The electric vehicle market is rapidly expanding, and car buyers have more compelling options than ever before when shopping for an EV. One of the most exciting new entries is the Volkswagen ID.3, a cutting-edge compact hatchback that‘s purpose-built to provide an exceptional electric driving experience. If you‘re in the market for an eco-friendly and high-tech daily driver, here are 10 reasons why the ID.3 deserves a spot at the top of your list.
1. Innovative Electric Powertrain
At the heart of the ID.3 is Volkswagen‘s advanced MEB electric vehicle platform. This modular architecture was designed from the ground up to optimize the packaging and performance of EVs. The ID.3 features a rear-mounted electric motor driving the rear wheels, which frees up space in the cabin and gives the car a sporty, responsive feel from behind the wheel.
The permanent-magnet synchronous motor can generate up to 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque in the top-spec Pro S model, allowing the ID.3 to accelerate from 0-60 mph in around 7 seconds. The base Pure model is no slouch either, with a 125 horsepower motor that provides more than enough pep for zipping around town. With its low center of gravity and finely-tuned suspension, the ID.3 offers agile handling to match its eager acceleration.
2. Hi-Tech and Stylish Design
The ID.3 ushers in a whole new design language for Volkswagen‘s electric models, characterized by smooth, flowing lines, short overhangs, and futuristic lighting elements. The streamlined silhouette cuts through the air with a drag coefficient of just 0.27, boosting efficiency and range. Eco-conscious buyers will also appreciate that the ID.3 is built with sustainable materials like textiles made from recycled plastics.
Inside the cabin, the ID.3 puts cutting-edge technology at your fingertips. The centerpiece is a sleek 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with crisp, clear graphics and an intuitive layout. A fully-digital instrument cluster sits behind the steering wheel, providing all the vital driving data you need at a glance. Ambient lighting, keyless entry, voice controls, and a wireless charging pad add to the premium, high-tech feel.
3. Impressive Utility and Practicality
While the ID.3‘s compact footprint makes it a breeze to maneuver and park in tight urban spaces, Volkswagen‘s packaging wizardry means it‘s surprisingly roomy and versatile on the inside. Rear seat passengers enjoy ample head and legroom, and the flat floor provided by the underfloor battery pack frees up extra space for feet and cargo.
With all seats in place, the ID.3 offers nearly 14 cubic feet of luggage space in the rear hatch area. That expands to a cavernous 45 cubic feet with the 60/40 split folding rear seats dropped down. Whether you need to shuttle around kids and their gear or pack up for a weekend getaway, the ID.3 is ready for your family‘s active lifestyle.
4. Versatile Battery and Range Options
One of the greatest strengths of the MEB platform is its flexibility, and the ID.3 will offer multiple battery sizes to suit different budgets and driving needs. The entry-level Pure model is equipped with a 45 kWh battery that provides a very usable 217 miles of driving range on a single charge.
Stepping up to the Pro and Pro Performance models brings a larger 58 kWh battery and up to 263 miles of range. At the top of the lineup, the Pro S boasts an even bigger 77 kWh pack, allowing it to travel up to 341 miles between charges. That‘s enough to cover the entire width of Germany without stopping!
5. Competitive Pricing and Incentives
With a starting price of around €35,000 for the Pure model in Germany, the ID.3 is competitively priced against key rivals like the Renault Zoe, Peugeot e-208, and Nissan Leaf. Factor in the available government incentives for purchasing an EV, which can be as high as €9,000 in some European countries, and the ID.3 becomes even more attainable for the average car buyer.
Attractive lease deals and financing offers from Volkswagen also help to lower the barrier to entry for this high-tech EV. And with fewer moving parts and fluids than a typical gasoline car, the ID.3 should be less expensive to maintain and service over the long haul. It all adds up to make the ID.3 a smart financial choice in addition to being an environmentally responsible one.
6. Seamless Charging Experience
Volkswagen has gone to great lengths to make living with the ID.3 as convenient and hassle-free as possible. The car is equipped with a standard Combined Charging System (CCS) port, which allows it to be charged at home or at the vast majority of public charging stations.
Using an 11 kW wall box, the ID.3 can be recharged from 5% to 100% in as little as 6 hours. Hook up to a 100 kW DC fast charger and the car can recoup 180 miles of range in just 30 minutes – the same time it takes to grab lunch at a highway rest stop. The ID.3‘s sophisticated battery and thermal management systems help maintain optimum charging and discharging efficiency in all weather conditions.
7. Future-Proofed with Over-the-Air Updates
The ID.3 isn‘t just technologically advanced at the time of purchase; it‘s also built to keep getting smarter and more capable over time thanks to Volkswagen‘s cutting-edge IT infrastructure. The car‘s systems can receive over-the-air software updates that add new features, optimize performance, and provide the latest cybersecurity measures.
That means your ID.3 will always be up to date without requiring inconvenient trips to the dealership. As Volkswagen continues to develop the ID family of EVs, ID.3 owners will benefit from the latest breakthroughs in batteries, charging, autonomous driving technology, and connected car services.
8. Advanced Driver Assistance and Safety Technology
The ID.3 offers an impressive array of standard and available driver assistance features to enhance safety and take the stress out of driving. Every model comes with Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, and Pedestrian Monitoring to help avoid or mitigate frontal impacts.
Lane Keeping Assist gently steers the car back into its lane if it starts to drift over the lane markings. Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go automatically adjusts the speed to maintain a set distance from the car ahead, even in heavy traffic. An innovative Driver Alert system monitors steering inputs and recommends a break if it detects signs of fatigue.
Additionally, the ID.3‘s rugged MEB architecture and strategic placement of the battery pack help to protect occupants in the event of a crash. And with no engine up front, the ID.3 has a large crumple zone to absorb impacts.
9. Extensive Dealer Network and Service Support
As one of the world‘s largest automakers, Volkswagen has an extensive network of dealerships across Europe to sell and service its vehicles. That means ID.3 buyers can have peace of mind knowing that professional support is readily available when needed.
Volkswagen is also investing heavily in training its technicians to work on its growing electric fleet, so you can trust that your ID.3 is in good hands for everything from routine maintenance to more complex repairs. Many VW dealers are also installing DC fast chargers on-site, providing a convenient place to plug in while your car is being serviced.
10. Environmentally Friendly and Responsible
For many car buyers, choosing an electric vehicle like the ID.3 is all about reducing their carbon footprint and contributing to a greener future. The ID.3 produces zero direct emissions from its tailpipe, which can make a significant difference in urban air quality.
Over the course of its lifetime, the ID.3 is estimated to save around 1 metric ton of carbon dioxide compared to a similar gasoline-powered car. But Volkswagen‘s commitment to sustainability goes beyond just the cars themselves. The company is working to make its factories carbon-neutral, use more renewable energy, and build cars with more recycled and eco-friendly materials.
The Bottom Line
The Volkswagen ID.3 represents an exciting new chapter for one of the world‘s most iconic automakers. With its blend of cutting-edge electric vehicle technology, engaging driving dynamics, spacious and practical cabin, and commitment to sustainability, the ID.3 is an EV that can fit seamlessly into almost any lifestyle.
While the ID.3 is currently only sold in Europe, its DNA will likely influence future Volkswagen EVs around the globe, including the upcoming ID.4 electric crossover SUV. One thing is for sure: the future of transportation is electric, and Volkswagen is helping to lead the charge with innovative models like the game-changing ID.3.
