The Mirage of the Volkswagen ID.3 at €149 Per Month

Every year, Volkswagen Open House days are an opportunity for a flood of promotions, but beware of the conditions.

Sometimes, Volkswagen might do better to focus its communication on the quality of its models rather than on its promotional offers. The latest punchline, during the entire month of March, the 100% electric ID.3 is available for €149 per month in Long-Term Rental (LTD). But what are the conditions?

The German brand still carries the weight of its past missteps, notably with the Dieselgate scandal, and its entry into the electric market has been anything but exemplary. Neither on a technical, marketing, nor commercial level has Volkswagen succeeded in convincing. The ID.3, intended to embody the brand’s electric future, started at a price exceeding that of the Tesla Model 3, leading to a predictable flop.

Today, Volkswagen is revising its approach and making the ID.3 more accessible. Currently, the compact electric is offered in France starting at €28,490, including a €4,000 ecological bonus. It would already be smarter to display the price with the basic Bonus of €2,000 because €30,490 is not excessive for such a car. This price is made possible by a significant discount of €4,000, a commendable effort. Let’s recall that the ID.3 “Pure Life Max”, well equipped, was recently listed at nearly €40,000.

This model, equipped with a 125 kW (170 hp) motor and a 52 kWh battery for an autonomy of 388 km (WLTP), meets most needs. Its features include a 12.9-inch display, comprehensive driver aids, and modern connected functions. In short, this ID.3 exemplifies Volkswagen’s historic expertise: rational cars, well-made, and rarely disappointing.

A Big Stick Before a Caress

So what are we criticizing about the LTD offer over 37 months and 30,000 km? Firstly, an outrageous initial payment of 9,000 euros, which, even reduced to €5,000 thanks to the maximum ecological bonus, remains prohibitive. And let’s keep in mind that if a client takes this offer, they will probably pay around €7,000 before receiving the keys. A 22% down payment is simply absurd! In short, a glaring imbalance between the sales pitch and the actual conditions offered. Customers are not fooled by these practices; at Mobiwisy, we are well aware of that thanks to your comments.

Volkswagen has flaws, that’s a fact. But the brand maintains a solid reputation thanks to impeccable build quality and equipment. So why not capitalize more on these strengths instead of engaging in clumsy promotions? A Volkswagen may not be a passion car, but it remains a sensible choice. Provided, of course, that reason resonates in the prices and offers proposed.

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