Volkswagen is back with its newest electric compact car, the ID.3, which is set to hit the market after the summer. The German brand has promised that this car will look better on the outside and offer improved perceived quality, charging process, and state-of-the-art software. The 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 is a direct response to customers' complaints regarding the simple materials used in the previous model, which was a cost-reduction measure.
With the new Volkswagen ID.3, Volkswagen has made significant changes to the exterior of the electric car, making it stand out from its predecessor. The upper plastic of the hood is gone, replaced by a greater amount of painted surface on the front. The air intakes on the sides of the bumper are now functional, directing air from the wheels to improve aerodynamics. The headlights at the rear have been slightly modified, and new colors have been added to the list of options.
Inside the car, Volkswagen has made several changes to enhance the perceived quality of the ID.3. The carmaker has removed all traces of leather and materials of animal origin, even on the steering wheel. The basic seats have been replaced, and the center console and door trims now feature more padded and wider armrests. The air vents are new, and the infotainment screen has been upgraded to 12 inches, similar to that of the Volkswagen ID.4.
The 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 also boasts an improved interface with more intuitive controls and voice recognition capabilities in the cloud. Volkswagen has also introduced paid equipment that can be deactivated at the factory and later paid for temporarily or permanently at a higher price.
The 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 will come in two models, the Volkswagen ID.3 Pro and ID.3 Pro S, with no changes to the battery capacities or motorizations. The electric car now supports the Plug & Charge function that allows for automatic recharging without the need for cards or applications. The new Volkswagen ID.3 also features a more intelligent route planner that can avoid a stop at a slower charger and suggest two stops at faster chargers instead.