The ID.3 is thus named because it represents the third age for Volkswagen, after the Beetle and the Golf. The company believes it will eventually replace the best-selling hatchback, and today, we caught a glimpse of its potential.
We don't see the ID.3 taking over the job of the Golf yet. Volkswagen sells half a million of those in Europe, but the innovative new EV only has about 20,000 pre-orders thus far. It's still a lot of sales, but to put things into perspective, the Nissan Leaf found about 38,000 customers on the old continent in 2018.
However, the first MEB-based car does some things really well. When the e-Golf came out several years ago, it became Volkswagen's first pure-electric vehicle. But with a maximum range of only 230 kilometers and a 0 to 100 km/h time of about 11 seconds, it wasn't to be taken that seriously.
Thanks to its bespoke construction, the ID.3 will have 330 kilometers of range as standard and can go all the way up to 550. And did we mention it will start at about €30,000, 7k less than the e-Golf? The new model also boasts fast charging, with VW saying that 260 kilometers of range can be added in 30 minutes.
The drive engine and single-speed gearbox are between the rear axles, offering a much more respectable 204 horsepower for near-hot-hatch acceleration. The e-Golf and ID.3 are sure to be compared a lot, but this is the first time they've been seen so close together.
The Auto Bild German review points out a few interesting things. For example, there is no start button. You just get inside and put it in drive using the column-mounted shifter. There's also more legroom and headroom in the back seat, which is shocking considering the battery eats into the floor.
Outward visibility is good, like most Volkswagens. And with nothing between the front wheels, the ID.3 can make tighter turns.
However, the first MEB-based car does some things really well. When the e-Golf came out several years ago, it became Volkswagen's first pure-electric vehicle. But with a maximum range of only 230 kilometers and a 0 to 100 km/h time of about 11 seconds, it wasn't to be taken that seriously.
Thanks to its bespoke construction, the ID.3 will have 330 kilometers of range as standard and can go all the way up to 550. And did we mention it will start at about €30,000, 7k less than the e-Golf? The new model also boasts fast charging, with VW saying that 260 kilometers of range can be added in 30 minutes.
The drive engine and single-speed gearbox are between the rear axles, offering a much more respectable 204 horsepower for near-hot-hatch acceleration. The e-Golf and ID.3 are sure to be compared a lot, but this is the first time they've been seen so close together.
The Auto Bild German review points out a few interesting things. For example, there is no start button. You just get inside and put it in drive using the column-mounted shifter. There's also more legroom and headroom in the back seat, which is shocking considering the battery eats into the floor.
Outward visibility is good, like most Volkswagens. And with nothing between the front wheels, the ID.3 can make tighter turns.