cannot be considered a “normal” competitor of the Volkswagen.

Dimensions of the Volkswagen ID.3

The dimensions of the Volkswagen ID.3 are comparable to those of the Golf. The car measures 4.26 meters in length, 1.57 meters in height, and 1.81 meters in width. The wheelbase extends over 2.77 meters. In the variant with the smaller battery, the total weight of the vehicle is 1,812 kilograms. With the larger battery, the ID.3 weighs 1,928 kilograms. Regarding trunk volume, Volkswagen claims 385 liters with the rear seat in place, and 1,267 liters with the seat folded down.

In terms of style, the Volkswagen ID.3 balances between two worlds: that of the classic five-door hatchback like the Golf and that of a small MPV. Despite this rather unique positioning, the proportions remain quite balanced. Inside, minimalism takes precedence, with a very simple dashboard topped by a central touchscreen. A small digital cluster is placed behind the steering wheel.

Engine and Battery of the Volkswagen ID.3

The Volkswagen ID.3 is equipped with an electric motor of 150 kW (204 hp). For the battery, customers can choose between two options: 58 or 77 kWh.

The size of the battery impacts the vehicle’s weight as well as its performance. The 77 kWh version loses a few tenths on the 0 to 100 km/h acceleration (7.9 seconds vs. 7.3 seconds for the 58 kWh). The top speed is limited to 160 km/h on both models.

Range and Charging of the Volkswagen ID.3

With the 58 kWh battery, the electric compact is rated for a theoretical range between 409 and 424 km (WLTP mixed cycle). The 77 kWh version offers between 545 and 556 km.

The Volkswagen ID.3 is fitted with an onboard charger of 11 kW, allowing charging at AC charging stations. On single-phase installations, charging power can reach up to 135 kW, but only on the 77 kWh version. The 58 kWh model supports fast charging up to 120 kW.

Charging time varies depending on the battery size, but mainly on the socket used. For example, fully charging the ID.3 77 kWh from a standard household socket takes about 42 hours and 45 minutes. The same ID.3 77 kWh can go from 5% to 80% in 29 minutes using a fast charger. On such stations, it can handle a maximum current of 135 kW. The 58 kWh version is slightly less capable, with a maximum charging power of 120 kW, and needs about 35 minutes to go from 5% to 80%, despite its smaller battery.

Price and Equipment of the Volkswagen ID.3

The Volkswagen ID.3 lineup is very straightforward. Aside from special edition models, which are by definition temporary, there is only one trim level (Active). Prices excluding incentives start at €46,100 with the smaller battery.

The Volkswagen ID.3 comes with a standard induction charger for smartphones, a 10-inch touchscreen with built-in navigation, adaptive and predictive cruise control, a rearview camera, and parking assistance system. The 77 kWh version has 19-inch wheels (18 inches on the 58 kWh model).

The heat pump, which helps extend range in winter, is available as an option for an additional €1,100.

Also read: Test Drive of Cupra Born VZ: At the wheel of the Volkswagen ID.3 with salsa sauce

Technical Specifications of the Volkswagen ID.3