Volkswagen has lifted the wraps off its highly anticipated ID.3 electric vehicle, which the firm says opens a “new era in carbon-friendly mobility”.
Unveiled at the 2019 Frankfurt motor show, the ID.3, sporting the Wolfsburg-based automaker’s redesigned logo, is underpinned by Volkswagen’s new modular electric drive matrix (MEB) platform.
According to Silke Bagschik, head of sales and marketing at Volkswagen’s ID department, the MEB underpinnings, which will be utilised in the carmaker’s future ID-branded EVs, offers the manoeuvrability of a small car with the interior space of a five-seater mid-sized vehicle.
The exterior follows Volkswagen’s fresh, EV-specific design DNA, which makes it easy to distinguish the car from its internal combustion stablemates.
The interior features “newly designed” display elements, such as the 10-inch touchscreen, which includes App Connect, voice control and navigation; and myriad touch-sensitive controls (the only tactile buttons in the cabin are those used for operating the electric windows and hazard light). An augmented reality head-up display will be available in the top-spec variant.
The ID light, which is also new, supports drivers with an LED strip during navigation and can, for instance, prompt them to brake in the event of any dangers.
“It combines exciting design with innovative technology and significant range,” Bagschik says.
At launch, three ID.3 derivatives, each equipped with a different size battery, will be on offer. The line-up kicks off with a 45 kWh version with a claimed electric range of 330 km. Next up is the 58 kW ID.3, which is capable of achieving a range of “up to” 420 km. The flagship ID.3 makes use of a 77 kWh battery and boasts an electric range of “up to” 550 km.
Volkswagen says, thanks its fast charging capability, it is possible to charge the ID.3 for a range of “around 290 km” within only 30 minutes.
